“Lasgol Eklund,” the King’s Mage greeted him courteously.
“Sir,” Lasgol replied, equally courteously.
“I’m glad to see you, Ranger.”
“Thank you, my lord Mage of the King.”
“War usually takes many good men, among them Rangers who serve the Crown. I’m glad you’ve survived. Have they brought you up to date with the situation?”
“Yes, sir. Our leader Gondabar, informed me of how things are, and the mission I have to carry out.”
“Excellent. You are to be our guide.”
“It’s an honor.”
“You’ve been in the Frozen Territories and faced the Frozen Specter. There’s nobody better to guide us to it.”
“I’ll do that.”
“Good. We’ll speak later on.” The Mage nodded again and went on with the other four Ice Magi.
Enker gave a long whistle. “Since when do you know all the heavyweight figures of the Court?”
“Those magi have left me stone cold,” Misten protested. He was shaking himself as if trying to get warm.
“Quite honestly, they’d impress the bravest of braves,” said Lasgol.
“Particularly that Eicewald,” Enker said, shaking his head. “What eyes! They say he practices dark magic …”
“I doubt it. They’re Ice Magi who specialize in Elemental Magic of Water. And from what I’ve seen of Eicewald, he’s a scholar too. I don’t think he practices dark magic.”
Enker shrugged. “Well, you know more than we do.”
“Are they true … the rumors about the Specter?” Misten asked.
“I don’t know the rumors,” Lasgol said, “but it’s real and very dangerous, that much I can assure you.”
“So much for our luck,” Misten grumbled.
“But it’s not a Specter, is it?” Enker asked.
Lasgol shrugged. “I don’t know what it is. It might be a Specter or not. That’s something the Magi will decide. I’m only a Ranger.”
“Then we’re screwed,” Misten muttered.
“And can you tell us everything you know?” Enker asked.
“Yes, of course, but now we’d better get going. I think they’re waiting for us,”
They mounted and left the castle. In the main avenue three thousand infantry soldiers were lined up in formation, with their red and white scaled armor and winged helmets, round shields and war axes in hand, ready to march.
Lasgol and his two comrades advanced to the head, where Sven was waiting, together with two dozen Royal Guards, and Gatik with another dozen Royal Rangers. When he glanced back he saw the five Ice Magi catching up after stopping to pick up a couple of travelling-bags which a couple of craftsmen had handed to them. They took their place behind Sven and Gatik’s groups.
Once they were all in position there was a tense, nervous silence. The campaign for the Frozen Territories was under way.
Sven raised his sword to the sky when Eicewald gave him a nod. “Move on!” he ordered.
Lasgol and his two comrades set off, with the army following them. As they rode down the great avenue toward the southern gate of the city, the citizens hurried to see them leave, and a crowd gathered all along both sides of the avenue. They were being sent off amid applause and cries of support and celebration. The people had not seen their army for some time, and although it was ominous to see them leaving for fear of what they might bring back, Norghanians were always proud to watch the best infantry of the continent setting off to battle. The soldiers felt the warm support of their people and marched on, their chests swollen with pride.
When they crossed the gate, Lasgol turned to his comrades.
“I’m going to fetch my familiar, my snow panther. I’ll be back in a moment. Head north along the main road. I’ll be back in no time.”
It did not take him long to reach the forest where he had left his two friends. When he called Camu and Ona they appeared at once, surprised by how quickly he had come back for them. They had not been expecting him for at least a couple of days more. Lasgol explained the mission very quickly, because he did not want to lag behind too long. It would make a bad impression if the Ranger in charge of leading the troops fell behind the moment he had left the capital.
Go north? Camu asked, transmitting a feeling of worry.
I’m afraid so. We’re going to deal with the threat of the Wild Ones of the Ice and the Ice Specter.
Wild Ones fun, Specter not fun, Camu transmitted. Lasgol understood his meaning perfectly well. He did not mind facing the Wild Ones, whom he considered stupid brutes, but the Specter was something very different.
I know. I feel the same. They’re the King’s orders. There’s nothing we can do. We have to follow them.
Better be careful.
Camu’s warning left Lasgol very uneasy. Camu was very rarely afraid of anything, but for some reason he was afraid of the Ice Specter, which was a very bad sign.
During the journey, stay half a league away and don’t come near the soldiers. All right?
When I join?
When we reach the Frozen Territories.
All right.
One more thing: five Ice Magi are with us, so you’ll feel their magical power. Stay away from them and don’t interfere with their magic. I don’t want them to find you out.
I well-behaved. Not prevent magic.
That’s a good boy. We’ll have enough trouble with the Wild Ones and the Specter, and I don’t want any problems with the Magi as well.
No problem.
Good. Ona, you come with me and don’t move from my side, not even two paces. There are too many soldiers, and I don’t trust them. They could be very aggressive toward you.
Ona growled affirmatively.
Right then, let’s go.
Lasgol rejoined
