The day had started well enough, a glorious morning, sunny without unwanted heat or humidity. A good day to set off for some sights of Arden, I’d left the castle leaving word that I was thus engaged.
At around noon I’d arrived at uncle Julian’s camp, well, one of them. He happened to be there luckily so we had lunch together. In the early afternoon I’d taken my leave of him, I wondered at the time if he’d be suspicious of my using Falco, but he didn’t say anything to that effect. Falco was my favourite mount for open country, but I’d chosen him today to make a point. He’s a thoroughbred, a deep-chested chestnut stallion, totally unsuited to the forest but making a fine spectacle, the young Prince Brennus, magnificently dressed and mounted, me. That was the impression I wanted alright. Young, gauche, naïve and more interested in how things looked than the practicalities. Given a true choice I’d have gone for a sturdier mount, a compromise between speed, durability and strength, not Falco, he’s a beauty, but he’s not for general use.
I’d set off deeper into Arden toward the area in which I’d been told Evermoor lay. Not a pleasant region by all accounts. A wild and woolly place, full of voracious beasties. It was now late afternoon and the day had taken a turn for the worse. An uncomfortable heat had replaced the pleasant warmth of the morning and noon. Damned hot, unusually so for autumn, almost cloying, and humid with it. Perhaps the closeness of the forest made it so, I don’t really know. I’d even been forced to remove my outer garments; my cloak and tunic were now stashed in a bundle behind my saddle. This left me dressed all in black but for the red tool work of my boots. The latter another case in point, totally unsuited to my present locale.
I found myself in an overgrown wilderness of forest; my road had become a narrow dirt track. Unfortunately this meant that the path Falco and I were travelling along was now too narrow to ride on in any degree of safety. I therefore dismounted, and on foot led Falco by the halter.
An altogether unpleasant place, the heat didn’t help but there was something else the whole place felt closed in, it was a stifling feeling bordering on the claustrophobic. The forest thereabouts was of impressive age, the trees seemed to be twice as tall and illogically they also seemed to be spaced about half as far apart. Even though the forest was filled with the usual bird song and animal noises it was stilted somehow, almost as if the wildlife was wary. Definitely not as pleasant as Arden proper, strange, the atmosphere was getting to me a feeling of nervousness, of worry even was creeping up on me. I was surprised with myself I’d not expected any such thing.
I believe I muttered something to myself then. "Let's not get jittery Brennus my lad." Or some such nonsense, it just shows that bad vibes can affect anyone. I was scanning the trees for signs of life. With any luck I’d find my quarry soon, although I realised it was more likely he’d find me first.
Ahead of me there was a fork in the path. It was then I realised that I really didn’t know which way I should go. I hoped I’d be able to retrace my steps from here but at this point I wasn’t sure. I stood deep in thought. Which way to go?
A sound, no a feeling someone there, behind me. By the Unicorn he was good, I’d thought nobody could get that close without me noticing. A growling voice, rough but low, quiet.
"Prince Brennus. You are far from home."
I jumped. Being forwarned by moments I wasn’t quite as shocked as I allowed myself to appear. As I moved and turned I drew my blade, held it forth, gazed on the countenance of Roland of Evermoor. He stood two or three feet away from me; he must have been around a foot behind me when he spoke. The hood of his cloak was pulled tight around his face, the heat apparently didn’t bother him one wit. Only the lower part of his bearded jaw could be seen. I had to crane my neck up slightly to see his face properly even though I’m over six feet tall myself. His almost legendary axe was resting in the crook of his elbow, I could see a faint etching on the blade, the details were hard to see from my vantage point but I knew it to be a rampant unicorn.
I paused, my role cast, my performance begun. Yes here he was, my quarry, my cousin. I looked on him, thought of Julian, my family. Could the rumours be true?
I grinned in mock embarrassment then sighed, apparently in relief at Roland not being an enemy or some such.
"Roland of Evermoor?" I spoke in a surprised tone.
A courtly bow from me. How to start? Well he’d afforded me my title, and a duke is roughly of equal rank to a prince. So, match him courtesy for courtesy.
"Excuse me your grace you startled me." I said.
I put up my blade then; best not provoke the great berserker. Callow youth am I, poor fellow lost and alone. I felt a small degree of chagrin that I may actually have become lost had Roland not appeared.
"I fear I took a wrong turn somewhere.... Would you be able to put me back on the right track?" I asked, all manners and fawning man-child
Roland threw back his head and studied me for a moment. He spoke slowly, almost as though he was remembering how to converse, as though he spoke so rarely he needed to relearn the art of speech.
"That would depend, Young Prince Brennus, on where exactly would you want to be?"
He cocked his head to the side as if listening then went on.
"Time may grow short."
Strange choice of wording and he’d thrown me for a second at the end. Was he testing me? I took the literal line. Perhaps the literal meaning of his words had been all he’d meant?
My expression became one of puzzlement for a moment then I grinned as though understanding his words at last.
"Yes, I take your point. Well I had hoped to return to the Castle tomorrow, I do enjoy a night under the stars now and then you see, so I was planning on camping out this evening. But, well, this part of the forest seems somewhat less than appealing."
I paused for a moment studying the Roland, the strong silent type, but yes, he was intimidating, not someone I’d willingly fall foul of. This made him dangerous. Continue with the ruse, be the child, the youth. I allowed the puzzled expression to reappear. Was he buying it, how to tell with such a one? Would he erupt in violence if he suspected trickery? I spoke uncertainly, quite well done I thought at the time, and his last words had been somewhat ambiguous.
"Err, time may run short you say? I'm afraid I don't follow you Roland."
He stared at me for a moment as if assessing my worth, I felt like a prize bull at an auction. My ire rose, but I suppressed it ruthlessly, I can never allow myself to lose control with this one I told myself. What was this man thinking? My thoughts? If he suspects me I may die here.
Roland suddenly turned on the ball of his foot and pointed with his axe back toward way I had come.
"If you were to follow this path back a half a day then take the right path you will find yourself back at Amber, civilization, safety, and your mother. However..."
Safety and my mother? Damn it, why must mother appear at every turn? Why must everyone assume I’m afraid to leave her side? I am not a child!
