Lorimal's Chalice

Part Four - The Chalice

by Jane Fletcher


Disclaimers: see Chapter 1

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Chapter 2: Prisoner and Escort
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        The drumming of rain on canvas was loud in the cramped confines of the wagon. Tevi had to adopt a half crouch due to the limited space. She twisted her neck to peer around. The interior was just visible in the grey light of yet another wet dawn. Piles of sacks filled most of the cargo space. The three passengers huddled in whatever niches they could find. Two of them watched Tevi with anxious expressions; the third was in a state far beyond mere anxiety.
        Tevi observed Levannue out of the corner of her eye. The renegade sorcerer looked as if her nerves were trying to crawl out of her skin in the effort to sit still. The pulse in her neck was racing visibly and, despite the chill, a fine sheen of sweat glossed her forehead. It was just as well that no other militiaman was there to observe Levannue's blatant display of guilt. Tevi could almost have pitied her - were it not for the attempt on Jemeryl's life.
        At that thought, Tevi rubbed the hilt of her sword with her thumb. Levannue looked so helpless. It was tempting to think a surprise attack might work. However, Jemeryl had made her promise repeatedly not to make any rash move and Tevi knew it was not the militia uniform that was frightening Levannue, but the imagined approach of a dozen Coven sorcerers. Tevi's lips tightened in a line; how much easier it would be if such a force were on hand.
        For the sake of appearances, Tevi made a few militia-style grunts as she prodded the baggage. She treated the passengers to a last belligerent glare before clambering onto the tailboard of the wagon. With relief, she straightened her legs and viewed the scene around her.
        The drizzle had returned with dawn. The carts and wagons drawn onto the grass stood forlorn in the dismal light. Tracks through the encampment were ankle-deep in mud and the pennants over trader's booths hung limp. Experience of the conditions underfoot prompted Tevi to take care in identifying a firm patch of ground before jumping down; even so, her feet skidded. It was only a colleague's hand that saved her from ending up in the mud. Tevi smiled her thanks as she regained her balance.
        Some yards away, the caravan master was watching them with a hopeful expression. A nod from Tevi's companion was taken as permission to leave. With loud shouts and the creak of timber, the first team of horses was urged forward. Motion rippled from wagon to wagon along the road. Tevi stepped onto the marginally surer footing of the roadside embankment and watched the caravan pass. The fifteen huge wagons squelched along the road. Mud oozed in waves from under their wheels and clung to the shaggy fetlocks of the draft-horses. Outriders flanked the sides of the caravan, cloaks wrapped tightly, hoods pulled up.
        The other militiaman stood by Tevi's shoulder. He studied the leaden sky. "They picked a nice day for travelling." he observed in deadpan tones.
        Tevi grinned at him. "Tell me, does it ever stop raining in Horzt?"
        "Oh yes, in a couple of months." He wiped a dangling raindrop off his nose with the back of his hand. "Then it starts snowing."
        The caravan left the outskirts of the encampment. Tevi watched it ford a small river and turn north, through the sodden farmlands towards the high pass. The road headed straight for a break in the mountains. It was the route Jemeryl and she would also be taking in a few hours. At that very moment, Jemeryl was packing their few belongings and paying the innkeeper ready for their departure.
        "It's the mountains that do it." the militiaman observed.
        Tevi took her eyes from the last of the dwindling wagons to frown at him; the context of his statement was lost on her. "Pardon?"
        "In autumn and winter the prevailing wind is from the south-east, carrying lots of water from the Eastern Ocean. The clouds have to rise to get over the mountains so they drop all their rain. Right here." he added with emphasis. "Twenty miles further north and you don't see rain from one week to the next. If you ask me, they built Horzt in the wrong place. It's a wonder we don't grow webbed toes and fingers - and how'd we put our gloves on then?"
        Any further thoughts on the climate of Horzt were curtailed when a voice shouted behind them. "Hey! Laniss."
        Tevi turned to acknowledge the name. Two other members of the militia were headed towards her, making what haste the mud permitted.
        "What is it?" Tevi asked.
