Dragon Clan #5: Tanner's Story

CHAPTER FIVE

“There’s only one ship, and it’s not for sale. Besides, we can’t go aboard without revealing ourselves, and we are going to stay and burn the pier,” Tanner said.

“That is not the only ship on this coastline, you know,” Carrion said. “I’m proposing we stick with our original plan and then we find another ship in another port.”

Tanner placed both travel books on the Marlstone Islands in the pack he claimed for himself. He reached for a handful of nuts and said, “There’re too many eyes to buy a ship in Fleming. The invaders will be there, watching.”

“So we don’t go there.”

“You call them ‘invaders’ but the messengers called them ‘the others.' I believe our new enemies need a name,” Tanner said. They were talking about war with people without names. That emphasized how little they knew about them.

“I agree. Years ago I chased a woman with hair down to her butt, I chased her all the way to Racine. I didn’t spend much time in the town, but her bedroom window overlooked the prettiest harbor you ever saw. There were ships of all sorts. Mostly fishing boats, but some were almost as big as that cargo ship tied to the pier.”

“Are you exaggerating?” Tanner demanded.

“Of course, I am. Who would build a fishing boat that big? But some ships probably sail across the Endless Sea. If not, as the owners, we can decide where we sail.”

“Speaking of going, take a look. That ship, the Pearl, has left the pier.”

“One sail up to help steer, and as it reaches the open water more will appear. It’s time you and I head back for the road. When the red attacks, I want to be well away to the south,” Carrion said.

“I won’t see it burn, will I?”

“I suspect there will be a flood of people trying to escape Shrewsbury. There’s really only one way into town, and that’s part of what made it a perfect place to land troops. But we don’t want to get run over by them so we have to get beyond where any will be.”

Tanner tossed the pack over his shoulder. “You’ll be watching it all through the eyes of the dragon. I expect you to tell me what is happening.”

“That I can do. I would like to inspect some of the crates of weapons, too. We’ll be heading south, so a slight detour to the monastery won’t take long.”

“I’d like to see them, too,” Tanner said, taking the lead. He angled them away from the town and up on the hillside where they could keep an eye on the departing ship and avoid any of the constables of town who might be watching the back ways.

When they reached the road, they again used pathways on the side of it. They kept under the canopy of the forest but moved fast. While it was morning, they had a distance to travel and didn’t want to get caught in the dark. However, they also didn’t want the lookout on top of the mountain to report them.

By midday, they reached the fork and turned south. The road wound through small hills and valleys, twisting and turning with the landscape. There was no attempt to conform the road so the road was straighter. In some places, it almost curved back on itself.

Carrion nodded to a side-road as they approached it. “That takes us to the monastery.”

“You said there are guards?”

“The dragon ran them off screaming in terror last time. I expect it will again.”

Tanner said, “Have it approach from the monastery side. That might make the guards flee into the forest instead of the building. I’d like to see what’s stored inside.”

“Good idea. I suspect that’s why they put you in charge.”

“You’re not going to lay off me about that, are you?”

“Not until you’re my age. When you are, I will expect you to treat me with respect.” Carrion threw his head back and laughed as if they had no danger in their future.

However, the laughter made Tanner feel better. There were signs of recent wagons on the dirt road. Wagon tracks were evident at every mud puddle. The grass and small plants were smashed flat, indicating heavy wheels had traveled the road, not long ago. Those same plants recover quickly, usually within a matter of days. Both of them were experienced trackers and didn’t bother pointing out the obvious.

Carrion said, “If you look through the breaks in the trees you’ll see the monastery on that hill over there. Now, I have a question for you. Your suggestion was to have the dragon come from the other direction so the guards don’t take shelter inside. Right?”

“Yes. I said I want to see what’s in there.”

“Me too. But my question to my illustrious leader is this. When they flee, where will they go? What’s the most obvious route for them?”

Tanner glanced around, not understanding the reason for the question. “They’ll flee down the only road. The one we’re standing on.”

“Are you suggesting that we leave the road, and as we get closer, we hide? They may run right by us?”

Tanner just smiled as if that had been his idea.

“I thought so. That’s good planning on your part. I’ll hold off my dragon until we’re closer, as you say. But, those guards are watching for anyone out here, so we need to be careful.”

“That’s what I was going to say next,” Tanner said.

“Of course, you were,” Carrion said with a wink, “There’s thick brush down that way, but then we have to climb the hillside to get to the building. But there isn’t enough cover to hide us the other way.”

“You lead. I’ll stay with you. Where’s the dragon?”

“Close. You should be able to feel him. I moved him in case we run into trouble,” Carrion explained as he started into the brush. They didn’t find any paths until they were almost half way across the small valley.

The slight tingle on his back reminded him the dragon was close, and he felt silly that Carrion had mentioned it. Tanner said, “The guards must hunt this area for food. Deer and whatever, so there should be trails and paths.”