Roland swung his axe to point down the right fork.
"This path leads towards all things wild. There be Evermoor, Hell Hounds, and the like."
Aha! So, the mysterious path to Evermoor lies this way my fine barbarian Duke, my mighty axe wielding savage.
Roland altered the direction of his axe slightly.
"But down this path lies the entire universe. All that you could want, have, or desire."
Only down this one path? A metaphor obviously, for surely shadow lies in every which way once Amber lies behind one? Yes he tests me. Am I ready to fly the nest? Am I truly strong enough to leave? Of course, but not yet Roland, when I am ready. Interesting though, at least my guess of directions had been right. So, he wanted to know my plans. Fair enough, an opening.
Roland returned his axe to his shoulder.
"You could, of course, stand here until you starve or the hounds eat you. The decision is yours."
Start with the basics. Disavow any intention of leaving Amber. Be polite, the man-child. Wait, the hounds he’d said? Were there dangerous beasts here about, were we so close to Evermoor. Ask him. But play the inexperienced fool, unsophisticated even.
"I'd only planned a short trip from Amber Roland so... half a day you say? I'm not sure ... the universe? Shadow realms? I'll not venture forth that way today, though thank you for the directions."
I smiled good-naturedly and made a short bow. Now to the important part, I stood eyeing Roland for a moment, apparently puzzled, in thought.
"Pardon my ignorance or perhaps I'm a little slow today but you do appear to be speaking in riddles. What do you mean by waiting until the hounds eat me exactly?"
Roland answered offhandedly, "Your Uncle lets his puppies run free in this area. There is a rather large den just over there."
He pointed down the path towards the direction he’d said Evermoor lay. ‘Your Uncle’, no relationship between Roland and himself in his eyes then. He continued.
"That's why those who get lost in Arden never die due to starvation or exposure. The closer to Amber, and to the larger trails, you are the more tame they become. This far out, however..."
I looked in the direction Roland indicated, I frowned as though unsure of his meaning then suddenly a look of comprehension flashed across my face to be replaced almost instantly by a smile. Slow am I, harmless. A test for you now my friend. I spoke casually then allowed a look of chagrin to cross my face as I deliberately committed a faux pas.
"Ah, I see the Hell Hound reference now, you mean your fath... I mean Prince Julian's... well..."
I shuffled from foot to foot in my best nervous schoolboy manner almost the manner of a child who expects to be punished. Change the subject now, be the embarrassed fool.
"Err, well Roland would you say it's safe to continue back toward Amber? What would you advise? I'm a little inexperienced in these matters I'm afraid."
Roland stared at me for a moment, he gave nothing away damn him.
"You are wiser than you think. I will walk with you a ways back to Amber. I do not sense any danger yet but we should not waste time."
Without waiting to see if I would follow him, Roland turned and headed back down the path towards Amber.
"Maybe I will show you a shortcut..." Roland called back over his shoulder.
Interesting, no offence taken no response other than to compliment me on my wisdom. Watch and listen, do not become complacent I reminded myself. Meanwhile I had hurriedly taken Falco in hand, grasping his reins I trotted after Roland.
Roland moved with amazing grace, almost ghostlike. I made some effort to emulate him, more for show than anything else. I knew I’d come a poor second, despite the fact that my time and training with Julian have made me a pretty good woodsman. Well, I’m not too bad assuming I’m properly equipped. Fancy riding boots and a horse tend to make one stand out a tad when walking in the wild.
This damned forest though, what was it that made it appear so threatening? Was it because it was so wild? Was it Roland? He seemed like a wild thing himself, not even feral but born to it.
We walked in relative silence for some time, I made a point of stopping now and again to check on arrant noises in the undergrowth, on the third or fourth occasion I noted that Roland was ignoring the disturbances, it was therefore probable that the noises were typical forest sounds. What was wrong with me, why so jittery?
After a while I began to see the funny side of things, I grinned to myself and shook my head slightly before allowing myself an unguarded comment.
"Roland, have you spent much time with Uncle Benedict? I think you'd get on."
Roland paused then looked at me. That stare, no emotion no body language.
"Possibly. Maybe."
Uncanny, was this humour, he’d sounded like Benedict. A larger deeper Benedict but the manner was right. Could Roland be susceptible to humour? A new thought this, a more human figure stood before me.
Roland then began acting strangely, he took a piece of leather and made a quick loop and placed it through his belt. He then slid his axe through it. With both hands free, he strung his bow and knocked an arrow.
"We leave the trail now. Do you have a ranged weapon with you?" he asked then.
Was I blind and deaf all of a sudden what was the danger? I moved quickly to the right side of Falco and produced my own bow, and began altering the straps on its case and quiver to allow it to be worn.
"Indeed I do, trouble?" I asked in turn.
I strung my own bow and made an effort to scan my surroundings for possible threats. All I could see was a couple of rabbits. Damn it Roland I thought, what do you see.
"No. Supper. That one is yours."
He said, he’d answered me in a whisper and pointed to a thicket where one of the rabbits could be seen.
Was this a trick, was he trying to annoy me? He came close but no, play the part, the role. I looked at Roland a wry expression on my face; I smiled and quickly but with care drew forth an arrow and nocked it ready for my shot. After taking careful aim I spoke.
"On you word cousin."
"Your shot, your call," replied Roland as he raised his bow and took aim in a different direction. He paused then let loose.
A test alright! I could not afford to miss this shot. So as Roland's arrow was loosed I paused in turn watching my target. The critter jerked, as I knew it would, startled by the flight of Roland’s shaft and the death of the first rabbit. I adjusting my aim somewhat to compensate and loosed my arrow also.
Both arrows easily found their marks. A single shot each to kill the rabbits. Good enough, he could see now that I knew how to use the bow, knew not to rush. What more tests would follow?
Bow still in hand, I walked forward to retrieve my kill.
Roland quickly fetched his rabbit and pointed with his bow to a tight grouping of trees.
"We'll make camp there."
He turned to me as he is unstringing his bow and asked. "Do you know how to cook?"
