VALLEY OF THE MISTY MOUNTAIN: Book One of the Kodi Trilogy

VALLEY - CHAPTER 11

Chapter 11

The scouting party

The swirling mists were still very thick and care would have to be taken when climbing up out of the Valley of the Misty Mountain as a slip on the narrow rocky trail could be fatal. Antas, Balduk and Cantut walked their horses, heavily laden down with provisions for the trip, together with spears and bedding as they would have to spend at least one night outside. Looking at the weather Antas knew if the weather did not improve they would not be back in time to inform Alcock’s war party scheduled to leave within two days. Antas was glad he was in charge of the reconnaissance party because he knew they would have to exercise caution if they were to arrive safely at their intended destination; if Balduk were in charge they would forge ahead at speed that was not appropriate for the current weather conditions or the terrain they would be traveling on. He was very glad that Alcock had chosen him to lead this scouting party because he did not like to place his safety in the hands of anyone else, especially Balduk.

Balduk, of course, was anxious to press ahead at great speed and followed the horse of Antas very closely which annoyed Antas but he chose to say nothing. It would probably infuriate Balduk who had a very short temper – the one qualification necessary for one to be included in the war party but not an asset for a reconnaissance party. Balduk would have his chance to be a warrior later but not now as there was a long way to travel and much to learn before they returned to the encampment in the valley.

Young Cantut decided to leave ample space between his horse and Balduk’s horse, knowing accidents could happen and he did not want Balduk’s horse stumbling on the rocky trail and colliding with his horse. He remembered tales of riders who went over the edge and were killed. There was enough danger of the horses being spooked by sudden noises without the unnecessary risk that could be incurred by traveling too close to each other. I’m not going to die just because Balduk is impatient, thought Cantut.

Slowly they climbed up the narrow stony trail hardly making even very slow progress as the mists did not seem to be dissipating at all. Stopping his horse at a broad spot in the trail, Antas dismounted, deciding to lead the horse instead. Balduk followed suit and so did Cantut.

“That’s better, I could not see the track but now I can feel it under my feet and can guide my horse and kick off any small boulders strewn in my way,” said Antas, feeling relieved.

Balduk, although big and strong, was somewhat lazy when it came to walking, preferring to ride whenever he had the chance. Pursing his lips and frowning, he fell in behind Antas, wishing it was he who had been chosen to lead the party as time was important. He knew at this rate they would be days before they got back to the camp and there would be Alcock to reason with. It was never a good idea to displease Alcock; this he had found out before. He chose to keep his comments to himself as there was no need to waste words at this stage of the game. He knew he would get his chance later to be victorious when the occasion arose and then Alcock would be pleased with him. But now… he plodded behind Antas because overtaking anyone on this narrow ledge was pure suicide. Patience, he thought. I must learn patience.

Cantut followed the other two some twenty paces behind. He did not see much sense in going after a small boy of about eight who had escaped. The boy would not be of much use. It did not make sense, and he wondered if Alcock intended to kill the lad. He was not pleased if this was the reason he was on this scouting party – to track down a young person to be killed. To clear his mind, Cantut turned his thoughts to hunting parties because when he rode with the hunters he was always praised for his skill with the spear. There was always a good feast when he returned to the settlement; there was enough venison for all. When he was a small child he did not question the goings on at the settlement and was oblivious to much of it, but now he was older he was not happy at the cruelty of Alcock and the warriors. It disturbed him how they had chased the other tribes out of the valley and Cantut was beginning to think of how life would be further afield, away from such a negatively-charged place. Yes, now he was older he saw things in a much different light and decided to learn all he could about other places. Maybe one day he would leave the valley and all its dark behavior and find a place where people did not fight any more.