Witch World Part 8

There was light enough, however, to show them only too clearly the single occupant of that stone chamber. He sat at ease in a chair carved of the same stone as that on which it was based, his arms resting upon its broad side supports, his head fallen forward on his breast as if he slept.

It was only when Jivin drew breath in a sound close to a sob, that Simon guessed they stood in a tomb. And the dusty silence of the chamber closed about them, as if they had been shut into a coffer with no escape.

Because he was awed and ill at ease, Simon moved purposefully forward to the two blocks on which the chair rested staring up in defiance at the one who sat there. There was a thick coating of dust on the chair, sifting over the sitter. Yet Tregarth could see that this man-chieftain, priest, or king, or whatever he had been in his day of life-was not allied by race to Estcarp or to Gorm.

His parchment skin was dark, smooth, as if the. artistry of the embalmer had turned it to sleek wood. The features of the half hidden face were marked by great force and vigor with a sweeping beak of nose dominating all the rest. His chin was small, sharply pointed, and the closed eyes were deep set. It was like seeing a humanoid creature whose far distant ancestors had been not primates but avian.

To add to this illusion his clothing, under its film of dust, was of some material which resembled feathers. A belt bound his slim waist and resting across both arms of his chair was an ax of such length of haft and size that Simon almost doubted the sleeper could ever have lifted it.

His hair had grown to a peak-crest, and binding it into an upright plume, was a gem-set circlet. Rings gleamed on those claw fingers resting on ax head and ax haft. And about chair, occupant, and that war ax there was such a suggestion of alien life as stopped Simon short before the first step of the dais.

"Volt!" Jivin's cry was close to a scream. Then his words became unintelligible to Simon as he gabbled something in another tongue which might have been a prayer.

"To think that legend is truth!" Koris had come to stand beside Tregarth. His eyes were as brilliant as they had been on the night they had fought their way out of Sulcarkeep.

"Volt? Truth?" echoed Simon and the man from Gorm answered impatiently.

"Volt of the Ax, Volt who throws thunders-Volt who is now a bogey to frighten children out of naughtiness! Estcarp is old, her knowledge comes from the days before man wrote his history, or whispered his legends. But Volt is older than Estcarp! He is of those who came before man, as man is today. And his kind died before man armed himself with stick and stone to strike back at the beasts. Only Volt lived on and knew the first men and they knew him-and his ax! For Volt in his loneliness took pity on man and with his ax hewed for them a path to follow to knowledge and lords.h.i.+p before he, too, went from among them.

"In some places they remembered Volt with thanksgiving, though they fear him for being what they could not understand. And in other places they hate with a great hate, for the wisdom of Volt warred against their deep desires. So do we remember Volt with prayers and with cursings, and he is both G.o.d and demon. Yet now we four can perceive that he was a living creature, and so in that akin to ourselves. Though perhaps one with other gifts according to the nature of his race.

"Ha, Volt!" Koris flung his long arm up in a salute. "I, Koris, who am Captain of Estcarp and its Guards, give to you greetings, and the message that the world has not changed greatly since you withdrew from it. Still we war, and peace sits only lightly, save that now our night may have come upon us out of Kolder. And, since I stand weaponless by reason of the sea, I beg of your arms! If by your favor we set our faces once more against Kolder, may it be with your ax swinging in the van!"

He climbed the first step, his hand went out confidently. Simon heard a choked cry from Jivin, a hissed breath from Tunston. But Koris was smiling as his fingers closed about the ax haft, and he drew the weapon carefully toward him. So alive did the seated figure seem that Simon half expected the ring laden claws to tighten, to s.n.a.t.c.h the giant's weapon back from the man who begged it from him. But it came easily, quickly into Koris' grasp, as if he who had held it all these generations had not only released it willingly, but had indeed pushed it to the Captain.

