Night Calls the Raven (Book 2 of The Master of the Tane) (31 page)

“Renja!”

His eyes widened in anguish, and then in anger, as he was suddenly jolted back into his body. Instead of seeing into the window where he knew he would find Tam, he found himself staring into the angry eyes of a Tjal woman who had a grip on his arms and was shaking him wildly. His green eyes flashed. He’d had enough of Jne’s coddling and meddling. He knew Tam was there, just beyond the window’s glass, but he still wanted to see her. He needed to make sure she wasn’t tied up—captured by the HuMans as Dor had been. He did feel a sense of relief that she was no longer among the trolls and goblins, but his heart felt heavy not knowing whether or not she was truly free. He would have to go back. He would have to ride the winds to Haykon again to confirm she was safe. He had to know. And, he admitted to himself, he wanted to look on her again—but not yet. “Pack the tent,” he snapped. “We leave, now.”

Jne opened her mouth as if to protest but then quickly shut it to Thane’s own surprise. Though he was angry at being interrupted, he still expected a battle from her. Nothing was ever easy with Jne; but she merely turned about and strode purposefully back to the tent. He sighed. Even though she hadn’t questioned him now, he knew that it was only a matter of time before she cornered him.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

It was well after dawn before Jne said anything. She had gathered the tent and their belongings in mere moments and had them on their way almost before Thane had returned to camp. He could sense she was not happy with him but appreciated the silence as they rode, able now to clear his thoughts and think on what he needed to do next. He quickly determined there was no sense making plans though, until he knew for certain Tam’s condition. So, he spent most of his time allowing the relief he felt wash over him at her freedom from the massive gathering of goblins and trolls.

They descended again from the mountain slope, hugging the base of the range and the easier route found on the plains. They needed to circumvent the mountains anyway to reach Haykon and with the spring thaw, water was plentiful and easy to find as it made is way to the lower plains.

“You dishonor me,” Jne said, suddenly breaking the silence.

Thane felt immediate anger at her comment. He was tiring quickly of her
Jinghar
status and how he was being punished by it more than she. He had not asked for her to come. He had not asked for her to be his
Jinghar
. He felt like he could do nothing without offending her honor.

“You dishonor yourself,” he hissed, unable to control his frustration. Jne’s eyes flashed and she opened her mouth to say something but Thane ignored her and kept on talking. “You claim to care about my honor as well as your own but you hold onto me as if I were a child. You dishonor me. I refuse to be coddled any longer. I will go where I want, when I want, and do what
I want whether you like it or not. If you desire to stay with me, then you must learn to respect my honor. Otherwise, I will force you away to return with your shame back to your village.”

Jne’s eyes were bright with fury and Thane was certain he was in for a tongue-lashing that would last for hours. He knew he was being hard on her, but it had to stop. His road was too important to be harassed by Jne’s attempts at being
Jinghar
. He braced himself for her stinging rebuke but silence followed instead of rage. He glanced over to her and was surprised to see her face had suddenly become ashen and her lip was slightly quivering.

“You are right, Renja of the Chufa,” she half whispered. “I have shamed you and myself. I have no right to try and force your path. It is required of me to only follow and pay my debt to you. I am sorry. I will gladly accept your punishment.”

Thane’s eyes widened slightly. Was he really hearing her correctly? Punishment? He suddenly felt a
little guilty for how hard he had been. “Listen,” he started, “I don’t want to punish you. You punish yourself more than I ever could anyway. But I need to get to my friend and help her and I can’t do it if you keep working against me.” He sighed. “The only reason I agreed to let you come in the first place was because I felt I beat you unfairly.”

Jne regarded him curiously. “How could you have won unfairly?”

He shrugged. “I don’t really know myself. One moment you were bearing down on me certain to kill me and then my swords just began fighting back. It was as if they had a will of their own.”

Jne’s eyes grew cold. “You mock me.”

