Shardfall, The Shardheld Saga, #1

CHAPTER 12 - CHANGES

Muus awoke in a sea of pain. His hands, his chest burned as if on fire. Bitter smoke clung to his nostrils and nausea fought with a terrible headache. He wanted to die.

'I told him.' That was Hraab's voice, sounding aggrieved. 'I told him to hold it by the string. But would he listen? No. Stubborn fool.'

'He looks like roast beef,' said another young voice. 'Is he going to die?'

'No, he ain't. The skyshard won't let him.'

'What is that skyshard? I must have it, it's powerful.'

'You can't have it, egghead. It's too powerful for a Prince. It's going to save the world.'

'But...'

A female voice interrupted. 'That's enough, Prince. You're bothering the Shardheld while he needs to rest. On deck with you both.' She sighed. 'Ottil's as blunt as a sledge hammer, just like his mother. He's got her brains and willpower, and the muscles of his father.'

'A powerful combination.' said Birthe.

'Yes, but it taxes my patience. What next?'

'I'll do the Song of Skylbjear.'

'I don't know that one, so I'll do the salve.'

'It draws on Freya's wisdom.' Then she started to sing and Muus drifted away.

When he awoke again, the pain was at dull ache, but bearable.

'You're awake?'

Muus opened his eyes and stared at Kjelle's face. He was surprised at the concern. 'Where are we?'

'At sea, two days out of Nidros. You saved us, you know. You sank the longboats.'

'Did I? It hurt.'

'I believe it; your body looked like well-cooked meat. What happened?'

'Don't know. I named the rune, and then the lightning... and somehow, it burned me, too. Who was that woman?'

'She's a paladin, from Gaul; she's the tutor of the Prince.'

'Then there really was a Prince? I thought I'd dreamed that.'

'He's real enough. Proper little berserker, too, is Prince Ottil. Not like I was at that age.'

Muus heard the bitterness in his voice. 'You're doing all right now,' said he. 'You haven't panicked once since Eidungruve.'

'I can't afford to. I must avenge my people. I know I'll die trying, so there is nothing else to be afraid of.' For a moment he was silent. 'Aren't you ever scared?'

Muus thought for a moment. 'I don't feel much emotion, these days. No fear, no hate. I do what I must.'

'It's strange,' said Kjelle. 'I've hated you for ages, but no longer. I know now that I really hated myself. Because of my father, because of that bastard weapon master.'

'That drunken sot? I never understood your fear of him. All bluster, no bite.'

Kjelle was silent. 'The weapon master shouted all the time and humiliated me. I never saw him as a drunkard. Nightmares he gave me.' Then he laughed. 'A drunken sot. That's all he was. Thanks, I hope you think a bit better of me, now.'

Muus patted the Holderling's arm. 'Don't worry. I understand how it was. You'll make a good Holder, Kjelle, just like Siga predicted.'

'Siga?' Kjelle sounded surprised. 'Did she say that?'