        "The captain wants to see you in the gatehouse." one of the new arrivals said.
        "Could wait until later? I'm on my way to do something."
        "She wants to see you now."
        The tone left no room for debate. Tevi could guess what the meeting would be about. Her absence from her post on the previous evening must have been reported by some zealous sergeant. Although half-expected, the summons was unwelcome - not that Tevi foresaw any problems; she had a plausible story prepared. By the time it was disproved, she and Jemeryl would be long gone. It was just that she hated lying, yet there was no way to avoid it.
        Tevi gave a resigned shrug and started to pick her way through the morass. The two militiamen fell in beside her.
        "It's all right, I'm going. I know the way." Tevi protested.
        "We were told to accompany you." the man on Tevi's right said curtly.
        No other words were spoken until they reached the doorway set just inside the massive arch of the gatehouse. Tevi was directed to the spiral stairway leading to the office over the gate. The two militiamen took up guard positions at either side of the entrance.
        Something about their actions sent a ripple of disquiet through Tevi. It seemed an excessive precaution for a relatively minor misdemeanour on her part. There was, however, no time to consider it further. Tevi tugged off her helmet and roughly combed her fingers through her hair before knocking. A loud voice answered immediately.
        Tevi marched in. She came to a bewildered halt in the middle of the room. The militia captain was standing by one of the slit windows. A scowl made her weather-beaten face look even more threatening than usual. From beneath thick black eyebrows, her eyes raked over Tevi. The captain's expression was worrying enough, but in addition, seated at the desk, was Mayor Gunather himself. His flabby bulk was held in a pose that was probably intended to look commanding but was more reminiscent of indigestion.
        This summons was not just about a missed duty. Without thinking, Tevi went to take a step backwards. She heard the door slam shut before her foot had left the ground. Tevi spun around. Three unfamiliar mercenaries lined the rear wall of the room.
        The tallest was a mountain of a man with a square florid face and hands that looked as if they had been hacked from granite. The man beside him seemed delicate by comparison, though Tevi could see he had the solid build of a professional warrior. He was the oldest of the three by a decade or more. A long scar ran across one weathered cheek and disappeared beneath his greying temples. The third was a woman with blond cropped hair and sharp hazel eyes. She stood balanced lightly on her feet with the deadly grace of an experienced scout. The hands of all three bore the double swords of vouch-safe guild mercenaries. Tevi was sure none of them had been in Horzt before that day.
        "Sit down Tevi." Mayor Gunather reclaimed her attention. He gestured to a small round stool in the middle of the room. It was only when she had complied with the order that Tevi registered what he had called her. She looked up to meet the mayor's self-satisfied smile. He evidently felt he had ensnared her in a particularly cunning trap. "So, Tevi is your real name."
        "No it isn't. It's just a nickname. But I'll admit I've been known by it in the past." she said defiantly - and it was true.
        "Then you'll be the person we want. We're not bothered with what your parents called you." the oldest of the mercenaries said cheerfully.
        Mayor Gunather looked irritated at the interruption. He cleared his throat before continuing. "These three comrades of yours have just arrived from the Protectorate. It seems a young mercenary matching your description, answering to the name of Tevi, has fallen in with bad company and has broken numerous Guild rules. They have a warrant from the guild-master for your arrest. They want to take you to Lyremouth for questioning. Do you have anything to say for yourself?"
        Tevi lurched to her feet in alarm. The three standing behind her were ready. Tevi froze at the sound of a sword half-drawn. There were a few footsteps and the hand of the eldest mercenary fell heavily on her shoulder. Tevi let herself be pushed back onto the stool, despite her instinctive urge to resist. In both Ekranos and Horzt, she had hidden her true strength, not wanting to attract attention. Her chances of escape would be better if these strangers were unaware of her capabilities.
        Tevi shrugged off the restraining hand and forced herself to relax. "I've done nothing wrong."
        "Then you have nothing to worry about. The guild-master just wants to ask you a few questions." the mercenary said calmly. By his actions and manner, he was clearly the leader of the three. His hand moved from Tevi's shoulder to her sword belt. He undid the buckle with a couple of deft tugs and pulled the weapon free from her waist.