Simon expected the haft to crumble into rottenness when Koris drew it free. But the Captain swung it high, bringing it down in a stroke which halted only an inch or so above the stone of the step. In his hands the weapon was a living thing, supple and beautiful as only a fine arm could be.

"My grat.i.tude for life. Volt!" he cried. "With this I shall carve out victories, for never before has such a weapon come into my hands. I am Koris, once of Gorm, Koris the ugly, the ill-fas.h.i.+oned. Yet, under your good wis.h.i.+ng, oh. Volt, shall I be Koris the conqueror, and your name shall once more be great in this land!"

Perhaps it was the very timber of his voice which disturbed age-old currents of air; Simon held to that small measure of rational explanation for what followed. For the seated man, or man-like figure, appeared to nod once, twice, as if agreeing to Koris' exultant promises. Then that body, which had seemed so solid only seconds before, changed in front of their eyes, falling in upon itself.

Jivin buried his face in his hands and Simon bit back an exclamation. Volt-if Volt it had really been-was gone. There was dust in the chair and nothing else, save the ax in Koris' grip. Tunston, that unimaginative man spoke first, addressing his officer: "His tour of duty was finished, Captain. Yours now begins. It was well done, to claim his weapon. And I think it shall bring us good fortune."

Koris was swinging the ax once more, making the curved blade pa.s.s in the air in an expert's drill. Simon turned away from the empty chair. Since his entrance into this world he had witnessed the magic of the witches and accepted it as part of this new life, now he accepted this in turn. But even the acquiring of the fabulous Ax of Volt would not bring them a drink of water nor the food they must have, and he said as much.

"That is also the truth," Tunston agreed. "If there is no other way out of here then we must return to the sh.o.r.e and try elsewhere."

Only there was another way, for the wall behind the great chair showed an archway choked with earth and rubble. And they set to work digging that out with their belt knives and their hands for tools. It was exhausting work, even for men who came to it fresh. And only Simon's new horror of the sea kept him at it. In the end they cleared a short pa.s.sage, only to front a door.

Once its substance may have been some strong native wood. But no rot had eaten at it, rather it had been altered by the natural chemistry of the soil into a flint hard surface. Koris waved them back.

"This is my work."

Once more the Ax of Volt went up. Simon almost cried out, fearing to see the fine blade come to grief against that surface. There was a clang, and again the ax was raised, came down with full force of the Captain's mighty shoulders.

The door split, one part of it leaning outward. Koris stood aside and the three of them worried at that break.

Now the brightness of full day light struck them, and the freshness of a good breeze beat the mustiness of the chamber away.

They manhandled the remnants of the door to allow pa.s.sage and broke through a screen of dried creepers and brush out onto a hillside where the new gra.s.s of spring showed in vivid patches and some small yellow flowers bloomed like scattered goldpieces. They were on the top of the cliff and the slope of this side went down to a stream. Without a word Simon stumbled down to that which promised to lay the dust in his throat, ease the torture of his salted skin.

He raised dripping head and shoulders from the water some time later to find Koris missing. Though he was sure that the Captain had followed them out of the Hole of Volt.

"Koris?" he asked Tunston. The other was rubbing his face with handfuls of wet gra.s.s, sighing in content, while Jivin lay on his back beside the stream, his eyes closed.

"He goes to do what is to be done for his man below," Tunston answered remotely."No Guardsman must be left to wind and wave while his officer can serve him otherwise."

Simon flushed. He had forgotten that battered body on the beach. Though he was of the Guard of Estcarp by his own will, he did not yet feel at one with them. Estcarp was too old, its men-and its witches-alien. Yet what had Petronius promised when he offered the escape? That the man who used it would be transported to a world which his spirit desired. He was a soldier and he had come into a world at war, yet it was not his way of fighting, and he still felt the homeless stranger.

He was remembering the woman with whom he had fled across the moors, unknowing then that she was a witch of Estcarp and all that implied. There had been times during that flight when they had had an unspoken comrades.h.i.+p. But afterwards that, too, was gone.

