Chapter 8: The Tracker

The winter sun glowed in a cloudless sky, casting a warm light on Katalin and her companions. It was a welcome contrast to the snow and fog that had made their journey difficult earlier in the day. Katalin could tell that the temperature was rising above freezing, which likely meant they would encounter muddy paths as the ground thawed.

They were now on the main road, which was still hard packed dirt but it was much wider and more heavily trafficked than the paths they had been using. The road was in good condition, with drainage ditches on either side to preventing flooding.

Rollo walked ahead of Katalin, leading the warhorse that carried Brom's lifeless form across its saddle. The beast seemed to have accepted its unusual burden, plodding steadfastly to the south. A few steps in front of Rollo was Garren, his gaze fixed on the path ahead, while Wulfgar scouted far ahead for any potential threats.

As secrecy was no longer a primary concern Katalin had Charlie's round shield strapped to her backpack. She had also managed to tie her hammer's polished ash haft to hang from her belt, in easy reach if needed for defense.

During a short break Garren showed Katalin on the map that they were heading towards Springvale Junction, a large village located where the Kongalith river fed into the larger Rikisbad. The surrounding villages used this road to transport their goods to the junction for shipping downriver. It seemed likely that Tamas would have someone posted in the town but it was not marked with an X on the map and hopefully Garren and Wulfgar could slip into town, turn Brom and his gear over to someone and slip back out unnoticed.

As they continued, Katalin scanned the path behind them for any trace of the half-elf or Charlie, periodically glancing at the low Ardrihorn Mountains to the east. Their gently sloped peaks had grown familiar over recent days of travel through the forested foothills. Now Katalin noticed darker storm clouds were gathering beyond the timbered ridges. She felt a trickle of concern, hoping the brooding skies would not bring harsh weather upon them.

Taking the main road was a risky move, but they needed to travel quickly and it was a chance they were willing to take. They were making good time and Katalin noticed how the terrain had changed since leaving Butterridge. When they began four days earlier, they had been surrounded by wide open fields with scattered patches of trees. Now the distant mountains loomed closer and larger, the landscape becoming more varied with rolling hills and rocky outcroppings.

The day passed without event as the foursome maintained their steady southern heading. Occasionally they spotted farmers and peasants inspecting winter-ravaged fields or repairing structures on the scattered homesteads flanking the road. These simple folk took little notice of travelers passing by, focused as they were on preparations for the coming spring planting season.

When the sun kissed the tops of the western tree line, Wulfgar dropped back to rejoin the group, a pair of lean rabbits dangling from his belt. He led them a quarter mile off the main road to a sheltered clearing, ringed by towering evergreens that would block wind and prying eyes.

Katalin surveyed the secluded campsite and turned to Garren. "Now that we've joined the main road, speed is more important than secrecy. And judging by those two rabbits Wulfgar's hunted up - I'd say he's hoping we risk a fire tonight rather than face another cold meal of hard bread, cheese, and torvgras."

Wulfgar grinned and patted the lean game dangling from his belt. "What, these two? Aw, no - they just been followin' alongside me all day insistin' on joining us for dinner!"

Garren pondered a moment, considering their need for haste versus the slight risk of being detected. Finally, he nodded. "You're right, and a hot meal would do us good. And we shouldn't disappoint Wulfgar's furry friends if they wish to be honored guests at our camp tonight."

Katalin smiled at his enthusiasm. After the fight that morning, the promise of a hearty meal had lifted their spirits already. "Thank you," Katalin said, genuinely grateful.

Garren glanced at Wulfgar. "Will you gather some firewood? And take Rollo to help - but do not let him out of your sight."

Wulfgar nodded, and after dropping their packs, he and Rollo moved off to collect kindling for a fire.

Garren and Katalin dropped their own packs by the others then moved to unload the gear and provisions from the horse. Lastly, they pulled down the sad bundle of Brom's body, laying it under a leafless elm a short distance from where their fire would be.