Having regained Falco's reins I turned him with care before mugging an offended look. A youth, unsure of himself, trying to be a man, I answered in a way that supported this vein, this tone or manner of thinking,
"Of course, aren't I Dara's son? I don't have any cooking implements other than the bare minimum though. Shall we?"
With a gesture of my hand I indicated that I was happy to make use of Roland's chosen campsite.
Once at the site, we set up camp with relative ease, but then it was fairly obvious that the site had been used by others and fairly recently. A fire pit was already dug and most of the brush was pushed back making for a very defendable little camp.
Roland started the fire while I hobbled Falco, after the fire was burning Roland began to clean and skin his rabbit with what I assumed he believed was a knife, it looked more like a short sword to me. I sat and drew my own hunting knife, a gift from Julian, smallish, attractive but fully functional, complete with an elaborately carved ivory handle.
Unexpectedly Roland spoke.
"So, what does being a prince have to do with cooking?"
Oh oh, testing again. Cocking my head to one side I gave him a quizzical look not all feigned, where was this leading? I answered pretty much truthfully it has to be said, more to see what he was after.
"Truth to tell, I usually only take part in the eating end of things. I do occasionally like to spend some time alone though so learning the basics seemed sensible."
Ah ah, how did I learn such things? I eyed Roland as I spoke, perhaps obviously cagey. This was getting a little too personal.
"I.. well, I've generally learned such things from Prince Julian. He and I tend to get on fairly well, but then we've never been at odds so perhaps that makes a difference?"
It seemed his animosity for Julian did not extend to Julian’s friends. Roland answered calmly, indifferently even.
"Julian knows a lot, if you can get him to tell you, pay attention. Are you learning anything else while you are away from your mother?"
I frowned, I couldn’t help it, damn him that one had come near the mark. I controlled myself and spoke somewhat hesitantly, almost shy.
"I can't really say for sure, I've only ever been away from her a few times and those were for short, generally pre-arranged durations, usually in the company of Benedict, Caine or Julian, which cramps one's style as I'm sure you can imagine. I know I like having control of my own actions though."
None of that was secret, and he could check up to his heart’s content as far as I was concerned. I paused for a moment and went on. See how you like this big man.
"I've seen you at court a couple of times, from a distance, you know, boring state affairs and so on. I like to watch people, you do now that you worry people don't you?"
Again, the calm, the lack of reaction, I detected a note of what? Surprise, annoyance?
"What is it about me that causes them so much worry? I am who I am, nothing more, nothing less.”
He sat in silence for a while then began his testing again.
"I find it hard to believe that you slipped away from your chaperones, especially from the likes of those three. So I am assuming that this is an unplanned excursion?"
Too much, I must needs stick to the truth from now on, no elaboration as much sincerity as I could muster. I smiled slightly, how true Roland. Yes, the damned nursemaids never seemed to tire of dogging me. I answered, speaking mostly from the heart.
"Unplanned by anyone but me, yes. I am an adult after all, and whether mother likes it or not I'll need to set a path of my own sooner or later. That said my plans didn't involve me ending up in such unfamiliar territory shall we say.... Don't you know why you unsettle people so?"
I continued with the task of preparing the rabbit for a moment, I was studying Roland, never a flicker from this man. I smiled crookedly, wondering how he’d take my theory.
"I think I know, and to be honest I think it's little more than instinct. People are generally bound by conventions, mores, morals. You are too I'm sure, but they're your own. People don't know what they are, hence the worry."
As Roland tended the fire he spoke in response to my words.
"As I said before, you are wiser than you think. Maybe wiser than they want you to be..."
Really? It seem fairly obvious to me that he was the atavistic savage to most people’s frightened city dweller. Roland sat back and watched the flames dance before he spoke again
"When will you be ready to show them that you are an adult and just exactly how wise you really are? The real question, I think, is when will you know, Prince of Amber?"
Roland stared at me over the fire those ice blue eyes of his boring into me.
Oh oh thought I, testing of the family mettle is it my fine fellow. My role was cast though, so continue in the current mode. I pursed my lips eyebrows raised and apparently thoughtful I spoke, slowly at first hesitant even.
"It will be soon cousin, not tomorrow, but not too far ahead I'm sure. Despite averring my adulthood, I do realise that I am still very young by the standards of mother, my uncles and yourself even... They'll not stop me though, when the time comes I'll be off a-truanting to my hearts content, it's not as though I'm the only heir after all."
I lapsed into silence and continued preparing the rabbit, waiting for any further word from Roland. He seemed happy to sit back and watch though, so let’s not push things, silence is golden they say and in this instance I agreed.
Did Roland suspect me? I wish I knew him better, but then that was my aim in being here, a small irony in a world that seems almost deliberately contrary. After a while I realised that the rabbit was ready, also I was hungry. So I rummaged through my gear and produced seasoning and a small cooking pot, my basic equipment for trips out of doors. I turned to Roland and asked matter-of-factly.
"We've skinned them, shall we cook them too? I'm pretty hungry."
Roland’s answer was simple.
"By all means, it would be nice to eat someone else's cooking for a change."
He went right on and asked me a very interesting question though, food for thought as well as body!
"How is it with your brother anyway?"
Did everyone want to know about the bastard and I? I’d often wished he’d not been my elder, but then if he’d been younger he’d have been legitimate, so I’m somewhat philosophical in that regard. In reaction to Roland’s question, I paused and looked him full in the face, my expression perhaps reserved, distant. I shrugged before speaking.
“He’s my elder, but not the legitimate heir. If you referred to things on a personal basis, well, we have so little in common we rarely speak.”
This is not a subject I appreciate Roland that much I will allow. So change the subject. With a smile I asked.
“Rabbit stew? I’m your guest in a sense, so I’ll happily cook. I can’t vouch for my skill as a chef though. Could I trouble you to supply some suitable herbs if there are any hereabout, maybe some more water too?”
He responded matter-of-factly in his turn, a slightly annoying manner.
"You're sitting on some."
He then dug through his pack and tossed me a potato.
I looked down sharply, stood and then looked quickly back at Roland, I was close to a barbed retort but restrained my ire and instead acted the part of the callow youth once more. With a bow and a slightly rueful smile I commented.