“No,” he said quickly, turning to her and shaking his head. “I’m serious. Think about it. How could I really have had a chance to beat you? How long have you been practicing with your swords?”

Jne stared at him as if trying to decide whether he was being honest with her or if he was making a joke at her expense. She shrugged. “I cannot remember the first time I picked up my swords. All Tjal start their training as babies.”

Thane was a little shocked at her answer but it further proved his point. “See. I had never used a sword before coming to this side of the mountains. I am skilled with a dagger, yes, but a sword, two swords, is something very new to me. How is it possible that I could have beaten you?”

Jne looked like she was about to be sick. “You should have killed me.”

Thane was incredulous. “What!”

“There is no possible way that you should have beaten me, yet you did. My shame will never be abated. I will remain less than
Jinghar
my whole life.”

Thane put up his hands. “No, no, no. That’s not what I meant. It’s not you.” He suddenly stopped, his face brightening. “It is me!”

She gave him the same quizzical look she often gave him when he felt she was looking at something akin to a mere insect.

He rushed on knowing that her pride and her honor were hanging in the balance. “I mean, you didn’t fail. You should have won. You did win, really, but my Tane must have helped me. You didn’t lose to me, you lost to my Tane.”

Now she was looking at him as if he had hit his head hard on a rock and was babbling on like a mad man. “What is this Tane you speak of? Is he a twin?”

Thane smiled. It had to be the explanation. He had gotten fairly good with his swords, catching on quickly with practice, but he knew that it had taken more than that for him to beat her. It had to be one of his Tane revealing itself just like the ArVen and QenChe had.
But which one? Not the blood or the water. It must have been another manifestation of his TehChao Tane. Swords were made of metal that had come from the earth. And though they were tempered with fire, they were still earth elements that must have responded to his Tane. All the other times his Tane had revealed themselves had been in moments of great need. And there was no greater moment of need than certain death.

Taking a deep breath, he launched into a long description of what the Tane were. He stayed away from his own personal experiences with them but did include that he had the gift of all five, which was unheard of among his people. Jne just nodded, accepting it all without the slightest sign of worry or disgust.

“You must be well respected by your people for having such great ability with all five,” she stated when he finally finished.

Thane smiled weakly, but said nothing. He was not quite ready to face the demons of the past with her. “So, you see,” he continued, “
it really wasn’t me that beat you but my TehChao Tane.” He was pleased with himself. Not only had he discovered something new about his earth Tane, but he was also able to unburden Jne at the same time by explaining away his victory. She would have to give up her
Jinghar
status now.

But Jne shook her head. “It is a good explanation, and I am glad to know it and to know more about you, Renja of the Chufa, but it does not make you any less the winner than before. Your Tane are a part of you. They are just as much what
makes you Renja of the Chufa as your ears that point on the tips. A Tjal will not blame defeat on anything other than his lack of skill to win. In a sense, it is I who lost, not you who won.”

Thane couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He had to admit that she made sense, his own people would have put it in the same manner, but it didn’t help him get rid of the problem of her being
Jinghar
.

He sighed. “Listen to me, Jne. I am glad you are with me but you being
Jinghar
is getting in the way of what I have to do. I don’t need a
Jinghar
, I need a friend.”

She stared at him blankly for a long moment and then shook her head. “I cannot be your friend, Renja of the
Chufa, it would be contrary to being
Jinghar
. That is what I am and I cannot change it.” Thane made to respond but she cut him off. “But,” she continued, “you are right when you say that I have dishonored you and myself by my actions. I have never been
Jinghar
before and therefore am not quit certain on how to act, but I will not get in your way any longer. As
Jinghar
I should follow your orders as long as they don’t interfere with my duty or put you in danger.”

“But what I have to do
is
dangerous,” Thane protested, the frustration returning to his voice.

“Yes,” Jne answered smoothly, a slight smile on her face. “That is better still for it will give me opportunity to fulfill my blood debt.”