        "Honestly. There's been some mistake. I'm not going to put up a fight..." Tevi hesitated, watching the mayor. The peremptory manner of the mercenaries was clearly irritating him. "But I wasn't aware the guild-master's warrant was valid in Horzt."
        "It isn't." the mayor snapped. His ego was clearly stung by Tevi's barbed remark. He rose from his chair and leaned over the desk, gesticulating with the warrant in his hand for emphasis. "It goes without saying that this piece of paper has no authority here. Horzt is free from the jurisdiction of the guild-master, and from the Coven of Lyremouth."
        The woman mercenary spoke from her position by the door. "We're not asking you to obey an order, merely to demonstrate goodwill to the guild. After all, so many of our members work in Horzt. A friendly relationship between you and the chief guild-master is in everyone's best interest." Despite her conciliatory tone, there was no mistaking the implied threat in her words. Without the guild, the town militia would collapse.
        The captain by the window shuffled her feet. Her eyes flitted anxiously around the room and ended up fixed on the man standing behind the desk. Mayor Gunather continued to wave the paper indecisively, but it was empty posturing, as everyone in the room knew.
        "I'm not going to interfere in a dispute between the guild and its members." The mayor said at last, glowering at Tevi. "Permission is granted for these three to take you prisoner. You are relieved of your contract with the town militia. Any outstanding salary is forfeit. The captain will take charge of your uniform." He sat down with the expression of a sulking child.
        The captain came forward to claim Tevi's helmet, cloak and light cotton surcoat. The clothing underneath was warm and Tevi's padded leather jerkin was study but they were not sufficient for a long journey.
        "Could someone collect my belongings from my lodgings?"
        "And alert your friends? I think not." the mercenary leader said.
        "I can't go all the way to Lyremouth like this." Tevi pointed out reasonably, although getting the news to Jemeryl had indeed been the main thought behind her request.
        "I'll see what I can find." the captain volunteered. Tevi got the impression she wanted to get the guild-master's emissaries away from Horzt as quickly as possible - preferably before the mayor did something silly.
        While waiting for the captain to come back, the mercenary leader returned to Tevi's side and ordered, "Hold out your hands."
        Tevi froze in dread. She knew expelled mercenaries lost their hands - but surely only after due process? However, the man merely pulled a length of cord from his pouch. Tevi meekly allowed her wrists to be bound.
        "We're going to leave quickly, before any of your friends become aware of what's happened. We don't want you trying to slip out a message, do we?" he said in conversational tones as he tied the knots.
        "You don't want to try and take these accomplices as well?" the mayor asked.
        The female mercenary shook her head. "I doubt we'd be able to. Apparently, they include a high level magic user. We've been given a ward so they won't be able to trace us magically once we get a couple of miles away. But you better be on the lookout. They might cause trouble here."
        "I shouldn't think there'll be anything I can't cope with. Even a sorcerer might think twice about tackling the defences of Horzt." Mayor Gunather spoke breezily.
        The man tying Tevi's hands had his back to the mayor. Judging by the look he shot at his colleagues, he thought the mayor was being absurdly overconfident, although nothing was said.
        The door opened for the captain's return, bringing with her a long riding cloak and a couple of worn blankets. Tevi was hauled to her feet.
        The mercenary leader shook out one of the blankets thoughtfully. "At least you won't freeze at night." He then tossed the blanket over Tevi's head, hiding her from view. "Can't do any harm, and it may slow down any gossip in town. Don't worry, we'll take it off as soon as we're well away."
        Tevi was propelled down the stairs and hoisted onto a waiting horse. She clung to the saddle-horn with her bound hands as she was led from the echoing tunnel of the city gates and through the trader's encampment. The congested mud tracks slowed the horses to a walk but soon the sounds of activity faded and the pace increased. The blanket prevented Tevi seeing anything of where they were going and nothing very useful could be learnt from the sounds. The only thing she could do was hang onto her horse and hope.