“I’d like to get a little closer before calling in the red. Okay with you?”

“As long as you’ve spotted that guard up on the tower where only his head is visible.”

Carrion flashed his wicked smile. “He was the first one I spotted.”

The first one? There are others? Tanner started watching the windows, ledges, and doorways. He didn’t see any others, but they could be there. Carrion could be teasing, but the circumstances dictated more attention. Tanner made out the form of a guard out on the road, then another on the roof.

They would move out of sight of the guard on the road as soon as they dipped into the valley, but that would provide the other two with better views. They couldn’t help but see Tanner and Carrion.

Tanner said, “Any ideas how we hide from them?”

“I think we circle the building and come in from the south.”

“There’s no road. It’ll be harder.”

“When the dragon flies in, those guards are going to run from it. I think they’ll use the road,” Carrion said. “We don’t want to be on that side, or they’ll run right into us.”

Tanner looked at the distance they’d have to travel, and while it would take half the afternoon, he also determined it was the best alternative. “We’ll stay in the trees and make a big circle. I’d hoped we could do this quickly, but safely is better.”

Carrion turned and moved back into the forest again. He moved faster than Tanner expected, and several paths and trails went in the desired direction. The trees were shorter than Tanner was used to and in places the underbrush almost nonexistent. A few small streams flowed, and stinging insects were at a minimum.

They positioned themselves much closer to the monastery, only a hundred paces from the rear of the massive stone building. There were two doorways on the rear. One was blocked by beams nailed with spikes. But the other was smaller, and from the odors emanating from it, the door opened to the kitchen.

Carrion said, “Not all the guards will run.”

“They’re safe if they stay inside.”

“We’ll use the dragon to scare those outside away. My red’s screams will make more of them hide, but I want to get inside, and that’s going to be dangerous. String your bow. Be prepared to fight.”

Tanner slipped the bow from his shoulder and braced it on the ground. He hooked the bowstring and tested it before reaching for an arrow. The sound of wings beating the air drew his attention. He felt his back stinging with the approach, but it was gentle, almost friendly, not the intense pain the green dragon had caused. The red appeared just over the tops of the trees, almost silent, heading directly for the single guard on the roof.

The warning blare of a horn sounded. A call to arms by the guards. The dragon flew right over Tanner and let out a scream that chilled his blood. It rose higher and then attacked the tower where the guard had been. It ripped the roof off, then struck the tower again, driving its chest at the stone base as it landed. Cracks appeared in the masonry. The dragon rammed it again, and part of the wall crumbled and fell.

Carrion raced forward and kicked open the kitchen door. Without pause, he let loose an arrow and drew another. Tanner peered over his shoulder, but found only a cook, an arrow in his chest, a meat cleaver in his outstretched hand. Two doors stood on the other side of the kitchen.

The first opened to a dining room containing a massive table long enough to seat fifty. One end held a clay pot and maybe ten bowls neatly stacked beside it.

Three guards on duty outside and a cook. That left six men unaccounted for if there was one bowl for each. Carrion spun and opened the other door. It led to a hallway. He ran, checking rooms to either side as he sprinted past. At the end of the corridor stood a large double door. He pulled the one to the left open.

A guard charged at him, sword held high. Tanner let his arrow fly first. The guard fell face first, his arm clenching his weapon. In his hand was one of the short, broad swords Carrion had described. Carrion ran forward, ready to loose another arrow, but no other targets showed themselves.

They were in a room that had been a gathering place, or even a chapel at one time in the past. The ceiling was taller than most trees. Ornate images were worked into the plaster. Gaps in the roof poured sunlight into the room. Puddles of water stood in low places on the stone floors. The room was filled with crates of all sizes.

From another doorway, two guards entered at a run, one shouting at them while the other drew back the string on his bow. Tanner and Carrion leaped for the protection of the nearest crates.

“Where are they?” Tanner mouthed when they didn’t appear where expected.

The scuff of a boot answered. At least one of the guards was also in the maze of crates, and probably both of them. They were hunting the intruders. Tanner realized it was two against two, with the possibility of more joining the other side at any time. A retreat was impossible. Trying to leave the room would give all the advantage to the others.

There was no high ground. No second story or staircase, which was a blessing and a curse depending on which side controlled it. Carrion whispered, “They know where we are. Follow me.”

He moved quickly down a narrow passage between packing crates, then turned right at an intersection. Carrion paused long enough to grab a container and twist it as he pulled. It slid to him, and he put a shoulder into it, despite the noise of the wood scratching loudly on the floor. Tanner stood in the center of the aisle watching both ways for the guards, his bow ready to fire. When the crate blocked the passage, Carrion motioned for them both to enter the small alcove where the crate had been. From there, each watched one direction.

Carrion tapped his shoulder for attention. Tanner turned. Two guards were creeping slowly in their direction. The nearby crates stood taller than either of them; the single crate in the aisle left enough room on either side for a man to slip by.