Blood debt
. Thane thought.
There it was again
.
Was there more than just being
Jinghar? He shook his head slightly, not ready to delve into another facet of Tjal culture. He needed to find out Tam’s situation and get to Haykon as quickly as possible. Though his talk with Jne seemed to go well, he still couldn’t be sure if anything had really changed.

The rain had stopped long before but the sky was still covered in dark clouds. Thane was certain, though, that the sun had passed its zenith more than an hour before so he called a halt at a small creek meandering across their path so they could eat something and rest the horses. They
hadn’t been pushing too hard but all that might change once he had a better idea of Tam’s situation.

Jne offered him a piece of dried meat she’d pulled from her pack while he watered the horses and got some water for himself. Taking it, he bit into it idly not really tasting it as his mind continued to wonder about Tam. Now that Jne knew about his Tane, it was a perfect opportunity for him to travel the winds and find out Tam’s predicament. He also figured that it might ease things a bit between them if he trusted her more with what he was about instead of sneaking around behind her back. Quickly chewing up the piece of meat and washing it down with water he strode over to where she stood, ever on guard. “I need your help.”

Jne just nodded once and waited patiently for him to reveal his need.

“Do you remember when I told you about the ArVen Tane and that I was able to use it to ride the winds?”

Jne nodded again.

“Well, I need to do it again so I can find Tam. I need you to watch over me while I proceed. But please, don’t shake me or call to me while I am on the winds. It interrupts the connection I form and immediately pulls me back.”

“Understood,” Jne said, a hint of red tinge suddenly coloring her cheeks.

“Great. Now, it may appear like I am unconscious or dead when I do this but don’t worry, it’s just part of the process.”

Jne smiled slightly. “I know. I have witnessed it once before.”

Thane nodded in understanding and then sat on a large rock jutting out from the ground near the stream. Closing his eyes, he called to the wind inviting the thrilling rush that always came with it when he joined in with the currents of air darting across the landscape. Almost
immediately, he felt himself rise, taking hold of the nearest current and letting it pull him along above the ground. Opening his eyes he saw Jne standing next to him looking all around as if trying to decipher where he was. Once she opened her mouth as if ready to call out to him, but quickly shut it not willing to shame herself again by going against his wishes.

Thane smiled and then called for greater speed as he lifted into the air and turned east in his search for Haykon and Tam. Shooting forward, he quickly caught sight of a large dark mass spread out on his right that, albeit slowly, was moving toward the mountain range. Slowing slightly, he banked towards it and then moved higher, remembering his experience with the dragon the night before. It was better to be safe than risk another assault, especially when so close to his body and Jne. He slowed to a mere crawl over the mass but even with his keen eyesight was not able to determine what it was so far below. Sighing in resignation, he dropped lower and to the east side of the group ready to flee away from his small campsite should the need arise.

He quickly determined that whatever they were, the large mass of creatures were probably not friendly. By their direction, he also figured they must have been another evil race joining with the already massive number of trolls and goblins that infested the valley on the opposite side of the mountain. He tried to make a quick count of their numbers but found them too numerous to be accurate. Regaining altitude, he decided he would have to wait to find Tam another time. This was of more immediate importance and danger.

Banking high, he shot back towards his body hoping that none of the creatures below could sense him as the dragon had. Quickly finding Jne, and his body, he dropped back in and reluctantly released the wind. “I found something,” he said, causing Jne to jump at the sudden sound of his voice.

Recovering almost instantly, she merely ask, “What?”

“I’m not sure exactly what they were but their numbers are enormous. Enough to easily overrun a city I would say. They are stout creatures with blackish skin and ears that fan out to the sides.”

Jne’s expression suddenly turned dark at his description. “Orcs,” she said with a slight hiss. “Nasty creatures. They infest the Underwoods with their filth.”

“The Underwoods?”

“The Underwoods is a huge, dark forest far south of here. It’s not a friendly place. It’s infested with orcs and other dark things.” Jne looked puzzled. “Are you certain of your description?”