* * * * * *

        After an hour of hard riding, the group slowed and the blanket was removed from Tevi's head. They had reached the western flank of the valley where the farmland gave way to rough pasture and pine forest. Rain-soaked trees towered over the road. Volleys of heavy droplets fell with each gust of wind over the branches. The road was a mosaic of puddles, laced with loops of ripples. Tevi almost asked for the blanket to be replaced; at least it had kept her dry.
        The oldest of the mercenaries reined his horse around to face her. An ironic smile tugged at his scarred face. "I guess it would be polite to introduce ourselves. My name's Russ. I was born in Horzt, so I know the local roads. I will be our guide on this little expedition."
        Tevi had surmised as much from the guttural singsong of his accent.
        Russ pointed to the woman mercenary. "Sharl is a tracker, in case we're careless enough to lose you. She's very skilled, whereas Flory is simply solid muscle - including the contents of his head. He'll be keeping an especially close eye on you, so hopefully Sharl's talents won't be needed."
        Flory snorted, but was unperturbed by the jibe. "Nothing wrong with a bit of muscle on a mercenary. Wouldn't do if we were all thin and weedy. It may be all right for scouts, but warriors..." He treated Tevi to a disdainful glance.
        "Don't be so confident. Our instructions warned she's a lot stronger than she looks." Sharl said.
        "It also said we'll be well rewarded for this. I guess you have to pick what you want to believe." Flory shrugged. "Enough of the social niceties. Where do we go next?"
        "The path we want leads off to the right in about a mile. It runs up the side of that escarpment." Russ pointed to a broken rock face visible above the trees.
        Flory set his horse off at a brisk trot, pulling Tevi's mount by a tether attached to his saddle. The other two mercenaries fell in behind. Around the next bend, they passed a farmer, coaxing three placid, brown cows along the road. Her colourful string of curses at her livestock did not falter as the four riders passed. If she noticed Tevi's bound hands, she wisely gave no sign and kept her eyes on her cows, but a young child tagging along stopped and stared, eyes and mouth wide open, until another turn took the riders from view.
        The sound of the farmer's swearing was still carried faintly on the breeze when a shout from Russ brought the group to a halt. He pointed at a virtually imperceptible break in the woven wall of pine branches lining the road. The gap was unrecognisable as the start of a path.
        "Oh no. Not the scenic route!" Flory groaned. "I don't want to spend the next month going in circles around a peat bog."
        "And we don't want to be followed." Sharl laughed as she slipped from her saddle and passed her horse's reins to Russ. "Just because you don't possess a sense of direction, doesn't mean that no one else does. Go ahead with the prisoner. I'll disguise our tracks. Wait for me down the path a little."
        The trail was so narrow they were forced to go in single file. Russ led the way with Sharl's horse on tow. After a long look at the impenetrable forest on either side, Flory slipped the tether from Tevi's horse and slapped its rump to urge it forward. The horse trotted along the path a couple dozen yards, to the point where Russ had stopped. Despite her bound hands, Tevi managed to scoop up her horse's reins. It put her no more in control than before and the confined space heightened her anxiety. She felt utterly trapped. The weak daylight was reduced to heavy dusk under the trees. She twisted to peer back at the road they had left but Flory's bulk blocked the view.
        "It all went to plan. No hitches, which is better than I expected from the instructions we got." Russ said, evidently addressing Flory.
        "You can say that when we deliver the prisoner." Flory replied, grimly.
        "You're such a pessimist. If we'd had longer in Horzt, I'm sure I could have put a smile on your face."
        "I saw enough of the town. I'm quite content to be away and in one piece."
        "You don't know what you've missed."
        "I'll try and live with the loss." Flory did not sound impressed.
        Russ laughed. "I know this bar on the south side where..."
        Tevi's nerves could stand the trivialities no more. She broke in, her voice sharp. "Tell me, now there are no witnesses, are you going to kill me here or will you hand me over to Levannue?"
        Confused silence met her words. Eventually Russ answered. "Neither. Like we said, we're taking you to Lyremouth. I don't know who this Levannue is."