“On three,” Carrion mouthed, drawing his arrow tighter. He counted. On three, both sidestepped into the passage and let their arrow fly. Both arrows struck with solid sounding strikes. Unfortunately, both flew into the chest of the same man. The other guard released his arrow. It drove into the crate right in front of them. He was pulling his second arrow when Tanner’s second hit him high, almost in the neck.

The guard dropped his bow and reached for the arrow just as Carrion’s second buried itself in his stomach. His knees collapsed, and he fell forward. Carrion put his bow on top of the nearest crate and levered himself up. He used the height to survey the room.

He pointed while pulling another arrow. “Tanner, close that door.”

Tanner ran. A door taller than two men stood open to the outside. He shoved it closed. There were brackets and an iron bar. He set the bar in place and spun.

Another door, smaller and opening to a hallway. He ran to it. There was no way to lock it, but he closed it and ran to the nearest guard they had shot. Tanner grabbed the unfamiliar sword that lay near the dead man’s hand and carried it back to the door. He slid the blade under the door and kicked with his toe until it was solidly in place. He made sure it was secure by pulling on the door.

It wouldn’t hold long, but the noise of anyone trying to get through would warn them. That left the door they use to come through. Carrion was already there. He closed it. Then he slid the nearest crate in front. Anyone entering would have to take the time to shove it aside. That noise would also alert them.

Carrion ordered, “Start breaking open crates. I have to check in with the red.” He sat on the floor, his eyes unfocused.

Tanner ran to the other guard and removed his sword from the scabbard. He used the thick blade to pry the boards off the side of a crate. It contained knives. Hundreds of them. The next crate held breastplates. The colors were not King Ember’s. In others, he found swords, helmets, and cases of bows. All military gear. Enough for an invasion, or to support a war.

Nearly all the crates had green dragons stenciled on them. There were many names of companies and individuals, but all the crates had ended up here.

Then he found another with the evidence he wanted. Flags and pennants. Not Ember’s colors of royal gold and blue, but green and yellow. The yellow crown printed on the field of bright green didn’t hold three points, for the three kingdoms of Princeton. It held five.

He removed several and stuffed them into his shirt. Then he opened more crates. He found tents, blankets, and more weapons. Much more. But the flags and pennants interested him most.

“Time we get out of here,” Carrion called.

The sound of banging on the double doors emphasized his shout to Carrion. They ran into the kitchen. Shoving the crate blocking the door aside, they ran through and out into the rear courtyard without pause. In a hundred steps they were safely in the shadows of the forest, but still running. They heard no pursuit.

Finally, Carrion slowed, bent over and gasped for air. When he could talk again, he asked, “What’d you find?”

“Breastplates, swords, helmets, tents, and so on. But I also found these,” he pulled a few of the pennants and handed them to Carrion.

After a quick look, he said, “Ember’s not going to like this at all.”

“What now?” Tanner asked.

“We need to find a safe place. Let’s keep going south, I’ll see what’s ahead.” Carrion again wore the vacant expression he used with he communicated with the dragon. In no time, the dragon flew over them and beyond.

Tanner waited. He knew better to interrupt. The eyes of Carrion looking through those of the dragon could see more of the landscape in a few moments than Tanner could in a ten-day period.

Carrion’s eyes returned to normal, and he said, “Ahead is a small valley. Beyond that is the road to Racine. We’ll camp there tonight. I still have work to do.”

Tanner nodded. “How far?”

“We’ll be there long before dark.”

Carrion moved through the forest like a blade cutting water. He deviated little and left no evidence of his passing. Tanner tried to emulate him, but the man was a master. The best he could manage was to use his youth and stamina to keep up.

They reached a small crest and through the trees spread a small valley with no signs of habitation. A stream cut down the near side. Carrion unerringly guided them to a small clearing where the water flowed over rocks and instantly soothed Tanner. The day had been one excitement after another. He unrolled his blanket and started to lie down.

“Not yet,” Carrion said. “Gather firewood for tonight. I’d help, but I have to work.”

Tanner watched with a bit of jealously as Carrion closed his eyes as he reached out for his dragon. Tanner moved around, gathering first rocks from the edge of the stream to bank a fire pit, then enough wood for a fire. He kept a close watch on Carrion.

There were ripe huckleberries. Tanner picked them, gathering them into a makeshift basket from one of the pennants.

Carrion sat up. “The monastery is burning. The red had to spit on that great door you barred, and then it pushed in part of a wall. A torch ignited the door. The wood on the crates caught as soon as the dragon spat on them. Then the whole building went up in flames when the roof beams caught.”

“They’ll bring in more supplies. This will only delay them.”

“We’re not done, yet. The red is on his way to Shrewsbury.”

“I’d forgot that.” He handed Carrion the berries.

“Always liked these. Tart and sweet at the same time. Like me.”

“You’ll be careful at Shrewsbury, right?” Tanner hung his head and continued, “Never mind that I said that. I know you will.”