Thane nodded.

“By what you have said, I would guess that they have completely quit the Underwoods then, but why? They are not given to gather in larger groups than fifty—they tend to fight amongst themselves otherwise. And to be so far from the Underwoods, and in daylight, is unheard of.”

Thane nodded as if in understanding. “Rock trolls are very much the same way. But I think I can at least explain the orc’s behavior. They’re gathering with the rest. They’re gathering to Bedler’s call.”

“Who is Bedler?”

Thane stood up. “He’s the one I was running from when you found me. He has called all of the evil creatures to him, for what purpose I am fearful to think. We must make haste and reach Haykon. I have to get Tam and then find Jack and warn him.”

Jne hesitated, grabbing at Thane’s arm. “What of my people? A group that size would overrun them in minutes.”

Thane looked back in the direction of the invisible mass of orcs. “They are heading straight for the mountains. I don’t think they will change their course or spread out to look for a fight. Their purpose seems clear. They mean to join the others over the mountain.”

Jne stared at him for a long moment, her face not showing any emotion, and then she nodded. “We go as you say, Renja of the Chufa. I will trust in your judgment.”

Thane wasn’t quite sure how to take her last remark. Ever since he first met her she seemed to question or chide him for everything he did. Maybe being
Jinghar
had something to do with it but he doubted it. He let her sudden behavioral change slip though as he grabbed Chtey’s mane and hoisted himself up. The horse could sense his urgency and pawed at the wet ground in anticipation of the chase. Jne also mounted and they were quickly on their way racing farther east on an intercepting course toward the orcs.

It was dusk before Thane’s eyes picked up the dark line ahead. With the sun breaking through the clouds behind them, there was small chance that the orcs would be able to see them approaching. All the same though, they dismounted and left their horses behind to enjoy a well earn meal of spring grass. They had run hard the past few hours and a rest would do them well should things turn sour.

Picking their way carefully, they approached the group quickly but silently. The sun was throwing off its last rays of light when they finally got close enough for Jne to confirm what they both already knew. It was orcs. They were nearing the base of the mountain and stretched back to the south for what must have been at least a mile. The pair watched in awe as the horde moved slowly forward and then suddenly stopped right at the mountains foot, obviously not willing to take to the range until the full light of the following day. They were like a sickening black fog rolling its disease and infestation over the land.

“Well,” Thane whispered. “There’s nothing for it. We’ll have to wait until they pass before moving on.”

Jne watched for a moment longer before nodding her head in agreement and then both pulled back slowly retreating to their mounts. Jne seemed restless, her warrior blood growing hot at the thought of such a large enemy walking unchecked through her homeland. Thane had to confess that he too was somewhat anxious about the orcs and what it meant for them should, or more likely when, Bedler decided to unleash their fury upon the land. Taking out a few orcs now might not make any difference in the overall picture but it would at least give him a sense of doing his duty to protect his friends. But, neither was so foolhardy as to attempt an attack with such a large number camped together.

They did camp, not more than an hour past sundown and all he and Jne could do was wait. Wait for the morning sun and wait for the orcs to pass. Should the clouds move on during the night, which was likely since Thane could smell no coming rain, they were stuck where they were until the orcs left.

After a cold meal, Thane decided to get a closer look at the enemy and try to determine their number with greater accuracy. It was obvious they were not afraid of attack, being in such a large group, and many cook fires popped up all along the plain. It would be plenty of light for him to see by. Jne agreed to his plan but appeared somewhat jealous that she would once again have to remain in camp. He could tell that this sort of existence was not the type she was used to. Calming himself as best he could he reached for and immediately caught hold of the nearest wind current slowly passing by. Urging it on, he picked up speed but kept himself close to the ground this time deciding to circle the group first before taking to the higher aerial view.