As the kindling snapped, Katalin was pleased to see Wulfgar produce a small pan from his gear, along with a pouch of salt and some wild garlic and chickweed he'd gathered that day. Watching him dress and prepare the rabbits with a practiced hand reminded her of times she and her friends would cook over an open fire in Mayfair Meadow.

The scent of wood smoke and sizzling meat soon had everyone drawing close to warm themselves. When at last Wulfgar piled the cooked portions out onto makeshift bark plates, he made sure to divvy equal shares. Rollo looked surprised but grateful to be included in the hot meal along with his captors. As the four took their plates and sat together by the firelight, their weariness seemed to lift with each mouthful of the first hot meal since their journey began.

As they ate, talk soon turned to establishing a night watch. "We can't let our guard down," Garren said, taking a bite of the rabbit. "We know that Kael is tracking us, and maybe Charlie, and who knows how many others." Then gesturing at Rollo, "And we need to keep an eye on our new young friend here."

Wulfgar nodded in agreement. "We should take shifts throughout the night. I'll take first watch. That way I can get a full night's rest and get an early start to mark our path."

"A sound plan," Garren agreed. "I'll take the last shift before dawn." He then glanced at Katalin and said, "You take middle watch. It seems unlikely anyone could sneak up on you in the dark."

Katalin just nodded her head in agreement intently gnawing the meat off a bone.

Rollo curiously eyed the exchange between Garren and Katalin and then raised his eyebrows in alarm at the noise of Katalin cracking the bones with her teeth and sucking out the marrow.

Katalin looked up to see Rollo watching her and offered a greasy smile before picking up another piece of rabbit and going to work again.

Katalin watched Rollo shake his head and smile as he chewed a mouthful of rabbit by the fireside. He seemed in much brighter spirits than he had been when they first made camp. Meeting her gaze, he set down his plate and addressed the group earnestly.

"I can do a watch," Rollo said, his tone serious. "It's only fair that I earn my bread in return for your kindness."

At this offer Wulfgar chuckled and made a show of eyeing the leather strips loosely restraining Rollo's hands. "Oh? You'll wake us all if there's trouble, will ya now?"

Katalin watched Rollo duck his head bashfully under the gentle ribbing, though his smile held as he responded. "Just thought I'd ask is all."

Studying Rollo, Katalin felt pleased to see his aura had gone from an earlier swirling mix of colors to now holding calm tones of light green and brown. That reminded her, this would be a good time to read more of her father's journal and see if she could find what he had to say about the aura colors.

Retrieving the leather journal from her pack she settled closer to the firelight to read. Glancing over, she saw Garren had laid out his bedroll preparing to retire quickly.

Katalin blew out a tired breath and leaned back against a weathered log to read. Later, looking up from the text she saw Wulfgar still speaking to Rollo in hushed tones across the fire. She was glad to see the scout engaging Rollo in friendly conversation.

With only a small amount of wood remaining for the morning, Katalin decided it was time to end the night. She carefully closed her journal and packed it away before preparing her bedroll. After putting out the fire, she took a moment to survey their surroundings. Garren and Rollo were fast asleep, while Wulfgar sat on a nearby rock, keeping watch with sharp eyes. She then crawled into her bed and drifted off into a dreamland filled with images of fiery forges, stout dwarves, and the rhythmic sound of hammers striking anvils.

When Wulfgar woke Katalin to take over the watch she felt surprisingly well-rested. She initially thought he must have stretched out his turn to let her rest longer but upon studying the stars, she realized she had only been asleep for a few hours.

Wulfgar reported he had seen nothing amiss in the night and climbed into his already prepared bedding. Several hours later, before the sky began to lighten, Katalin roused Garren for the last watch, informing him that both her shift and Wulfgar's had passed without incident. She returned to her bedroll and fell back asleep, this time without any dreams, or at least none that she could recall.

At the edge of dawn, Garren rekindled the campfire and began frying bacon. The sounds of his movement roused Wulfgar, who got up and began packing his gear and preparing his pack, ready to head out at first light. Once the bacon finished, Garren woke both Katalin and Rollo. They all ate quickly, soaking hard bread slices in hot bacon grease.