"It seems I have much to learn cousin. Hopefully my cooking will be more successful!"
I then set to with the task of cooking the conies. Let Roland speak, I wanted his thoughts, not voice my own.
Roland shrugged his shoulders
"If not this time then next time..."
He sat with his back to a tree and lit a handcrafted pipe with a twig from the fire. He watched me put the food together. Come on Roland you spend so much time alone you must get lonely or curious, just speak damn you.
"So, how do you perceive the state of things in our fair Amber?" he asked
Oh oh again. Straight to the point, examining my personal family relationships, then testing my political ability. Appraising me are you Roland? I paused for a moment and looked up whilst stirring the pot, then answered.
"I think mother knows what she is about, and having uncle Benedict installed as Lord protector can't hurt either. How about you, I know you don't visit often but I'd wager you have your ear to the ground so to speak?"
I allowed myself a smile, let’s see how well informed you are Roland, I waited for his answer, but kept an eye on the food too, best not appear too interested.
Roland sat chugging on that damn pipe of his, he answered in his usual slow but steady way.
"Hmmmm.... Well, Amber appears to be recovering her strength. Stabilizing a bit. Placing Benedict as her Right Hand was wise. Those who are hesitant to follow your mother will follow him. He also has an intimidation factor. Although... Gerard seems distressed by some of the affairs of state. And when the Pillar of Amber hesitates one would be wise to pay attention. As to everything else. New guilds, increased population, expansion in commerce... Change is often necessary. We need to wait and see how that turns out. Civilization tends to do better when it is growing. Not that I care much for civilization."
Amazing, the longest speech I’d ever heard from him. Generally I agreed with his appraisal too, although Gerard’s opinion wasn’t one I was particularly interested in.
So I nodded as I stirred the gloopy mess I apologetically referred to as stew. Interesting, was Amber strong? Of course it was, it went without saying, well, I needed to answer so perhaps not totally without saying.
"I doubt me Amber has any need to worry, enemies she may have but none she can't handle. Growth won't be a problem either, we have infinite room after all."
A thought occurred, a chance to gain another insight into Roland’s personality. I smiled slightly before continuing.
"You value Gerard's opinion highly then cousin, how would you react if he were to openly declare against queen Dara? I doubt he ever would you understand, but I find Gerard difficult to understand sometimes."
Roland answered so quickly I have no doubt he spoke with total honesty.
"He wouldn't, his loyalty to Amber is absolute. He will do nothing to harm it in any way. Attacking its monarch, even if he perceived her to be absolutely evil, would hurt Amber. He would not."
He pointed at me with his pipe, an annoying habit.
"I'll give you a little insight into our uncle. He puts Amber and his family ahead of everything else. Including himself. Do you want examples? I've got quite a few. That is why I value his opinion. That doesn't mean that I'll follow his lead.
Thank you for that Roland, I know Gerard quite well, the great muscle bound ass. If his wit matched his bulk he’d be ruling Amber now. As he spoke Roland took out a none too fresh looking loaf of brown bread from his pack and began slicing it.
Not an iota of new information for me here, other than the certain knowledge that Roland supported Gerard. So I nodded before speaking, my expression thoughtful. Cater to his beliefs, don’t say what you really think.
"Gerard is too... strong. Physically and morally perhaps. He's not the type to make compromises, and I think I've still never gotten over my childhood fear of him."
That’s the way, mix truth with half truth, Gerard is a scary man, an oaf to be sure but scary nonetheless. Now a subject close to my heart, a real question for me now. I grinned self-consciously, a true emotion, this was too personal to fake. I glanced at Roland, suddenly reluctant to broach this subject. Why?
"Roland, you know I was born after my father's passing? You met him I believe, how would you categorize him, as a man and as a king?"
Roland paused as he looked at me. Was he amused by this? If so why? An expression, which might have been the beginnings of a smile faded almost before it began. I think he answered honestly though.
"To be fair, I was raised away from Amber so my interactions with him were brief at best. He was a poet and a warrior. Julian did not like him then. Outside of Benedict he was probably the most respected and feared of all our aunts and uncles. Then he disappeared and everyone went looking for him. Even Julian. That alone should tell you something about his character."
All information I’d heard elsewhere, a similar description at least. My father was apparently very well respected, at least later in his life. He’d been less popular as a younger man it seemed. Roland emptied the contents of his pipe before continuing.
"As to what happened while he was gone, well, I heard some of it from him. Merlin heard all of it. You should ask him. But we all know what generally happened and that it ended with the Patternfall War. King Corwin was different. He was the same person but tried and tested. He had suffered loss. He was a good king. He would have been a great king. If you want a word to categorize your father, I would say he was Unstoppable. It took him centuries to regain his memory, but he returned. I was there the day Uncle Eric burnt out his eyes. I felt the curse. Everyone did. Still, he grew them back and took the thrown. He then fought a war across the entire universe. Even attempted to make his own pattern. He won. He always won eventually"
Darkness was falling truly and as it did Roland seemed to fade, imagine the illusion you sometimes get when you spot someone with your peripheral vision, when you turn there is nobody there. Roland seemed to be a living example of this but in reverse, when you looked straight at him he was visible, if you turned away even slightly he was gone.. Roland sat back and watched me. What was he thinking? Was he remembering Corwin, if so I envied him his memory, all I had was the words of others and his image from his Trump. Yes too personal, I wished now I hadn’t asked. I glanced up at Roland and gave a brief smile. I had to finish this I supposed.
"I've heard most of my father's story from Merlin, we do speak occasionally, and we were closer when I was very little. Corwin seems a strange mixture to me, honourable, the dutiful son and prince, naïve yet pragmatic. I wish I’d met him. He’s a difficult model to live up to.”
My true self, wide open and vulnerable Roland, will you see it? A chink in my armour. Move on, I do not wish to discuss this more. After a pause I decided to move away from my feelings for Corwin, put Roland on his back foot, that should change the subject admirably. I finished up the stew as I spoke.
“Roland, I realise that to all intents and purposes we’ve just met but can I ask you a personal question? I expect you’ll say that I can ask but you’ll not promise an answer so I’ll go ahead and ask."