He skimmed along the top of the grass brushing it gently as he passed and breathing in the sweet smell it let off mixed with the fresh scent of the previous night’s rain. But that pleasant smell quickly turned foul as he almost ran right into a group of orcs that had broken off from the main camp and were heading toward his and Jne’s position. He made a quick count and then turned and was once again racing back to camp.

“Some have broken off and are moving toward us,” he said after returning to his body. This time Jne didn’t seem to spook with his sudden reanimation.

“How many?” she asked, he hands moving as if hungry to hold her swords.

“Seven,” he whispered, seeing the eager look in her eyes. “They must be out looking for something to fill their bellies. And by the direction they were headed, it shouldn’t be too long before they reach just south of our position.”

“Good,” she said, her tone icy. “It’s dark enough and they’ll be far enough away from camp to make them easy pickings.”

Thane shot her a questioning look. He had never fought an orc before, but if they were anything like rock trolls seven to two was not good odds. He was just about to voice his concern when he suddenly caught sight of them. They had not kept to their original path but instead were headed straight for them. With the horses making such a large target, it was too late to move away without being seen, even in the cover of night. It was fight or be discovered. And they had to take them all or be given up to the larger group. Thane wished now, more than ever, that he had his bow. He could take down at least four of them before they even knew what hit them, but this time his swords would have to do. As they both crouched, Jne grabbed his arm showing him the dagger she had pulled from behind her belt. She motioned for him to do the same and then made a throwing motion with it indicating their first attack. Though preferring his bow, he was also very good at throwing a knife. He smiled at her and nodded.

The stench and sounds of the approaching group was becoming greater and both tensed in anticipation. Jne motioned for him to watch her for the signal and then moved off to the right, circling around to the south. With two fronts of attack they would create a greater amount of confusion, giving them the upper hand. The orcs suddenly increased their approach, having caught sight of the horses. Thane could hear their guttural speech now as they conversed and laughed about their good fortune. They were close, almost on top of him.

Suddenly, Jne stood up and let fly her dagger. The seven orcs turned in time to see the blade impale itself right into the neck of the last one in their group. This gave Thane an easy shot as he also stood and threw his knife embedding it into the neck of another orc, dropping it to the ground. Jne shot forward with her blades slashing, quickly taking out another opponent before any of the orcs could react. Thane moved as well thrusting both blades into the belly of the closest orc as it turned back toward him. The surprise was gone, but now they were only three, where seven had stood only moments before. Two of the orcs turned on Jne, thinking that a woman would be an easy kill while the last one turned its fury on Thane.

Thane maneuvered his swords in a crossing action that slowed the orcs charge but did not stop it from bringing the full weight and force of its weapon downward across Thane’s blades. Its sword was heavier and pushed Thane’s down and away while it thrust its head forward in an attempted butt Thane in the head. Thane dodge away easily and then turned his body around to the left pulling his swords free and away from his opponent. The orc was thrown off balance giving Thane an easy target at the back of its neck. He took it, driving one sword into its spinal cord and the other through the base of its neck.

Turning back to Jne he was just in time to see her dispatch the last orc, the other one already lying in its gore at her feet. He was almost sad he had not been able to watch her and the grace she exhibited while wielding her weapons. It was a beautiful dance of death that both captivated and terrified at the same instant. As she turned toward him, he could see the battle rage that still clouded her vision as if her lust for blood had yet to be satiated. Glaring at him, she suddenly brought back one of her swords and let it fly. Caught off guard, he had no chance to move out of the way as the blade whistled just past his ear and landed into something solid behind him.

Too late, he brought up his swords, eyeing Jne with trepidation but she just smiled at him. It was beautiful, and deadly. Nodding her head she motioned for him to turn around. His first thought was that she meant to try again but this time with him facing away and defenseless but he quickly dismissed it. He knew that had she meant him dead she would not have missed with the first throw and her honor would never allow her to attack him from the rear; he hoped.  Slowly, he did as she’d motioned and gave his back to her. There at his feet was her sword pierced through the heart of the first orc he’d attacked with his dagger.