She had been on one of those other s.h.i.+ps when they had broken out of Sulcarkeep. Had hers fared as badly on the merciless sea? He stirred, p.r.i.c.ked by something he did not want to acknowledge, clinging fiercely to his role of onlooker. Rolling over on the gra.s.s he pillowed his head on his bent arm, relaxing by will as he had learned long ago, to sleep.

Simon awoke as quickly, senses alert. He could not have slept long for the sun was still fairly high. There was the smell of cooking in the air. In the lee of a rock a small fire burned where Tunston tended some small fish spitted on sharp twigs. Koris, his ax his bedfellow, slept, his boyish face showing more drawn and fined down with fatigue then when he was conscious. Jivin sprawled belly down beside the streamlet, fast proving that he was more than a master of horsemans.h.i.+p, as his hand emerged with another fish he had tickled into capture.

Tunston raised an eyebrow as Simon came up. "Take your pick," he indicated the fish. "'Tis not mess fare, but it will serve for now."

Simon had reached for the nearest when Tunston's sudden tension brought his gaze to follow the other's. Circling over their heads in wide, gliding sweeps was a bird, black feathered for the most part save for a wide V of white on the breast.

"Falcon!" Tunston breathed that word as if it summed up a danger as great as a Kolder ambush.

FALCON'S EYRIE The bird, with that art known to the predatory clans, hung over them on outspread wings. Simon saw enough of those bright red thongs or ribbons fluttering from about its feet to guess that it was not a wild creature.

"Captain!" Tunston edged over to shake Koris awake, and the other sat up, rubbing his fists across his eyes in a small boy gesture.

"Captain, the Falconers are out!"

Koris jerked his head sharply up and then got to his feet, shading his eyes against the sun, to watch the slow circles of the bird. He whistled a call which arose in clear notes. Those lazy circles ceased and Simon watched the miracle of speed and precision-the strike. For the bird came in to settle upon the haft of Volt's ax where the weapon lay half hidden in the gra.s.s of this tiny meadow. The curved beak opened and it gave a harsh cry.

The Captain knelt by the bird. Very carefully he picked up one of the trailing cords at its feet and a small metal pendant flashed in the sun. This he studied.

"Nalin. He must be one of the sentries. Go, winged warrior," Koris addressed the restless bird. "We be of one breed with your master and there is peace between us."

"A pity. Captain, that your words will not carry to the ears of this Nalin," commented Tunston. "The Falconers are apt to make sure of the borders first and ask questions later, if any invaders are left alive to ask them of."

"Just so, vagabond!"

The words came from immediately behind them. Almost as one, they whirled, to see only rocks and gra.s.s. Had it been the bird that spoke? Jivin eyed the hawk doubtfully, but Simon refused to accept that piece of magic or illusion. He fingered his only weapon, the knife which had been in his belt when he had made the sh.o.r.e.

Koris and Tunston showed no surprise. It was apparent they had expected some such challenge. The Captain spoke to the air about them, distinctly and slowly, as if his words must carry conviction to the unseen listener.

"I am Koris, Captain of Estcarp, driven upon this sh.o.r.e by storm. And these are of the Guards of Estcarp: Tunston, who is officer of the Great Keep, Jivin, and Simon Tregarth, an outlander who has taken service under the Guardian. By the Oath of Sword and s.h.i.+eld, Blood and Bread, I ask of you now the shelter given when two war not upon each other, but live commonly by the raised blade!"

The faint echo of his words rolled about them and was gone. Then once more the bird gave its screeching cry and arose. Tunston grinned wryly.

"Now I take it, we wait for either a guide or a dart in the back!"

"From an invisible enemy?" asked Simon.

Koris shrugged. "To every commander his own mysteries. And the Falconers have theirs in plenty. If they send the guide, we are indeed fortunate." He sniffed. "And there is no need to go hungry while we wait."

