Against the Giants

Things seemed to be much more complicated than he’d thoughtthem when he was growing up in a small hill village. There his life had been structured by the seasons, by the ways things had always been, patterns as familiar as the shadow cast by a grain rick across the village square every midsummer at midday, or the way squashes came ripe when the shadow of a certain oak lay across the hill where the first vines were planted, even Gran and her formidable memory for the past-and that had come down from wisewomen before her,so that even the unexpected could be traced back to a larger pattern.

There hadn’t been a pattern that warned her against thegiants, Lhors thought. But even if there had been, there couldn’t have been onethat would have told her about the drow or saved them from Eclavdra’s years ofscheming.

He blinked and came back to the moment as Rowan smiled and took one of Nemis’ hands between both of hers. “I will go-if only because youdo.”

Nemis tugged his hand free. “You owe me nothing,” he saidstiffly.

“Owe. That word has no meaning between you and me, mage,”Rowan replied, as stiffly. She smiled. “You think yourself hardened by yourpast, but I know better. We will talk of this later-in private.”

“If you like,” Nemis said, but he brought her hands up andbrushed them with his lips.

“Lhors?”

“Huh?” Lhors looked up to see Vlandar’s eyes on him.

“The king’s city, Lhors. You’ll come with us, of course?”

The question warmed him. Of course. Vlandar could never replace his father, but he was a good man and kind, as well as a skilled warrior. Lhors knew that Lharis would be pleased to see his son apprenticed to such a warrior. Still…

Giants had destroyed Upper Haven. High Haven and New Market were possibly gone as well. The king might not care so much for a few distant villagers trying to recover from such loss, but Lhors did. More importantly, he had his father’s hunting skills and he could plant, weed, shear sheep, helpbirth calves…

He could keep the people-his people fed. Of course, ifthe giants came again, he doubted he’d be able to lead them into battle. Butthanks to Vlandar and the others, he could find a way to fight with few against many. He knew his duty. Still, it was hard to get the words out.

“Sir… Vlandar.” He swallowed hard. “I would like very much to see theking’s city, but I know Gran must be worried. I should go home, at least to seeif she’s all right.”

Vlandar shook his head. “I knew you would say that. Yourfather would be proud. But no, the Lord Mebree has already made certain the Havens are safe. He has a small company of guards quartered in a new garrison based in New Market, and there are more guards on the way-with one of my oldlieutenants who knows how to keep proper watch on country like yours. Your Gran is there in New Market with the children you and she rescued. And she sends word to you, Lhors.” The warrior paused to recollect the exact words. “‘We manage aswe always do… and will. Carry word for us, boy. Tell the king what you sawand remember to remind him of the taxes-lose enough villages and you lose morethan a pair of coppers, you lose all.’”

“Pair of coppers…” Lhors echoed. He turned away, a lumpin his throat and his eyes damp. Gran, would it surprise you to know I have more wealth than our village ever paid the king in taxes, just because Vlandar thought I’d be a good rear guard? Well, he’d offer a few coins to his father’sgods, but more to the New Market and Havens villages. Enough to be certain his father had a proper burial, and that Gran and the two girls they’d savedwouldn’t want for anything.

Beyond that-he didn’t know. Too many possibilities.

One word caught his ear, all at once. Safe. Gran was, then. The girls were. That was good, he was sure of that.

But safe-it wasn’t what he wanted. Lhors GiantKiller… the words echoed in his mind. Hearing that had felt good. Iteased the pain of his slain village, if only just a little.

Vlandar seemed to read his thoughts. “If we are to put a stopto these raids, the king will need experienced men, especially those who have fought giants.”

The boy I was, Lhors thought, maybe giants would have killed him as easily as they had killed Father. He had survived that night more by luck or the favor of the gods. Nothings sure, but just perhaps, knowing what I know now, I could have saved him or Headman Yerik, who had his own store of knowledge, or laughing Bregya, who’d taught him so much…. Once again, therage began to smolder within him. He held out both hands. “Sir… Vlandar, I’mwith you. To the end.”

The warrior smiled and gripped Lhors’ shoulders hard.

“I hoped you would.” He raised his voice. “We all go, andthat’s as it should be. All right, people! Let’s get cleaned up. Meet back herejust after sundown! And I warn you, if you think giants are a dire foe, you haven’t met the king’s court yet!”