Bitter Winter, page 12
part #5 of Ilyon Chronicles Series
“Thank you.” Jace tucked the paper into a secure pocket of his coat.
Trading their final goodbyes, Jace and Holden mounted the dragons. With one last look toward the Altair cabin where Kyrin’s brothers stood watching, Jace gave Gem the signal, and they launched upward into the darkening sky.
Chapter Twelve
Jace strapped on his snowshoes and lifted his pack. He then turned to Gem commanding her to stay. “Tolla.” Elôm willing, they wouldn’t have to leave them here long. They needed to get the remedy back to camp before people started dying. Jace had prayed the entire way that they would find Avery quickly and make the deal without difficulty. If it were up to him, they would be on their way back within twenty-four hours.
Leaving the two dragons deep in the forest where they wouldn’t be discovered, Jace and Holden trekked westward. It was slow going in the deep snow. Some of the drifts they had to avoid were nearly as tall as Jace.
A good hour after leaving the dragons, Jace spotted towering stone through the trees—the surrounding wall of Valcré. When they reached the snow-packed road, they paused. Jace wasn’t sure what to expect when they entered the city, but armed with the rumors of the violence inside, he traded a glance with Holden. Whatever they were walking into, this was the best hope of survival for their camp.
After removing their snowshoes, they trudged on toward the nearest gate and entered cautiously. Though the gate stood unguarded, a foreboding hostility permeated the air. They came across only a few people at first. Jace gripped the hilt of his sword, keeping a sharp eye out for anyone who posed a threat, and made sure his cloak concealed the money bag. The strange quietness of the usually bustling city sent a shiver down his back. Whether it was the extreme cold or the danger that kept people indoors, he could not say.
Though the crowds increased a little as they went deeper into the city, each person seemed to look on the other with suspicion. Jace and Holden received more than a few shadowed looks from people who gave them a wide berth. Many people held pieces of cloth tightly to their noses and mouths and avoided close contact with anyone.
Holden stepped closer to Jace, his voice lowered. “I wonder if Davira ever gets out to see what she’s turned the city into.”
Jace shook his head. From what he knew of her, he doubted it. Even more, he doubted she would care. The death of her father had unleashed a beast no one had expected.
Following Daniel’s directions, Jace and Holden strode through the city. They passed by tall shops on either side of the icy, cobbled street, but many appeared closed or vacant. Their path took them steadily closer to the palace. Jace glanced at it a few times and prayed Davira would never know they were here. In a city of many thousands of people, surely he and Holden wouldn’t be noticed. Yet Jace couldn’t shake the feeling of having a target emblazoned on his back for every one of their enemies to see.
Finally, they arrived at a long row of merchant houses and found the one they sought. Jace scanned the area for any sign of trouble and then knocked on the door. They hadn’t heard anything from their friends in Valcré in a while. He prayed that none of them had been caught in the meantime.
The door opened, and an older man matching the description Daniel had given them stood on the other side. He eyed them cautiously, and it occurred to Jace how threatening he and Holden probably appeared.
“Can I help you?” the man asked.
“Ben?”
He nodded slowly, and Jace glanced over his shoulder before murmuring, “I am Jace Ilvaran, and this is my friend, Holden. We are from the Resistance camp in Landale. We are followers of the King as well as supporters of Prince Daniel.”
Ben’s face relaxed and he released a long breath before a smile broke out. “Please, come in, brothers.”
Jace hesitated. “We’ve been exposed to Miner’s Fever.”
Ben’s smile morphed into a grim expression, but he said, “So have we.”
Jace glanced at Holden, and they stepped inside. The sheltered warmth of the house was a welcome comfort after the long trek.
“Allow me to take your cloaks and coats,” Ben said.
They shrugged them off and handed them over to the man.
“If I may, how is Prince Daniel?” Ben asked as he hung their cloaks near the door.
“He is well… at least he was when we left.” Jace winced. “But the fever is spreading rapidly through our camp.”
“I’m terribly sorry,” Ben said, true concern wrinkling his forehead. “We had all hoped and prayed that you would be spared.”
A woman entered the foyer then. She was a robust lady with an olive complexion and long, dark curls. Ben introduced her as his wife Mira. Jace greeted her with a smile. He had heard Daniel speak highly of her. This couple was to him as Kalli and Aldor had been to Jace. Mira ushered them all into the living room, where a fire burned. As they sat around the fireplace, Jace and Holden shared the recent events in camp.