When he finished eating, Wulfgar hoisted his pack and set off to survey the way ahead. The remaining three began breaking down camp, Katalin and Rollo securing Brom's shrouded corpse atop the horse once more. They then finished loading the mount and prepared to depart.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

Continuing in a southern direction, the road curved towards and then ran parallel to the Rikisbad river. The river was calm and wide, its shaded banks blanketed in ice and frost. Garren again pulled out the map and traced the sinuous lines of the rivers, showing Katalin how the Kongalith emerged from the Ardrihorn peaks to the east then curved to the north at Springvale Junction and joined the larger Rikisbad. "I am afraid with the trouble we had the crossroads it won’t be safe to wait for the caravan at the junction. Once we are past, we will have to cross a number of small rivers and streams coming from the east to feed the Rikisbad. We will continue south on the river road until we reach the border of Stonehaven territory and Baron Eadric Ironhelm's Holdings."

"Is that where we will meet the caravan if we can't wait at the junction?" Katalin asked.

"Yes. The baron has a large town called Crown's Landing on the border of his lands and the duchy. We will wait there for the caravan."

"Crown's Landing?" asked Katalin.

"The Ironhelms are known for their visions of grandeur. I think they got the idea from the Stonehavens."

Katalin laughed, "So from my father too in a small way."

Garren grinned and nodded, "Maybe not so small from what you read to us from the journal. Anyway, the baron floats logs down to the river traders for their rafts or all the way to the Pride Sea for ship construction. He also trades with the independent clans up in the Ardrihorns and makes a good deal of coin taxing those of us going to or from Harbor's Rest to the south. Despite being isolated out here the baron is quite wealthy. He protects his land fiercely and I don't think he will allow anyone, including Lord Tamas's men, to trespass without permission."

Garren put the map away and added, "Crown's Landing is a constant hub of strangers coming and going. We'll blend in easily while we wait."

Some hours later, Wulfgar rejoined them and led the group about halfway around Springvale Junction to a sheltered glen. "Wait here while we go into town," he told Katalin and Rollo. "With luck it will only be a short time before we collect you."

After they unloaded Rollo and Charlie's gear from the horse, Garren and Wulfgar continued on toward the settlement leading the horse with Brom over the saddle and his gear tied on top. Katalin settled in to wait with Rollo, hoping their companions would return soon.

As they waited Garren and Wulfgar's return, Rollo took a seat on a large nearby rock and regarded Katalin curiously. "What did Garren mean; no one can sneak on you in the dark?"

Katalin waved it off. "Just joking that I have sharp ears."

Rollo looked puzzled and asked, "You have pointy ears?" But then noticing that Katalin was suddenly alert and staring towards the tree line, he turned his head to try and follow where she was looking.

Katalin took a cautious step toward the trees. The shield she had claimed from Charlie was with their packs but she rested one hand on the shaft of her hammer hanging from her belt. She was certain she had seen the dim outline of someone's aura. "Come out. We aren't going to hurt you," she called. Rollo scanned the woods anxiously but saw nothing.

After a long pause, a tall, slender form emerged from the shadows about thirty paces away. He was clad in muted, earth-toned garments with a cloak of leaves and cloth of green hues draped across his shoulders. Katalin could see a bow peaking over his shoulder and did not fail to note the significance that it was strapped to his back rather than in his hand. His hood was down, allowing his jet-black hair to flow out and reveal elven features and intense eyes that were locked on Katalin. The two stood still, staring at each other, the moment almost frozen until broken by Rollo.

"It's him! The tracker that told us you were coming! Untie me and let me have my crossbow," Rollo urged Katalin.

"Peace, Rollo," Katalin replied calmly, her gaze fixed on Kael, watching his aura. She was surprised that the aura was primarily white with a mix of orange. She had come to associate white as neutral and it was not what she expected from someone who had been tracking her for days. She had no idea what the orange meant. "Things are well," she told Rollo. She then began slowly approaching the tracker with her hands open and held out to her sides.