        Tevi stared at him through the gloom. The eyes that met hers seemed free from deceit or coercion - but how could she, or any ungifted human, tell for certain?
        There was a soft rustle as Sharl pushed passed Tevi's legs and swung up onto her waiting horse. "It's alright boys. I've finished the arty bits."
        Tevi kept her eyes on Russ. "Whether you know it or not, Levannue's is the one behind all this."
        "Who's Levannue?" Sharl asked innocently.
        Russ shrugged his ignorance. After a long look at Tevi, he urged his horse forward. Behind her, Flory also started to move, herding her horse through the tunnel of trees.
        As they rode, Tevi looked about, searching desperately for some way of escaping. On either side, the forest floor was a rich beige, thick with pine needles. There was scant undergrowth beneath the shade of the trees. Low sweeping branches, knotted with fir cones, sweep close to the ground. To leave the trail, you would have to go on foot, or even crawl, while being an easy target for arrows.
        Tevi chewed her lip. She would have to bide her time, but how long did she have? How long before Levannue showed up?

* * * * * *

        At midday, they rested in a spot where the track broadened out into a bracken filled clearing atop a ridge. The rain had ceased temporarily. A ragged belt of blue broke between the clouds but the wind was damp. Tevi stood where directed. She shifted her weight from leg to leg, while kicking her feet to aid the circulation to tired muscles. She rotated slowly as she did so, absorbing the view.
        Folds of tree-clad mountains rolled away to the south. To the north, cloud cover swallowed the higher peaks. To the east, the air was streaked yellow with falling rain. Her captors also stretched cramped limbs and looked around. They acted in a relaxed fashion; yet, Tevi was aware of their continual attention. One of them was always positioned between her and the grazing horses.
        Russ pulled open a bag and passed around hard cheese, dried fruit and drier bread.
        "The delights of the open road." Flory muttered as he accepted his share. "Anything to wash this down with?"
        "Water." Russ offered.
        "Anything better?"
        "Not unless you want to pop back to Horzt and get it."
        "Do you think if we'd asked nicely the mayor would have given us a few bottles from his cellar?" Sharl joined in.
        "Empty ones, maybe." Russ retorted.
        The exchange was light-hearted. It was the same natural banter of mercenaries that had been going all morning. Tevi had become increasingly convinced that her three captors were not ensorceled - they certainly did not match Jemeryl's description of listless puppets, and neither did they seem corrupt. Tevi was confused. It did not make sense.
        "Who told you to come to Horzt to take me prisoner?" she asked in a lull.
        "Our captain." Russ answered.
        "Did the instruction come direct from the guild-master in Lyremouth?"
        Russ nodded. "Yes, via carrier pigeon. We're from the garrison in Gossenfeld. The order arrived two mornings ago. The captain picked us for the job."
        "Oh, of course." Tevi said with sudden enlightenment.
        Three confused faces turned in her direction.
        "You've got to believe me." Tevi said earnestly. "The order wasn't from Lyremouth. It must have been a forgery by Levannue."
        "What makes you think that?" Russ was clearly unmoved.
        "Because I know I haven't done anything wrong."
        "And this Levannue's got a grudge against you?" Flory's voice was also sceptical
        "Maybe not me in particular. But she's a renegade and I'm with a group trying to capture her."
        "It's a pretty neat trick to kidnap one of the guild pigeons and forge the guild-master's seal. This Levannue is obviously very resourceful." Flory said sarcastically.
        "She could do it easily. Levannue is a Coven sorcerer."
        There was a long moment of startled silence.
        "Oh girl, what have you got yourself messed up in?" Sharl said softly.
        "If you credit the story." Flory interjected.
        "It may be true." Russ said slowly. "I've heard rumours. The whole Coven is in uproar at the moment and, now I think of it, the name Levannue does sound vaguely familiar." He fixed Tevi with a level gaze. "Take my advice, you're well out of it. Let the sorcerers sort out their own problems. It doesn't concern the likes of you and me."