I paused, allowing some of my actual nervousness to show. I hoped I wasn’t over egging my pudding so to speak.
"Well, I’ve said that I generally get on with Julian, and I know that you and he don’t… It’s just I was wondering why?”
Leave him a way out, don’t back him into a corner. So add apologies appear embarrassed.
“Listen Roland, forget I asked, it’s none of my affair really. Shall we eat?”
Roland simply stated.
"He's gone. You need not measure your self by him. I do not believe he would want that."
He dug two wooden spoons from his pack and handed me one.
"As far as my relationship with Julian... you're right. It is personal and it is not any of your business. But, I will tell you this, in addition to our core issues, he and I are very different people. I honestly don't think I'd like him anyway..."
More than I’d expected, and less than I’d hoped for. So get off the subject, he won’t add any more that much I do know. I tasted the ‘stew’, not good, perhaps I needed cooking lessons. A light touch.
"I think you were correct. I may improve next time, this stew is not very good."
I smiled, went on to a subject I was interested in once more, Roland’s attitude to Dara. Give out a little line and see what you can reel in.
"As to Corwin, my father. I feel Dara would disagree, or so it seems to me. She compares me unfavourably to him quite regularly; perhaps that's why I’ve spent so much time training with Benedict, you know, trying to reach a level in something, anything, that comes close to my father’s ability. ...Perhaps I should accelerate my development as it were, move away soon. I still don't expect to go just yet though."
I decided to let him think about that. So I set to eating the stew. Dusk was giving way to full darkness now, the forest had darkened and the campfire was beginning to cast small shadows.
Roland’s answer told me a lot and not much at all.
"The queen can disagree with whomever she wishes, I will agree with you regarding the stew. I have had better. Then again, I've made worse."
He didn’t think much of Dara it seemed, but did he actively oppose her? I doubted it.
Roland leant back against the tree, his axe over his knee and ate. To me he seemed distracted at first. Then he began to sniff almost like a bloodhound, was your mother human Roland? I stayed silent, listening, a small rustle, perhaps wind, but then maybe not! I looked at Roland again. Too late for me to return to Amber now, and it was obvious he had no intention of going back to Evermoor tonight.
"It's getting a little late Roland, so I'd prefer to find a decent camping site, I'll not get back to Amber today."
It seemed he hadn’t heard me, or ignored my words. I paused and studied him, totally alert, coiled like a spring ready to pounce. The rustling noise!
"Roland? What is it?" I asked.
As I spoke Roland jumped to his feet and kicked the remaining wood into the fire. As the fire flared up he spun his axe into a ready position.
"Secure your horse if you have any care for it and ready your steel young prince, we are about to be set upon by wild hounds." He responded to my question.
Wild hounds? I was somewhat surprised and for a split second my face must have shown just how surprised I was. A thing to learn from here, control one's reactions. I jumped to my feet and drew my sabre and hunting knife, I scanned our surroundings for signs. Nothing. I tried to position myself so as to provide the best tactical cover for Falco and to support Roland if need be. Meanwhile Roland moved around kicking our gear out of our way, making our position more defensible. Roland growled, yes growled, like a watchdog that spots an intruder. I looked for the hounds and failed to see them.
"Where Roland?" I asked.
"They're all around us, make sure your steed doesn't flee or it will be picked off." he replied with a nasty grin.
Again he kicked wood into the fire, which flared up casting lurid shadows into the woods, but gave us a wider circle of illumination.
"Be brave. Be fierce. If we show them that we are superior they may flee. If not..."
Roland paused, to emphasize his words. Not necessary, I was fully aware that feral hellhounds would not be looking for a game of catch.
"...there are only 6 of them anyway," he continued.
I glanced Roland's way, and nodded. Six should be small beer for two such as Roland and I, but I felt an emptiness grow in the pit of my stomach and a trembling in my limbs. I scanned the woods for signs of the hounds once more, as I did so I moved beside Falco and muttered a few of words of encouragement in his ear.
"Come on puppies, 'tis gettin' late and I need to put ya down before I can get to bed." I heard Roland muttering bellicosely nearby.
Beside me Roland had begun spinning his axe in a most disconcerting way, it began to create an audible hum, which seemed to unnerve Falco somewhat, although he only betrayed this with the wild glint in his eye.
As we watched I became aware of a blue light, illuminating the forest about us, peripherally I saw it was emanating from Roland's axe! The etchings upon it, a tree and a unicorn, became outlined in an azure blaze.
We stood ready. In the forest something, almost ... a noise? Was I imagining things? No, there it was, then silence but for the light sound of the breeze. Deserting us in our hour of need the sun finally fell below the horizon, leaving only the glow of the campfire and Roland's eerily glowing axe to light our way. My legs felt aquiver, almost as if the bones were running away into my boots, does battle always feel this way?
The first attack came almost without warning. A great black hound leapt out from the darkness straight at Roland, anyone who's seen him will agree that he is an obvious target. Roland simply blocked the hound with his axe. I expected him to fall, but the hound bounced! Roland held his ground with no sign of being remotely staggered by the impact
From four points around us more hounds erupted into our clearing. They were fast too damn it, they darted in and out, a true wild pack of predators launching probing attacks and feints at Roland and I. We held them off with relative ease but I knew that the real attack had not yet begun.
I felt a strange feeling of mental clarity descend upon me as the attack commenced, the movements of the hounds formed a coherent pattern one I could analyse and predict. I was calm, the feeling of fear was gone. Before us were five vicious brutes, two were focusing their efforts on Roland, foolish creatures. That meant three for me, no, three for Falco and I, he was a distractingly easy target for the hounds, which gave me more space, but was also a burden since I needed to protect him.
As I watched the hounds weave their dance of death I waited for my chance to send them forth to the darkness. At my side I was aware of Roland adjusting his stance slightly, then with great speed he seemed to lash out with his whole body towards the closest hound, the great axe Y'Geseth a blur as it sped towards one dog, only later did I realised that he'd hurled his knife toward the second hound simultaneously.
