CHAPTER FIVE
Those that escaped from Ghant had filled the already swollen town of Shallowbrook to overflowing. People were crammed into every space, attempting to shelter from the icy wind. Lengths of canvas and cloth had been strung all over in attempt to provide at least some form of rudimentary shelter. Captain Orrell and Captain Yarn had barely escaped from Ghant themselves and had now taken control, ordering as many refugees as possible to move along as soon as they could, deeper into central Turia.
There was little chance that any Paatin would be coming from the direction of Ghant, but until their scouts had confirmed that the pass had,indeed,been sealed, no chances were being taken. Initial reports were that the valley paths had been torn asunderand were nowuntraversable, lest more of the shattered mountain come tumbling down;so that was good news for the time being.
The entire town had heard the din of Ghant’s destruction, and the mountains continued to clack and complain from afar as great sheets of rock continued to dislodge and thunder down from the frozen heights.
The Koian party-what was left of it-was put up in one of the many small town inns and the magicians had taken refuge in the building next door.
They werepermittedseveral days to recuperate from the shock of their losses, before Balten came striding to their table with Captain Orrell in tow. Samuel and Eric, sitting forlornly inside the entrance where they could keep an eye on the commotion outside, put their cups ofhotlemon tea aside and waited for the men to speak.
‘I brought the good captain here, because you need to decide what to do,’ Balten explained. ‘If you are still insistent on a mountain crossing,then every day lost is vital. But we must cross before winter falls upon us in earnest. You can’t sit here forever pining and moping. As terrible as it was, we must move on.’
Samuel was about to scold the man, but Eric beat him to it, speaking with barely restrained anger. ‘This has nothing to do with you. You have no part in Order business. Leave us be.’
Balten was unfazed. ‘The war affects everyone. I am only offering my help. With old Tudor perished, I am the only one who knows the far side of the mountains.’
Eric returned his gaze to his tea. He had been withdrawn and silent since Ghant had fallen-with Goodfellow and Grand Master Tudor inside it.
‘Our losses have already been great,’ Captain Orrell continued, ‘so it’s understandable if you decide to return to Cintar. I think enough time has passed and we can assume Grand Master Tudor did not survive. Balten’s offer is fair.’
‘Yes,’ Samuel admitted. ‘We realise that. There is no question of what we shall do. We will continue to Paatin to rescue the Empress. We just needed some time to…collect our thoughts.’
Orrell nodded, saying seriously, ‘Then you should press on. I have procured a local guide who can lead you through the mountains. I understand such a crossing is difficult, but not impossible if you move quickly.’
Samuel looked up to the captain standing above him. ‘You’re not coming?’
Orrell shook his head. ‘Not if it can be avoided. I have much to do here. These people need us and we must ensure the Paatin do not find a way through. Valiant will go with you in my stead.’
‘It’s not necessary, Captain,’ Samuel said. ‘The more people with us, the more trouble we shall have. If the mountain crossing is as hazardous as we have been led to believe, your men will only make our task all the more difficult. We will take care of ourselves.’
‘That is fine,’ Balten stated. ‘Then I will inform the others. We will leave soon. Captain Orrell willsee tothe packs and supplies. Just organise yourselves ready to go.’
This time Samuel looked at the taller magician with confusion. ‘Others? I think it’s better that I go on alone. The Paatin only want me. Too many have died already.’
‘You’re not going alone,’ Eric piped up. ‘I won’t let it end here. I will come too.’
‘And yourSeer and his attendant are still intent on the journey,’ Balten revealed, to which Samuel sighed. ‘He’s been more excited than ever.’
‘That’s what I’m afraid of,’ Samuel said.
‘I thought the Koians were going with you, also,’ Orrell said. ‘At least, that’s what I assumed from how Master Celios was speaking. Perhaps you can speak to him about this.’
With that, the two men departed, leaving Samuel and Eric to sip quietly at their tea. Samuel looked at the sunny blue sky outside and hoped the weather would hold. With Tudor gone and Celiosminushis senses for most of the time, it seemed Balten was now taking steps to be in charge. Then so be it for now, he thought. The air was full of turmoil and his magician’s senses could not foretell what was to come.
Their party assembled in the middle of the town, where Captain Orrell and Lieutenant Valiant were directing a handful of their men, loading and checking several sturdy ponies that had been piled with sacks and bags, andexaminingothers that had been saddled and prepared for riding. Balten was there, dressed in sturdy boots and practical climbing clothes. Sir Ferse was similarly adorned, with a knitted scarf of local make flapping around his neck to keep out the chill. Master Celios was dressed as always-thick black robes over black shirt and trousers-and he seemed to be muttering to himself, biting at his nails nervously. They would need to worry least about the weather for,as magicians,they were resistant to such things and could use their spells to warm themselves.
‘Foolish Order lackeys,’ Balten said to the magicians, noting their dress. ‘We climb to the frigid heights and you come dressed like this. Let’s see how comfortable you feel when your spells start growing thin. Such clothes, black or otherwise, will do little against the snow.’
Samuel ignored him and instead spoke loudly into Master Celios’ hood, ‘Master Celios?’ to which the old maninterruptedhis apparent daze and looked at Samuel with the calm of a doting grandfather. ‘Why are the Koians coming? I thought they were only needed as far as Ghant?’
‘Alas, I cannot say for sure, Samuel. My dreams tell me many things, some true, some false. I am less sure about the fate of theseOutlanders, but they are still keen to accompany us and I am not sure of anything these last few days. Let them come.’
‘It will only cause more trouble for us,’ Samuel said, trying not to let his voice carry to the nearby Koians. ‘What will we do with them once we get to the desert?’
‘I cannot see. Nevertheless, they will come,’ Celios stated.
The Koians milled about together, each dressed in locally-sourced garments, for it seemed almost everyone had lost their belongings in the citadel. Strangest of all was the god-woman,for she was entirely without make-up and was dressed the same as Lady Wind beside her, with an ankle length skirt over sturdy trousers and with a thick,hooded coat. The woman was looking about nervously, peeking out from her hood and obviously uncomfortable out of her traditional costumes.
‘Who is that girl?’ Eric asked of Samuel.
‘That’s the Koian woman, Eric-their god.’ But Eric continued to look at her dubiously.
‘Who?’ he said,for it seemed difficult to believe.
A man, dressed in the local style of a wide-brimmed hat and a red, green and white striped shawl across his shoulders came striding up to the group and began checking over their pack animals, looking into their loads and peering into the sacks, with the interest of someone at market. He was whistling a merry tune all the while and Samuel could not help but think he had seen the man before.
‘Samuel!’ Eric said, beside him. ‘That’s the manwhonearly killed me! Remember? He was in the tower with Ash. He stabbed me in the stomach!’
Samuel had to peer closely at the man, for if it was indeed him, he did look quite different. The local style of clothing made him difficult to recognise. ‘Are you sure?’
‘Of course I’m sure!’ Eric said. ‘He tried to kill me.’
‘What’s all this fuss?’ Balten said, noticing the two in discussion.