        "But you've got to let me go. At best, Levannue is hoping to pull people off on a wild goose chase through the mountains. At worst,, she's lying in wait ahead. If she captures me, she'll read my mind and..." Tevi broke off. The three faces watching her were implacable. She sighed. "I know it sounds like I'm making things up so you'll let me go."
        "It certainly does that." Russ agreed.
        "What can I say to make you believe me?"
        "It's irrelevant what you make me believe. I've been given orders and I'm obeying them. It can all be sorted out in Lyremouth." Russ spoke firmly, clearly terminating the conversation as far as he was concerned.
        A canteen of water was passed around as the mercenaries prepared to return to the trail. Tevi took a long swig, restraining any further pleas. It would be wisest to keep conflict with her captors to a minimum. She had to escape, and knew she would get only one chance. In the meantime, she had no choice but to let herself be taken further away from Horzt, and Jemeryl.

* * * * * *

        The route Russ chose kept to little-used forest trails and was clearly chosen for secrecy rather than speed. They saw no trace of human habitation until late afternoon, two days later, when their path descended into a broad valley. At the bottom was a fast flowing river. The trees rolled down to this natural boundary and stopped. On the other side were farmlands. The hills rising beyond were nothing like as high; it would seem they were about to leave the mountains. Smoke from several chimneys drifted into the sky from a source downstream.
        Russ grinned at Flory. "See. I told you we wouldn't get lost and hopefully it should have thrown any pursuit. Now we can quicken the pace a bit. Gossenfeld is about sixty miles southeast of here, but we're going to head straight for Rizen and take the Langhope pass. With any luck, we'll be at Lyremouth inside twenty days."
        Flory merely grunted by way of reply. He looked down at the raging waters, swollen by the resent rain. Fierce eddies sucked at the banks. The white of cascades was stained reddish-brown by washed mud and interspersed with smooth strips of glassy black water. Leaves and other debris swept passed, dancing in frenzied swirls to the thunder of the river.
        "How do we get across?" he asked eventually.
        "Can't you swim?" Tevi asked with mock innocence.
        The momentary look of horror that crossed Flory's face was matched by amused grins from Russ and Sharl. An easy rapport had grown between Tevi and the other three, despite their respective status as prisoner and escort. Tevi could admit to a genuine respect for her captors. They had acted with capable professionalism, allowing her not the slightest chance to escape, but never treating her vindictively or unfairly.
         "Anyone who fancies the swim is welcome to try, however there is a better way." Russ said as he turned his horse in the direction of the trails of smoke. A mud-clogged path ran along the riverbank.
        "If I volunteer to try swimming it, would you untie my hands first?" Tevi asked, joking.
        "No." Russ matched her tone and turned in the saddle to meet Tevi's eyes. "Hopefully, someday we'll get the chance to travel together in happier circumstances. You can demonstrate your swimming ability then."
        "You mean you think I might be innocent?"
        Russ's face became serious. "I think you've got involved in things out of your depth. But no, I don't think you're a wrong 'un. And I'll say as much for you when we get to Lyremouth."
        "Thank you, but there should be no need. I really have done nothing wrong." Tevi said.
        Sharl leaned over from her horse to squeeze Tevi's shoulder. "I hope so, for your sake. You've got very nice hands."
        Even Flory managed a few words of comfort. "Look on the bright side. If you are innocent, you'll get to spend a free winter in Lyremouth, which will be a lot more fun than freezing your arse off in the snow at Horzt."
        Tevi sighed but said nothing. Despite her liking for the three mercenaries, she had no intention of going to Lyremouth if she could help it, but it seemed that she might get no option. At least, her fears of being ambushed by Levannue had diminished.
        The river had burst its banks in places and covered the path. The horses waded up to their knees between half-submerged trees and bushes. It was slow progress, hampered by the fading light. Sunset was more than an hour way, but a thick sheet of grey covered the sky. It grew steadily darker as heavy storm clouds rolled over the mountains. Above their heads, branches shook in the rising wind. Fumbling with her bound hands, Tevi tugged her cloak tightly around her shoulders and pulled up the collar.