Simon gnawed at the fish, but he surveyed the small meadow cut by the stream. His companions appeared to be philosophical about the future, and he had no idea how that trick with the voice had been worked. But he had learned to use Koris as a measuring instrument when in a new situation. If the Guard Captain was willing to wait this out, then they might not have to face a fight after all. But on the other hand he would like to know more about his might-be hosts. "Who are the Falconers?"

"As Volt," Koris' hand went to the ax, slipping in caress down its handle, "they are legend and history, but not so ancient.

"In the beginning they were mercenaries, come overseas in Sulcar s.h.i.+ps from a land where they lost their holdings because of a barbarian invasion. For a s.p.a.ce they served with the traders as caravan guards and marines. Sometimes they still hire out when in their first youth. But the majority did not care for the sea; they had a hunger for mountains eating into them, since they were heights born. So they came to the Guardian at Estcarp city and suggested a pact, offering to protect the southern border of the land in return for the right to settle in the mountains."

"There was wisdom in that!" Tunston broke in. "It was a pity the Guardian could not agree."

"Why couldn't she?" Simon wanted to know.

Koris smiled grimly. "Have you not dwelt long enough yet in Estcarp, Simon, not to know that it is a matriarchate? For the Power which has held it safe lies not first in the swords of its men, but in the hands of its women. And the holders of Power are in truth all women.

"On the other hand the Falconers have strange customs of their own, which are as dear to them as the mores of Estcarp are to the witches. They are a fighting order of males alone. Twice a year picked young men are sent to their separate villages of women, there to sire a new generation, as stallions are put out to pasture with the mares. But of affection, or liking, of equality between male and female, there is none recognized among the Falconers. And they do not admit that a woman exists save for the bearing of sons.

"Thus they were to Estcarp savages whose corrupt way of life revolted the civilized, and the Guardian swore that were they to settle within the country with the consent of the witches the Power would be affronted and depart. So were they told that not by the will of Estcarp could they hold her border. However they were granted leave to pa.s.s in peace through the country with what supplies they needed, to seek the mountains on their own. If there they wished to carve out a holding beyond the boundaries of Estcarp the witches would wish them well and not raise swords against them. So it has been for a hundred years or more."

"And I take it they were able to carve out their holding?"

"So well," Tunston answered Simon's question "that three times have they beaten into the earth the hordes of Dukes of Karsten have sent against them. The very land they have chosen fights upon their side."

"You say that Estcarp did not offer them friends.h.i.+p," Simon pointed out. "What did it mean then when you spoke of the Oath of Sword and s.h.i.+eld, Blood and Bread? It sounded as if you did have some kind of an understanding."

Koris became very busy picking a small bone from his fish. Then he smiled and Tunston laughed openly. Only Jivin looked a little conscious, as if they spoke of things it was better not to mention.

"The Falconers are men-"

"And the Guards of Estcarp are also men?" Simon ventured.

Koris' grin spread, though Jivin was frowning now. "Do not misunderstand us, Simon. We have the greatest reverence for the Women of Power. But it is in the nature of their lives that they are apart from us, and the things which may move us. For, as you know, the Power departs from a witch if she becomes truly a woman. Therefore they are doubly jealous of their strength, having given up a part of their life to hold it. Also they are proud that they are women. To them the customs of the Falconers, which deny that pride as well as the Power, reducing a female to a body without intelligence or personality, are close to demon-inspired.

"We may not agree with the Falconers' customs, but as fighting men we Guards pay them respect, and when we have met with them in the past there was no feud between us. For the Guards of Estcarp and the Falconers have no quarrel. And," he tossed aside the spit from which he had worried the last bite of fish, "the day may be coming soon when the fact shall be an aid to us all."

"That is true!" Tunston spoke eagerly. "Karsten has waned upon them. And whether the Guardian wills it or not, if Karsten marches upon Estcarp the Falconers stand between. But we know that well and this past year the Guardian turned her attention elsewhere when the Big Snow struck and grain and cattle moved southward to Falconer villages."