The axe clove through the pelt of the hound like a hot knife through butter, cleaving it literally in twain. The thrown knife missed, or rather the hound it was aimed at dodged, which gave me my chance. The hound had dodged in front of me and was in an ideal position for a thrust through the neck. I lunged in but misjudged the beasts speed, shit thought I, not too impressive a show for my 'barbarian' cousin . The point of my sabre struck just below the throat near the left shoulder, and damned if the mutts hide wasn't as tough as old leather. My thrust had simply nicked it, it jumped back with a yelp, startled but not seriously hurt.
Their testing and probing seemed done. The loss of one of their fellows and the obvious sign that we were no easy meat had impinged upon their slow but no doubt cunning animal minds. There were five hounds now accounted for, four before us, and one was dead, so one other must be nearby unless Roland had been wrong about there being six of them!
As the hounds attacked, Roland and I fought side-by-side, we held them off and waited for our chance. We both knew it would come. It came for me first, a hound eventually presented itself before me with it's neck exposed, I could almost imagine a target painted on it. I thrust for the bull's eye. This time I put all my strength behind the blow. I felt the blade strike, a momentary resistance, followed by a smooth forward motion as I impaled the doggy through the throat. As I withdrew the blade a blur of action erupted before me. From the shadows a great grey form leapt forward towards me. It was the sixth hound, a huge ugly brute probably the pack leader. I have no way of knowing what would have happened next, I might even have died since it seemed to be aiming directly for my throat. Luckily for me Roland stepped in, he didn't even have time to use his axe, he simple stood before me and thrust his arm into the hound's maw.
Roland then shook his arm forward throwing the hound off, it arced through the air and collided with a small tree. The tree broke with the impact, but the hound jumped back to it's feet and charged back in, enraged no doubt. I looked quickly at Roland's arm, blood flowed freely from what looked like a very nasty bite. Roland roared his anger momentarily drowning out the growling of the hounds. He leapt at the hounds striking out with axe fist and foot.
I still possessed an unnatural clarity of thought, a very strange feeling almost as if my mind was somehow detached from the bodies adrenal and hormonal controls. A hound seemed to be trying to circle around to our rear I lashed out at it and managed to deal it a slight cut to it's rump, discouraged it withdrew but continued circling. As it did a second hound launched itself at me. Am I so easy a target that the whole world wants to kill me I wondered? Hastily I brought my sabre around into line and blocked the beasts leap. The impact forced me back two steps but I maintained my footing albeit now pressed against Falco's flank, of more concern had been the fear that the blade would snap, luckily it had been forged by a master swordsmith, the blade was composed of an especially fine steel and had held thank the Unicorn, but the hound was at me again. It was too close for me to strike at it with any real skill so I simply kicked it back with every ounce of strength I could muster. Yet another hound leapt in at me, perhaps it thought I was on my back foot? Not so, I was ready for it and impaled it just below the neck, it's own impetus adding strength to the blow. I pulled my sword from the hound's body and damn me if it didn't scurry back out of range, I got another slash at it as it ran. It should have been dead; tough critters these storm hounds!
Meanwhile, Falco was beginning to panic, he had tried to kick and bite at the hounds but he's no warhorse and hadn't even come close. He moved around anxiously, neighing, and shaking his head at the hounds.
Whilst I'd been fighting my little collection of hounds, Roland had been laying about him, his berserker charge had caused the hounds facing him to fall back, all except for the pack leader. It looked crazed to me as it jumped at Roland. Roland struck with his axe towards it but barely grazed the beast's side, even so he caused a large red gash to appear in it's flank. Undeterred the hound caught Roland off balance and the two tumbled to the ground. It's claws scratches at Roland's skin, but Roland managed to hold the great hounds jaws away from his throat. Suddenly with a great wrench Roland spun around and wrapped his great apelike arms about the wild hound. A loud cracking sound followed, Roland rose to his knees axe in hand leaving the broken carcass before him on the ground. A growling sound began in Roland's throat and rose in pitch and volume into a colossal roar.
The remaining hounds stood shocked by the sound of Roland's roaring. A hound which had been readying itself to leap at Roland simple turned tail and ran. The other hounds stayed for a heartbeat longer, but they fled from the wrath of Roland also.
Breathing heavily I looked around me. Dead hounds lay about us and looking at Roland I saw he was covered in scrapes and scratches, but his worst wound was the bite to the arm. At first I believed I'd gotten by without any wound but soon realised I'd somehow acquired a superficial cut on the leg, even so I realised that I'd better see to it before any infection can set in. Falco had a number of gashes from nips he'd taken from hounds that had managed to get in past me, nothing too serious though thankfully.
Roland growled again as he scanned the area. He sniffed also, then shrugged. The hounds were gone then? Roland looked at his damaged arm for a moment almost as though it was someone else's. With a grunt he began searching for his pack. He found it along with a waterskin. Firstly he emptied water over his wounded arm then he removed a roll of bandage and a pouch from his pack. The pouch I discovered contained herbs. He sprinkled the herbs over the wounded area of his arm, the scent of oregano, pine, and eucalyptus came to my nostrils, quite pleasant. One handed he then bandaged the wound.
I watched Roland's first aiding with little interest my mind had begun to fog again as the adrenalin left me. I also felt what I assumed was the first of what I'd heard described variously as the gibbers, the quivers and as the battle shakes. Roland tossed over his little pouch of herbs and stated.
"You fight like your father."
Hearing Roland compare my fighting to Corwin my father's was a shock. Unfair too, I'd just been through my first real life or death fight. I couldn't help it, a lump came to my throat. I tried to stop it but I couldn't. I could feel my face redden, all I could think to say was. "Thank you" before I began cleaning and binding my own wound. I then began looking after Falco. I needed time to recover my wits.
As I thought things through I watched the light from the fire and the last glimmers of the sunset reflect from the hilt of my sabre which I'd thrust point first into the ground. Roland decided to tidy the camp up some so I watched him for a while. Strange man. Fierce and independent, yet insightful in some ways, dangerous too. My worry was that in some ways I'd taken a liking to him but my fear of him was a burden, I don't take it well and usually seek to remove the source, difficult in this case.
As he busied himself Roland spoke.
"We'll stay here tonight... Nothing else should bother us. Very few creatures can share space with Storm Hounds. Even small ones."