Katalin stopped about fifteen paces away and lowered her open hands in a peaceful gesture. The half-elf tracker remained silent. After a lengthy pause, Katalin spoke up, "Good afternoon Kael Riverstride. We were about to take some bread and dried meat if you'd care to join us."

To her surprise, Kael responded with a deep bow, "It is an honor to finally meet the 'Lady of Mayfair Meadow'."

The half-elf's response caught Katalin off guard, leaving her speechless for a moment. She stared at him, trying to process his words before finally asking, "How is it that you know me by that name?"

Kael replied confidently, "Years ago, Ilmandur passed word amongst our kin - should the Lady of Mayfair Meadow have need, do all possible to aid her."

Katalin's thoughts spun...if that were true though, why had he been pursuing them for Tamas? She asked as much aloud.

Kael approached slowly. "When word went out that Tamas sought a tracker, I paid it no heed - the man is crass and I desired no dealings with him. But the moment I learned his quarry was Katalin, daughter of Henrik, I rushed to take up the contract."

"Why," Katalin asked, wanting to understand. "Why did you feel it was necessary to take the job of tracking me?"

"To ensure that no one else would get to you first," Kael responded. "It was the most efficient way for me to help you."

"But you turned me in to Tamas' men," Katalin replied, confused.

"I had to fulfill the agreement, but I was careful to limit my duties to only reporting your location. My plan was to find a way to free you after, but clearly that proved unnecessary."

Katalin pondered this, staring at the enigmatic half-elf then gestured vaguely with one hand. "I have so many questions. What happens now? Did you see the fight at the crossroads? Have you seen the other soldier called Charlie tracking us?"

Kael gave a light laugh and replied "Peace, Lady of Mayfair, I will answer all your queries. But let us not stand thus when you first offered sustenance."

He walked past Katalin to where Rollo waited and nodded in greeting. "Hello again, good fellow."

Rollo nervously swallowed and echoed a tense hello in return. The half-elf's casual demeanor did little to ease Rollo's obvious nervousness.

The half-elf used one arm to pull back his leaf-patterned cloak, revealing a light pack strapped over his shoulders between his bow and a quiver of arrows. He reached inside and produced a small bundle, unwrapping leaves to reveal an unusual bread.

"I would like to offer you both some Sidhbread - an elvish bread used for traveling," Kael explained. "And I am most eager to try this torvgras your man Wulfgar is so fond of."

Approaching from behind, Katalin stopped short. "You've been close enough to hear our talk?"

Kael shrugged apologetically. "To be fair my lady, your party makes little effort towards quietness in camp, though your scout fares well enough when ranging on his own."

Katalin thought about it a moment and shrugged, then started to reach into the bag of torvgras always hanging from her belt, but then paused. Instead she retrieved the lighter pack of dried meat, fat, berries and honey her mother had given her - the delicacy her father called sweetflesh.

She offered a square to both Rollo and Kael. Rollo immediately bit off a large piece, his eyebrows shooting upwards in surprise as he chewed with evident enjoyment.

Kael sniffed at the odd looking food curiously. He took a small nibble, then grinned and settled comfortably on the nearby rock where Rollo had earlier sat and took a heartier bite.

Katalin bit into the proffered Sidhbread and couldn't restrain an appreciative murmur. She joined Kael sitting on a tree stump near his rock and took another blissful bite. Seeing Katalin's enjoyment, Rollo followed suit, sampling the bread. His eyes lit up and he looked around, hoping to find nearby seating. Finding none, he grabbed his pack to use as an improvised perch, happily alternating between the two foods.

After a long drink from her water skin, Katalin prompted "So...about my questions?"

"First, If I may ask, I have a question," Kael said.

Katalin nodded for him to continue.

"How did you discern my presence in the woods earlier?" Kael asked.

Before Katalin could respond, Rollo piped up "It's something to do with her pointy ears..." He stopped suddenly and his gaze turned suspiciously toward Kael's own tapered ears.

