Book One: Rise of the King

Chapter Twelve

 Anna gave him fresh clothes to wear and a change of clothes to take with him. The tunic was loose enough to move in without being baggy. The trousers were made from flax and fitted neatly over his boots. They were comfortable, easy to move in and solid black. She gave him a sort of poncho that was also in black. She claimed it was water-resistant and would hide him well at night. He took it but wasn't sure if he would need it.

He was surprised by what she could do in less than a day. Not only had she prepared clothing for him, but also for his brothers. She had packed a medical kit that would be perfect for field use. She enlisted two men who had been learning to blacksmith using the books from the common library. She said they had gotten pretty good. When the men presented him with a sword they had created using metal from the wrecked ship, he was impressed beyond measure. It was sharp and lightweight, with a smooth, balanced swing. They had worked six months on the one sword. They had even managed to make a scabbard for it. Engraved on the hilt of the sword was a Celtic cross and the scabbard matched.

The village had come out to watch them go. Angry as he was, Daniel would be joining them. He wouldn't let his wife run off to certain danger and not be at her side. John and some other young men he couldn't remember the names of were carrying packs, ready to go along. When Gray mounted Horse and started out of the village, he had a decent entourage with him. The party numbered a dozen, with Tyler among them. He rode up next to Gray, who gave him a funny look.

"I just want to see my dad. I figure to go back to the village." Tyler explained.

"He'll be glad to see you but he won't want to see you stay." Gray told him. "The village is safe but the rest of Topos is dangerous right now. You have a family to think about first."

Tyler didn't seem to like that, but he didn't say anything else.

Gray looked around at the group. "Time's wasting." He said before leaning in to whisper to Horse. "Let's run, baby."

With that, his mare exploded like a shot across the forest. If the others wanted to go, they'd have to keep up, he supposed. He was surprised to hear the pounding of hooves behind him. The other horses were trying to catch up, God bless them.

Gray could see the camp across the grasses from his position atop of Horse. He had no idea how Charlie had done it, but there was definitely a village that followed the style of the plains villages they had seen. This village was larger and sported two good-sized buildings. He guessed one of them was an infirmary but the other was a mystery. In the middle of it all was the traditional bonfire set-up. Off to the left were two tents, one of which had its flaps up.

"Seloch!"

He heard the cry go out and grinned. He couldn't wait to see Nate, Charlie, Clea and the others. He sure hoped he had been given an aide-de-camp. He could really use a personal runner with all that lay ahead. A man was running through the grass toward him. It took him a moment, but he recognized Intuk, the trusted man of Clea.

"Seloch!" he grinned. "I come help from Clea."

"Good. I need help." Gray admitted, making Intuk grin.

"What I do?"

"Find Nate."

Intuk nodded and took off toward the village again. He liked Intuk. The kid was a rock. Nothing was too much for him and he was loyal to a fault. Gray could kiss Clea for his generosity.

When they reached the village, Nate was walking toward them with a huge grin on his face. "It's about time you got your butt back here. You would not believe how busy we've been."

"Is that my tent?" Gray asked, greeting him with the clasp of the Plains warrior.

"They both are."