"There were women and children hungry in those villages," Jivin said.

"Yes. But the supplies were ample and more than villagers ate," countered Tunston.

"The falcon!" Jivin jerked a thumb skywards, and they saw that black and white bird sail through the air over their campsite. It proved this time to be the fore-scout of a small party of men who rode into view and sat watching the Guards.

The horses they bestrode were akin to ponies, rough-coated beasts that Simon judged were nimble footed enough on the narrow trails of the heights. And their saddles were simple pads. But each possessed a forked horn on which perched at ease one of the falcons, that of the leader offering a resting place to the bird that had guided them.

As did the Guards and the man of Sulcarkeep, they wore mail s.h.i.+rts and carried small, diamond-shaped s.h.i.+elds on their shoulders. But their helms were shaped like the heads of the birds they trained. And, though he knew that human eyes surveyed him from behind the holes in those head coverings, Simon found the silent regard of that exotic gear more than a little disquieting.

"I am Koris, serving Estcarp." Koris, the great ax across his forearm, stood up to face the silent four.

The man whose falcon had just returned to its perch held up his empty sword hand palm out in a gesture as universal and as old as time.

"Nalin of the outer heights," his voice rang hollow in the helm-mask. "Between us there is peace. The Lord of Wings opens the Eyrie to the Captain of Estcarp."

Simon had doubts about those ponies carrying double. But when he mounted behind one of the Falconers he discovered that the small animal was as sure-footed on the slightest of trails as a burro and the addition of an extra rider appeared to be no inconvenience.

The trails of the Falconer's territory were certainly not laid to either entice or comfort the ordinary traveler. Simon kept his eyes open only by force of will as they footed along ledges and swung boots out over drops he had no desire to measure.

Now and again one of the birds soared aloft and ahead, questing out over the knife slash valleys which were a feature of the region, returning in time to its master. Simon longed to ask more concerning the curious arrangement between man and bird, for it seemed that the feathered scouts must have a way of reporting.

The party came down from one slope onto a road which was smooth as a highway. But they crossed that and bored up into the wilderness once more. Simon ventured to speak to the man behind whom he rode.

"I am new to this southern country-is that not a way through the mountains?"

"It is one of the traders' roads. We keep it open for them and so we both profit. You are this outlander, then, who has taken service with the Guards?"

"I am."

"The Guards are no blank s.h.i.+elds. And their Captain rides to a fight and not from it. But it would seem that the sea has used you ill."

"No man may command storms," Simon returned evasively. "We live-for that we offer thanks."

"To that give thanks in addition that you were not driven farther south. The wreckers of Verlaine haul much from the sea. But they do not care for living men. Someday," his voice sharpened, "Verlaine may discover that none of her cliffs, nor her toothed reefs shall shelter her. When the Duke sets his seal upon that place then it will no longer be a small fire to plague travelers, but rather a raging furnace!"

"Verlaine is of Karsten?" Simon asked. He was a gatherer of facts where and when he could, adding them piece by piece to his jigsaw of this world.

"Verlaine's daughter is to be wed to the Duke after the custom of these foreigners. For they believe that holding of land follows a female! Then by such a crooked right the Duke will claim Verlaine for its rich treasure seized out of storm seas, and perhaps enlarge the trap for the taking of all coastwise s.h.i.+ps. Of old we have given our swords to the traders, though the sea is not our chosen battlefield, so shall we perhaps be summoned when Verlaine is cleansed."

"You reckon the men of Sulcarkeep among those you would aid?"

The bird's head on the shoulders before him nodded vigorously."It was on Sulcar s.h.i.+ps that we came out of blood, death and fire overseas, Guardsman! Sulcar has first claim upon us since that day."

"It will no more!" Simon did not know why he said that, and he regretted his loose tongue immediately.

"You bear some news, Guardsman? Our hawks quest far, but not as far as the northern capes. What has chanced to Sulcarkeep?"