Kael tilted his head looking at Rollo in momentary confusion. With a quick shake of his head he turned back to Katalin, "Alright then. Which of your questions would you like answered first?"

Katalin paused, considering, and then asked "Have you seen the soldier Charlie since the fight?"

I have," Kael nodded. "As I waited for Charlie to emerge from the village, I drafted two reports - one for Tamas and one for Duke Alaric. Eventually Charlie trudged back to the empty crossroads. Finding no one, he plopped down disconsolately amidst the intersection."

Rollo snorted. "Charlie's useless without someone ordering him about."

"I then approached your man Charlie on the road. He did not even notice me till my shadow fell across him."

Kael stopped and shook his head, apparently disgusted. "I won't impugn the man's composure and say he was frightened, but I will say he suddenly smelled rather...ripe."

Rollo and Katalin exchanged disgusted looks as Kael continued, "He babbled excuses about being forced to retreat from an ambush. I let him finish his nonsense then provided the fool enough coin for his return to Stonehaven along with instructions to deliver my reports."

"What if he gives both reports to Tamas and none to the Duke?" Katalin asked pointedly.

Kael waved a hand. "I stressed most firmly that the Duke's letter must reach him first, lest grim tidings find their way to Charlie's doorstep. I can be quite persuasive when properly motivated."

"You threatened him," Rollo said.

"Let us say I illuminated the wisdom of obeying my directions." Kael grinned.

Katalin raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly did these reports of yours say?"

"They were identical letters detailing how I tracked you per the agreement and witnessed Tamas' men confronting you as contracted. I clearly stated my paid duties were then complete and the deal closed. No mention was made of your companions."

Rollo looked surprised. "You didn't tell about her having help?"

Kael shrugged. "The contract held no stipulation to track or divulge details beyond the lady herself."

"Won't Tamas just send more soldiers once word reaches him?" Katalin asked.

"Likely so," Kael nodded. "But three advantages sway in your favor."

"Three?" Katalin asked plainly.

Kael held up his thumb, "First, it will take considerable time for Charlie to deliver the news and for Tamas to marshal a new pursuit. He may by chance run into men already moving this way but that is in the hands of the fates."

"That's one," Katalin prodded.

Kael raised his index finger, "Second, I have obscured your path since you left Butterridge, which includes your way here from the crossroads."

Katalin brightened thankfully at that revelation. "And the third?"

Last, Kael raised his middle finger, "Third, they will have an inferior tracker attempting to follow you."

Rollo furrowed his brow. "How can you know that?"

Kael grinned smugly and gestured to himself with both hands, "Because it will not be me."

At Kael's cocky boasting, all three chuckled.

Katalin then asked "So...what happens now?"

Kael waved a hand airily. "Who can say? As I've heard told - the dragon of destiny often arrives rampant."

Katalin and Rollo blinked.

"Er, I mean...your path is yours to walk as chance allows," Kael amended. "I myself will need to seek a new contract."

Katalin and Rollo shared a disappointed look. "How much do your, ah, contracts cost?" Rollo asked.

Katalin looked suddenly thoughtful as Kael replied "It depends on the task, but..." He turned his gaze to Katalin. "How much coin have you in hand?"

In response, Katalin pulled the purse gifted by her brother from her tunic and lobbed it casually over. Kael snatched it from the air and reaching back under his cloak, dropped it into his pack without looking inside. "Amazing, this is exactly the amount I had in mind for my next contract!"

Rollo and Katalin grinned at each other.

Kael stood from his rock and swept a gallant bow. "Well, my lady, you've purchased yourself a tracker. Whom shall I be pursuing next?"

Katalin considered a moment before replying "Would you mind if we waited for Garren and Wulfgar's return? I'd like to discuss it with them."

"Certainly, certainly," Kael agreed amiably.

After a brief pause he then asked "I don't suppose you have any more of that sweetflesh? And would you be willing to share the recipe?"