        Eventually, a small hamlet came into view on the far bank, made up of a dozen squat thatched cottages with adjacent barns and pigsties. Tevi craned her neck to peer down the river, hoping for a sight of a bridge. Just before they drew level with the first of the buildings, the path disappeared into the largest flooded area they had yet encountered.
        Russ rode his horse to the water's edge. "There's a ford here in summer."
        "There isn't now." Flory curtly stated the obvious.
        "So it's just as well that there's a ferry." Russ grinned and led the way around the water.
        A hundred yards below the hamlet, the river looped away from the steep side of the valley. The trees gave way to an uneven expanse of hummocks and tufts of waving long grass. The river broadened out, which took the edge off the furious torrent, although it still roared past barely a foot below the top of the bank. A thick rope was strung across the river at the widest point. Beached half out of the water on the far side was a broad raft, attached to the line by two running loops and a pulley arrangement.
        "Ahoy" Russ shouted loudly, hands cupped around his mouth.
        Before his voice had died away, a door in the nearest cottage swung open and a thickset man appeared. He strode down to the water's edge.
        "I'll bet he was watching us ride along the river bank, but they do like to be called." Russ's scarred face held a grin.
        "And paid." Sharl added softly.
        The ferryman shoved his craft into the water and leapt on. The platform bobbed slightly but seemed quite stable.
        Flory was not comforted. "You seriously expect me to go across the river on that thing?"
        "You could swim like Tevi suggested." Russ said.
        "Is it safe?"
        "People don't drown here often."
        Flory snorted. "I know. They only do it once."
        The ferry was now halfway across. The force of the water pushed the raft downstream, tugging the line taut. The strained rope creaked alarmingly; however, the ferryman was unconcerned. His tuneless whistling piped above the roar of the water. On either side of the river, the rope was tied around a large stake, the size of Flory's forearm, that was driven obliquely into the ground. The one on their side was several yards back from the water's edge and presumably beyond the risk of flooding.
        "It will be twelve copper pennies for you and your horses." were the ferryman's first words, even before he had stepped off his raft.
        Sharl muffled a snort of amusement.
        Russ leaned forward casually, but Tevi noted that he made sure his mercenary tattoos were on show. "And how much will it be after we've stood here in the cold for half an hour haggling?"
        The ferryman's eyes flitted between them. "Eight."
        "I'd have guessed at six." Russ countered.
        "Alright." the ferryman said after a slight hesitation. "You'll have to go in two lots. I can only take two horses and two people at a time."
        "I don't suppose you could stretch to two horses and three passengers?" Russ asked.
        "Nah." the ferryman spat. "To tell the truth, it's overloaded with just two."
        "In that case, you can have your eight pennies and we'll travel across in three trips. I'll take the first two horses. Flory can follow with Tevi and Sharl can bring the other two horses."
        The ferryman's forehead knotted in confusion.
        Tevi held up her bound hands for him to see. "What he means is they don't want to leave me on either bank with only one of them to guard me. Think it through."
        Russ met Tevi's eyes and grinned. There was also approval of her quick wits on his face. The ferryman, on the other hand, looked startled but no more enlightened; however, he was not about to argue at the prospect of extra coins.
        The horses needed blindfolds before they could be persuaded onto the swaying raft. Russ hugged their necks and murmured calming words while the ferry was hauled back across the river.
        Tevi went to stand at the river's edge and watched the water swirl passed. The river had not burst its banks on this side, but was clearly far deeper than normal. Long trailing grasses were tugged parallel by the rush and the tops of submerged shapes loomed ghostlike below the surface.
        Sharl joined Tevi and put an arm around her shoulder. "Of course, we all know that this is your best chance to escape. Do yourself a favour and don't try it. We might even untie your hands when we get to the other side."
         Tevi glanced behind her. As ever, Flory was standing between her and the horses, watching. His great arms were folded across his chest. Tevi turned back to the river, adding up the chances. Both guards were alert. She knew even Sharl's friendly arm was intended partly to hold her secure. However, she still had one element of surprise. Despite the warning in their instructions, Tevi was sure her captors were unaware of the full extent of her strength. It might prove decisive. If not, Tevi guessed, she would spend the rest of the journey to Lyremouth trussed and bound over the saddle of her horse. Either way, she had to try.
