Mjel bit his lips as she attempted to draw the curve of the valley. According to the scouts, the dale ahead was narrow and long; it could have been a viable option for battle. A couple of archers there, a few of the berserkers to the front, and the shield wall could last for an eternity. That is, if they had more people. Say, a couple hundred more.
She simply wanted to occupy her thoughts. Staying awake and being exhausted the next day seemed the lesser evil compared to sleeping and the dreams it brought.
The canvas of her tent folded, and Idamin entered, Asryd and Thoran closely following.
‘Reylynn left the camp.’ Ida stood there straight, being overly formal. Mjel knew it was a bad sign.
‘What happened?’
‘We don’t know. But his companion is not in their tent either.’
‘They left together?’
‘The vinedresser was alone,’ grunted Thoran. Asryd nodded and added:
‘He came to me before he left. He asked about Sallan.’
‘Wake Draggan,’ Mjel said and stood. Ida stayed after the others left. The blonde girl immediately stepped closer.
‘What’s your plan?’
‘I doubt they simply want to spend some time together,’ Mjel whispered, taking up her coat. ‘I don’t let them wander about.’
‘They didn’t go for a merry walk, Mjel, and you know it.’
‘What do you expect from me?’ snapped Mjel. ‘They reached the point of no return. Vardille’s been acting all sullen in recent days, and Sallan, the Godsdamned Sallan is already insane!’
‘It’s not … Mjel, we must find Vardille!’
‘We are bringing them both back.’ Mjel tied her headband and lifted her hammer. Ida stepped to her, her hands gently grabbing the chief’s wrist.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
‘Vardille must be stopped!’ she whispered. ‘Tonight’s the night, but—’
‘What are you talking about?’ Mjel was on the verge of screaming.
‘The horde’s reached us. There’s no escape, Mjel, we can’t fight them! The only chance we have is Bryne.’
Cold clawed at Mjel’s neck as Idamin spoke the name. The Herald tightened her grip.
‘We’re losing time! Send Draggan and the band on their way and come with me! Vardille mustn’t distract Bryne!’
‘Ida, what’s going on?’ Mjel reluctantly followed her friend out of the tent.
‘He’s Reborn, Mjel! He’s the only one that can buy us time. And he knows it perfectly well. The horde is not going to come after us, but he hadn’t told it to Vardille for he knew he’d try to stop him!’
The band woke in an instant, torches were being lit all around. Distant echoes of stir indicated the civilians were also waken by the noises. Draggan spotted Mjel; the next moment he stood by her.
‘What are your orders, chief?’
‘Break camp, take the band, and continue your journey. That was the way we came, so head into … that direction, that’s supposed to be East. Don’t diverge, don’t stop. I’ll follow you soon.’
Draggan’s brow raced to his hairline. ‘What’s going on?’
‘Reylynn and Sallan are missing, and the demons are here.’
Draggan took a few moments before biting his lips.
‘And why does that concern us exactly?’ he whispered.
‘It doesn’t. Will you continue to stand still?’
‘At once, chief!’ Draggan bellowed, turning and shouting orders to the band. Ida leant closer.
‘Mjel, we must go!’
‘We don’t go anywhere. You will leave with the band.’
‘What are you talking about? You can’t go after them alone!’
‘The band needs its Herald,’ Mjel said, defiant. ‘It’s not arguable, Idamin. Just tell me the way.’
Ida, pain distorting her features, bit her lips, her hesitation visible in her feet twitching, aching to leave. Then she reached for her sapphire and waved Mjel to follow her.
‘That’s it,’ she pointed among the trees. From whence they came. From whence the demon horde was supposed to appear. Mjel swallowed.
‘Make sure none’s left behind! Help them with your gem! We’ll come.’
‘Mjel, please—’
‘Go!’
Idamin left with a frustrated groan, rushing to Draggan to help in breaking camp. Mjel did not linger any longer, she darted among the trees, following the trace of those two idiots.