|[ THE FAERI'S KEEPER ]|

Chapter 34: In Life and Death - Part I

There were so many of them, I thought grimly, my gaze sliding over the ranks of soldiers as they strode past. From the trees I could see without being seen, but I didn't dare move, lest I make a noise. I watched their feet, heavily booted, stamp through the trees, trampling a new path. I couldn't count them. All I could think was that Cedric had no hope.

Trinstone will fall.

The infantry passed followed by the cavalry, horses snorting loudly and tossing their heads. Everyone was armoured, even the horses. My stomach fell further as I recognised a face in the crowd.

Soldin. He sat upon his horse, a charger much larger than the others around it, and on his back was strapped a two-handed sword, larger than any I had seen. I wondered how he expected to even wield the blade; no doubt with some aid from magic. The last of the horses passed and more infantry followed, some carrying banners that flashed the Red Oak of Thalandor.

I waited for them to pass, trying to keep my breathing steady. I don't know how long I sat there, perched amongst the branches as I waited for an endless army to move past. They were like one beast, a giant armoured serpent that weaved its way through the forest. As my muscles cramped I forced myself to remain still. There couldn't be too many more to come... surely?

At long last the final rows of soldiers passed and the falling of their feet faded into silence. Nothing in the forest moved; no birds, or beasts. They were either all gone, having fled the noise, or were hiding, as I was. I let my breath out in a heavy rush, allowing myself to move and slump against the tree trunk. I couldn't believe what I had seen. Was it even possible to have that many men? And all of them trained and disciplined... warriors.

It was true. War was about to begin.

I had to find Cedric. I had to reach him before Soldin did. Rubbing my sore muscles, I slipped from the trees and landed lightly on my feet. Trinstone was still two days walk from here, and at the rate Soldin's men were moving I knew they would be there easily in that time frame. But they would have to rest, make camp at night.

I didn't. I would run through the night. I had to get there first. I dusted myself off, pulled my knife from my boot for the chance I would run into a soldier, and began running, slipping between the trees.

It was only a short while before I realised someone was following me. At first I feared it was a Faeri and my grip on my knife tightened. But when no one moved to kill me I decided against it. Whoever it was, they only wanted to watch... for the moment. I slowed down, letting them catch up, before I heard a slight crunch. I whipped my head towards the tree and lunged, slicing my blade in an arc as I moved behind it. Metal tore through bark as the shadow of a person ducked, far too quickly.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" they cried, "No need to take my head off!"

"Claude?" I sighed, exasperated, "What the hell are you doing here?

"Yes, it's me, the brilliant, witty and fantastic me." he grinned, dusting off his shoulder, "And there you stand, attempting to mar my flawless face."

"You know, some would say modesty is a charming quality." I said, grinning despite my annoyance.

"Only ugly people think that. Admit it; if you could be as perfect as this," he indicated himself, "Would you not happily boast?"

"No," I said, "Because unlike you I'm not an arrogant, sanctimonious..."

"Sanctimonious?" Claude laughed, "What a big word. How many times did you have to practice saying that? Can't say I'm impressed though."

"What a shame..." I snapped, "Because I spent all morning practicing." I rolled my eyes and walked away from him, returning my knife to my boot.

"I know a big word," Claude said happily, falling in step beside me, "It's 'Nonsense-"