        The ferry had almost reached the far side. Beside her, Sharl was watching it negotiate the last few yards. Tevi took a deep breath, now was the time.
        Tevi ducked with a sharp turning motion, breaking free from the restraining arm. Her shoulder slammed square into Sharl's back. For a moment, the scout fought for balance. A second nudge completed the job. As Sharl toppled into the water, Tevi spun to face Flory, holding her bound hands outstretched before her.
        The tall mercenary's expression was transformed from complacency to outrage. "Why you little..."
        Flory leapt forward, fists raised, not waiting to draw his sword. Tevi ducked under his arms and grasped his leather jerkin. His momentum kept him ploughing forward. Tevi twisted, pulling him on and up. The tall mercenary was hoisted into the air and hurled over the riverbank. Tumbling backwards, one leg trailing, Flory hit the river. A hole seemed to open under him as walls of water shot out on all sides, then the surging river rolled back over his head and swallowed him.
        Shouts from the far bank told Tevi that Russ was aware of what was happening. With no time to waste Tevi dived to the stake securing the ferry line. Her fingers locked around the rough wood, gripping it tight. Knees bent, feet braced on either side, she threw every ounce of her potion-enhanced strength into the effort. The muscles in her legs, back and arms strained. For a heart-stopping moment, the stake remained firm, but then a faint shift trembled up Tevi's arms, followed by a larger movement. To the wet sucking of mud, the stake pulled free.
        More shouts erupted on the other side of the river. Russ had disembarked the horses and was pulling his bow from a saddle pack. On the near bank, Sharl had grasped the side and was starting to haul herself out. Flory had surfaced mid-river. Somehow, the huge warrior had gained his feet but was unable to move against the current. The water came to his thighs; a bow-wave streamed around him. One cautious attempt to move his leg almost cost his balance. Flory lost ground and slid a few more feet downstream.
        Sharl lay sprawled, half out of the water. Tevi dropped down beside her. With a firm hand, she shoved the scout back and then held out the stake. "Why don't you take this and rescue Flory? Russ can pull you both to the far side. You must realise I can't let you out on this bank."
        Sharl gave her a venomous look. "Don't be a fool. The guild will get you in the end."
        "I swear I've done nothing wrong. You're the victims of a trick. I'm quest-bound at the moment but, I promise, when it's over I'll come to Lyremouth and answer for everything."
        Tevi pressed the rope at the half-submerged woman. At that moment, a fresh vortex hit Flory, causing him to shout in alarm as stones slipped under his feet. Fear was starting to show on his face. Sharl looked over her shoulder and then, without a word, took the stake from Tevi. She wrapped the rope once around her body and kicked off from the bank, letting the force of the water swing her in an arc across the river.
        The horses were standing patiently a few yards away. Tevi leapt onto the nearest and swung down to catch the dangling reins of the other. She headed for protection between the trees, in case of arrows. Only once she had got there did she look back. There was no need to worry - Russ had abandoned the attempt to string his bow. With the help of the ferryman, he was pulling his two comrades to safety.
        Tevi found a sharp knife in the saddlebags. Soon, her hands were free. Meanwhile, on the other side of the river, Sharl and Flory had been dragged to safety, aided by several other villagers who had come to find the source of the commotion.
        Tevi rode back a short way towards them and raised her voice. "I'll see you in Lyremouth."
        Russ glanced briefly at his discarded bow before stepping up to the water's edge. "If not before." His tone made the words a threat.
        Tevi looked at the sky. Night was approaching rapidly. The storm clouds were hanging low and heavy. She doubted the others would be able to re-cross the river before dark, but it was certainly advisable to get far away as quickly as possible.
        Sharl and Flory joined Russ on the far bank. The three of them stood in a grim line. Tevi raised her hand in a friendly salute that was not returned. She reined her horse around and rode back down the trail into the shelter of the forest.

Continued in chapter 3


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