A reassuring if obvious thought. I watched him move, yes that arm hurt him, and probably more than he admitted I decided. He seemed totally calm, no aftershock for him, a veteran of many battles I supposed. Another lesson. Experience brings control, good I needed experience for that and many other reasons.
Absently I nodded in agreement to his words and decided I'd best help Roland once I'd finished my ministrations to Falco. That done I began, moving the hounds away seemed most important, I certainly didn't want flies or carrion creatures bothering me in the night. As I worked I notice my stew pot and the 'stew' strewn across the clearing. No great loss there. I nodded in the direction of the pot and said.
"It seems the stew is somewhat spoilt... Is your arm alright by the way? That looked like a nasty bite!"
Without even breaking stride or pausing Roland answered
"It will heal."
Very well, I asked, you are unconcerned, it is therefore none of my concern. For appearances sake I looked Roland's way, and grinned before shaking my head to indicate what, wry amusement I suppose, at his taciturn ways.
"Looks like cold rations for supper cousin." I said attempted to bring him out some.
A not very successful attempt as Roland simply stated.
"It would taste better than the hounds."
I smiles thinly, and did a repeat of the wry grin and shaking head act before continuing with setting up for the night. A real talker this Roland!
My mind then went back to the fight, before it even. I'd heard warriors talk of how they'd stood and faced their foes without so much as a shiver, others I've spoken to say they're always afraid. For me it was both, very strange. Fear before and after and a total coldness during. Roland had seen, and I really wondered how he had felt, he was also more experienced and might have an insight into my own reactions. So I asked him a very leading question.
"Roland, were you afraid just now fighting the hounds?"
His answer was a little illogical, or perhaps evasive is a more apposite word.
"Not any more."
He'd been scared then, but now wasn't. Interesting but not an answer to my question as such. He was gnawing on some rations as he set up his bedroll, like a damned mongrel worrying a bone.
"Get some sleep, young prince, we have at least a half a days journey to one of Julian's camps or longer if you would like to go straight Amber."
Quoth Roland, Fair enough I'd seen enough of this one.
I nodded as he spoke and readied myself for sleep also. One last try, come now my hirsute berserker, speak to me.
"Roland, I... when the hounds attacked I was scared at first, then everything kind of went black and white, I felt nothing! When they were all either dead or fleeing the fear came back and I started to shake, I tried to hide it, but I was more scared afterward than during the fight. Is something wrong with me do you think?" I asked in my best schoolboy tones.
His answer was as illuminating as the fire, that is to say not very; I could barely see Roland's face. "No." he replied, obviously he was done with speaking to me. Had he seen through my reason for coming here? He did seem to be looking my way though, what are you thinking my shaggy shabby friend.
I frowned slightly as I tried to see his face and failed, after some time I gave up a little annoyed with him, but I couldn't let it show. So I smiled a little nervously and settled down to sleep.
When I woke Roland was already up and about damn him, I'd slept right through without interruption. It was a clear crisp morning, beautiful really if a little chilly. We made our preparations and set out towards a settlement that Roland knew of which he said we'd reach by noon. I felt a lot better, my few nicks and scratches were mostly gone, but Roland still seemed to be having trouble with his arm, although he never once showed it overtly. We walked through the forest mostly in silence. I was happy to do that, I love the forest. A little after noon we came in sight of the wooden walls of a stockaded settlement. As we neared it the gates opened and a pair of Julian's rangers rode out to meet us.
The elder of the pair spoke, a bald headed beard face. A real ruffian he looked too, with a nose so crooked it looked like it had been pulverized and part of one ear was missing. A real gentleman no doubt!
"Lord Roland. Greetings." He began.
"I am Ulrich, lord of this humble outpost. We met several years ago - I doubt you remember. I had hair then," he continued with a grin.
A mistake since it showed that several teeth were missing.
"This is Henry. How may we be of service?" he concluded indicating his companion, a skinny looking ranger, with red hair and watery blue eyes.
Henry immediately annoyed me, with his insolence. He seemed to be appraising me. To be distrustful of me. I held my tongue, this was Roland's call, and I'd deal with Henry later if need be.
"Ulrich, I remember." Said Roland. I found it hard to believe he'd remember a mortal he'd met several years previously, even one as unattractive as this one, but Roland is Roland and one must assume he spoke truth?
He went a little too far along familiarity lines for my taste by clasping arms with this 'Ulrich', or perhaps I should say Lord Ulrich. Mmm, a minor noble then. Roland merely nodded to Henry, fitting. Roland then turned and pointed me out with his axe, damn him, like he was pointing out some beast or such.
"Prince Brennus and I have just returned from a tour of the outer edge of Arden, I cannot return the full length to Amber with him as Evermoor calls." Roland said then.
Good. I can make my own way thank you Roland. His patronizing tone didn't escape me, the fact he thought I'd need a guide. Very well, let him think so. A weakling is less to be feared, is easier to underestimate. At the mention of my name, both men had seemed surprised. Very well, I shall forgive the insolence Henry, you didn't know who I was. They both bowed, showing proper respect, my mood lightened slightly, particularly as Henry's bow had been especially deep.
Meanwhile Roland was staring at Ulrich, and continued to do so for quite a while before he asked.
"When will you heed Evermoor's wild call?"
Ulrich seemed taken aback again at this. What is this? Does Roland seek to steal Julian's men from him? For a space nobody spoke then Ulrich answered hesitantly.
"You honour me, Lord. The tales I have heard of your wild land have at times given me a great thirst for travel and adventure. I am sworn to Lord Julian and to the wild of Arden. In time, once my service is done, I may follow that call that beckons to my heart."
Henry seemed to be more surprised that Roland would seek to recruit his lord than he was at my presence. Perhaps Ulrich was thought to be a simple man then, and this Henry did not feel he was worthy of such honour from Roland?
While I pondered this Ulrich turned my way.
"So, its an armed escort back to the capital you be wanting? Well, you couldn't ask for finer men. We'll get you back to your golden spires in no time."
