Chapter 15: Racing Back to the Capital (2)

Chapter 15: Racing Back to the Capital (2)

There was no way to tell for sure if the Abhorrent woman was still interested in them, but Captain Ishki traveled under the assumption that she was.

The atmosphere was tense throughout the morning. There was little conversation. No singing. All the soldiers wore full armor and kept their weapons ready. There were no further reserves of golden henbane.

Around the lunch hour, they spotted a village. Captain Ishki called for a short rest, and at the same time, sent Sergeant Tamharu into the town to see if he could send a message ahead of them. He came back thirty minutes later to report that it wasnt possible.

Local constables dont have any fast horses, he reported. No reports of anything strange going on in these parts. Though they said travelers brought rumors of trouble in the capital.

When was that? Captain Ishki asked.

Yesterday. The travelers who brought the gossip left north early in the morning, so no way to question them.

Captain Ishki frowned. Once we get past Asnu Gorge, well have plenty of chances to send a messenger ahead to the capital.

After lunch, the atmosphere lightened a bit, as they left behind the horror of the hilltop battle. By dinner, the soldiers even managed some singing.

Just after dawn, Captain Ishki led the morning prayer, asking the Pontifarch for guidance and protection. There was more singing on the road. Things almost seemed like theyd gone back to normal, at least as the traveling was concerned.

I guess the worst is over, Xerxes thought. But then he started thinking about the monstrous creature theyd fought. And as his mind wandered, something occurred to him. Looking over at Gandash and Bel, who were riding next to him, he said, What do you think she wants? Or wanted, I guess.

Gandash shook his head. I wish I knew. I can summon the things, and control the ones I summon. And Buhhu mages do have a lot of information about the Abhorrent. But I dont remember hearing of any kind that looks like that.

Ive been thinking about it, Xerk, said Bel. Do you remember what she said when we first saw her?

Not really, he answered. Her language is weird. I mean, the mere sound of it makes my breath catch in my throat.

She shuddered. Me too. But Im pretty sure I heard her say the word melam. More than once.

Hmm. Xerxes thought about it for a bit. You might be right. What do you think it means?

What if she said, then trailed off and bit her lip.nove(l)bi(n.)com

What if what? Gandash asked softly.

What if shes after us?

Us? Xerxes said. You mean the three of us?

The soldiers reacted quickly. The archers retreated while Tamharu led his soldiers forward.

Free me so I can fight! shrieked Ligish.

Im going in, Bel said.

No, Ishki said. Bel, Gandash, back up. Squad Three, form a line.

Xerxes felt nearly overwhelmed with terror. However, his horse seemed even more frightened, as it reared, throwing him before bounding away, taking his sword with it. He landed flat on his back on the mossy stone surface of the bridge. The wind wasnt knocked out of him, but it sure hurt.

As he scrambled to his feet, he saw the Abhorrent grab a soldier and throw him screaming off the bridge. Then she turned and looked at him. Before, shed had a face and breasts like a marble statue. Now, her features were marred by the blow from his fist, from poison arrows, and from the noxious slime of the spawn Gandash had summoned.

Grk baya melam, she said, lips parting to reveal her sharp teeth.

He crawled to his feet and reached for his component pouch.

One of Tamharus Squad One swordsmen tried to slash at her legs, but she batted him away. He slammed into the side of the bridge so hard Xerxes heard the cracking sound as his neck broke.

Captain, they need my help! Bel said. I can

No, and thats an order!

The Abhorrent began moving toward Xerxes.

His nose flared. At the same time, he grabbed some crabnickel powder and started drawing the Asgagu Isten rune.

The Abhorrent said something else in her weird language, then lifted a hand.

Xerxes finished drawing the rune, and felt the rush of energy through him. Melam surged to his hand, and light shone as his hand became a living weapon.

Bring it on, he growled, settling into a fighting stance.

The Abhorrent womans fingers shot out. Xerxes dodged them easily. Too easily. That was when he realized her attack was a feint.

Looking to the left, he saw that her fingers had arced over the heads of Squad Three and were closing in on Gandash. Two white, hose-like appendages pierced his thigh and side, while others wrapped around his neck and leg.

All Gandash managed was a choked yelp as he was dragged off his horse and toward the monstrous woman.