The fact he afforded me no title rankled, but again I held my piece, let there be no arguments in front of Roland. Ulrich was looking appraisingly at Falco too, he'd no doubt be aware that he was not the best choice for this journey, would he speak? No, nothing just an invitation for food and rest.
Outwardly my countenance had been a smiling fool, enjoying Roland's talk with Ulrich. Inwardly I seethed at the way I was ignored, treated with disdain. Even so I smiled and nodded as I answered him.
"Thank you my lord, that would be most welcome." I answered evenly.
Time to draw attention away from me, thought I, also to show Roland what a considerate cousin I am.
"By the way is a healer with you, you see we were beset by wild Storm Hounds last night and Roland here was bitten by what I assume was the pack leader, a huge brute."
I turned to Roland, and asked.
"Roland, won't you allow a healer to check you over, it can't hurt surely?"
Ulrich grinned again, he didn't seem at all concerned.
"We've a doctor here - good with herbs and roots too. We don't have one of those new masked, mechanical, healers if that's what you mean. None of those metal heads round here of late."
I wasn't sure what he was referring to. 'Metal heads'? I didn't ask him though, why show my ignorance to this dolt? Ulrich looked at the wound more closely.
"Looks like a tiny brute by looks of it. Still plenty fearsome though. Nearly lost my leg to one last winter and I..."
Henry coughed interrupted Ulrich's irritating narrative, luckily Ulrich ceased his prattle and answered in the way he should have originally, minus any respectful titles I again noted.
"Yeah, we've got a doctor."
Roland interrupted at this point.
"Unnecessary, however, it is due for a bandage change and I am out of clean cloth... and breakfast." What a hero!
To me he said.
"Well, young prince, it appears we may be parting ways soon. I hope you found this perspective of the World enlightening."
I merely nodded.
Ulrich turned about and Roland turned and followed. I trailed along with Falco. Up ahead Roland spoke to Ulrich, I could just make out his words.
"I'm certain that the Prince does not need a full escort. Just a guide or two. He handles himself well enough."
Well, thank you mighty Roland for that vote of confidence thought I. I called out from behind him
"I'll join you in breakfast if you've no objection, and Ulrich a single guide should suffice."
Infuriating Roland, how can such a simple man as you undoubtedly are be so complex? How can you be respectful and treat me with such contempt?
My thoughts my own I followed at a discrete distance leading Falco.
Our host seemed amused, by what I wasn't sure. He chuckled.
"You are both welcome to join me for lunch to break your fasting. We should hurry though, the stew that Mary was preparing is likely to be cooling now, and my Douglas and Sarah, my two youngest, are infamous for their ravenous hunger."
I assumed the names were members of his family. Nothing to me.
Ulrich led us on in and Henry followed behind Roland and myself. When I mentioned guides Henry spoke up from behind me.
"If you would allow me the honour Prince Brennus, I could guide back to Amber, or wherever else you'd like to go."
Yes, I'll forgive this one, he at least knows how to make amends.
By his expression it seemed Ulrich wasn't overjoyed by this offer, even so he shrugged and attempted to brush it aside, his words made me wonder though.
"Henry would make you a fine guide, Prince Brennus. He's one of the few other than myself that I trust your safety to." Ulrich stated.
He looked over towards Henry as he continued speaking to me, and raised his voice so Henry could not fail to hear.
"The lad stands too much by ceremony though. Could be why the Lord sent him deeper into the woods to my settlement."
A very interesting comment, which Lord sent him here? Ulrich hurried ahead, not too fast though Roland and I were on foot. When we passed the gates I saw a settlement much like the others I'd seen in Arden. Busy, crowded but comfortable for all that. This was a real town though, Rangers mingled with women and children in the street. Very busy, brats playing in the dirt and peasants going about their daily task. Most prosaic! Ahead of me I spotted one building that seemed out of place, the Temple of the Unicorn. Much too grand for this hovel.
As I looked around Ulrich did his good host act.
"Welcome to Ralta." Ulrich he said as he led us in. He dismounted well, very well in fact. He was obviously a fine horseman. He then unstrapped a large axe from his mount. What is it with axes anyway?
Satisfied he called out , "Henry, take care of the horses while I show our guests to my wife's cooking."
Henry nodded and took all three horse including Falco.
Ulrich led on again, both Roland and I followed him into what I assume he used as his great hall. A pigsty. That said there was still plenty of food to be had. Four of Ulrich's seven brats watched Roland and I as we ate.
I have to admit the stew was good, homely and simple but excellent. Ulrich introduced his wife, Mary, lady Mary I assume. She was younger than Ulrich and quiet, a willowy blond. Perhaps even refined, I felt sorry for her. She seemed happy enough though, she seemed to smile all the time and was even humming a ditty to herself as she worked.
Roland seemed to recognise quite a few of the men around him. I didn't know any of them. Too far from my usual beaten tracks I supposed. Oh well.
After breakfast Roland had his wound rebandaged. After which he stood, gathered his things and headed to the door.
"It is time." He said. You have a gift for understatement dear cousin. I followed and called out. I needed to say farewell, I wasn't even sure if it was appearances sake along or not.
"Roland, a moment of your time... I prefer to speak in relative privacy, it's just I wanted to say thank you. I expect I'd be hurt badly or perhaps dead now if you'd not come along. Fair you well cousin, I'm sure we'll meet again."
Strange, it all felt right. It was probably true also. I maintained a placid expression with a trace of a smile and held out my hand for him to shake. Roland looked at me with those icy eyes of his, then grasped me by the arm. A warriors grip. I doubted there were too many people stronger than this one.
"Oh yes, we will meet again, when it is time." Roland said, I could have sworn he was trying not to smile. But only a moment later he was Roland again, stoic, solid. He released my arm and turned to leave. Over his shoulder he called back.
"Be wise and true, and may you glimpse the Unicorn."
I smiled and nodded at Roland's words. I wasn't sure I knew what they meant, but appearances are important. I watched his broad back disappear into the crowd. As he vanished from sight I wondered. What do you know, am I safe, are you an enemy, must you die?
I worry too much, thought I, much too melodramatic. No, he will serve, given time. He will serve.
With a shrug I turned away and walked back into the ranger camp to begin my preparations for returning to Amber.