“I’m so sorry for your losses,” Mira said gently. “We’ve been praying for all of you in Landale, and we’ll certainly increase those prayers.”
“Thank you,” Jace replied, thinking of Kyrin. She and the others needed all the prayer they could get.
“So what brings you to Valcré?” Ben asked.
“We need the remedy for the fever. We heard Alex Avery has a stash of it and hope to get some from him.”
Ben nodded slowly. “I see.”
“Do you think it’s possible?” Jace held his breath. He couldn’t bear to return to Landale empty-handed.
“Perhaps,” Ben said. “Aaron is looking into the same thing. Many from our congregation are ill as well.” His brows drew together as regret claimed his expression. “We’ve already lost a couple of people.”
“I’m sorry,” Jace murmured. Leetra and her request when they’d left sprang to mind. “How are Aaron and Timothy?”
A bit of a smile brightened Ben’s weary face. “They’re doing well, and their presence here has been a great blessing. Timothy is a gifted teacher, and everyone loves him. Our congregation has almost doubled since his arrival. Thank Elôm our meetings are yet undiscovered by the queen.”
“Has Aaron had any contact with Avery about the remedy?” Jace didn’t mean to change the subject so abruptly, but time was their enemy.
Ben shook his head. “Not yet. Avery is a hard man to find, with good reason. But Aaron has made connections and is confident he can set up a meeting now. The problem, however, is finances. We don’t know how we’d pay Avery even if we did meet with him. The price of food and supplies is staggering, and many of our members are very poor. What money we’ve gathered has gone to supplies and warm clothing.”
“The leaders in our camp sent along money.” Jace rested his hand on the bag he’d kept at his side. “Perhaps, with whatever you have, it will be enough to get the remedy for everyone.”
“You’re very generous to share, and we’d be most grateful.”
This would change their plan to buy supplies to bring back to camp, but Jace knew Trask would approve. Saving the lives of those who were sick was of immediate concern.
“Where are Timothy and Aaron now?”
“Helping with the sick. We converted one of my warehouses into a shelter for everyone.” Ben rose from his seat. “I’ll take you to them if you’d like. I’m sure you’re anxious to talk to Aaron.”
“Yes, thank you.”
They returned to the foyer and put on their cloaks. Jace noticed Ben attach a large dagger to his belt as well. Ben gave his wife a quick kiss goodbye and then led Jace and Holden outside.
As they walked the cold streets, Holden said, “We’ve heard how dangerous the city has become.”
Ben shook his head in dismay. “I’ve lived here my entire life. You never expect to see a murder in broad daylight on streets you’ve traveled almost every day, but I have… twice. I can’t be sure if they were believers or not, but that’s what the assailants always claim.”
He sighed heavily. “People are scared, and those bent on harm are getting bolder every day. It’s a wonder we haven’t descended into pure chaos. I will say one thing; people are starting to see just how far our country has deteriorated.” He lowered his voice. “I believe that’s why our congregation has grown. The horror is opening people’s eyes and causing them to seek answers. After all, it’s in the name of Aertus and Vilai that so many of them are being killed—believers and non-believers alike.”
“Perhaps Elôm is using Davira’s ascension to the throne to draw people back to Him, same as the captivity in Samara,” Holden suggested.
“I pray so,” Ben replied, “and that people will pay attention.”
Down near the docks of Valcré’s vast harbor, they arrived at a warehouse. The worn exterior gave it the appearance of being abandoned except for smoke rising from the chimney at the far end.
“This is it.” Ben opened the door and ushered them into a small entrance room.
It was dim inside, but light came from another doorway leading into the main area of the warehouse. So did the sounds of coughing and the distinct scent of herbs and tea. They stepped through the doorway and found rows of cots along the center of the warehouse. Most were full—about thirty in all—and other men and women moved among them with compresses and mugs of tea. Jace’s stomach cramped at the sight. Would this soon be the sight at camp as well?
Not if he could help it.
His gaze caught on a familiar face.
Aaron smiled when he noticed them and called quietly, “Hey, Tim.”
Jace spotted Timothy at the far end of the warehouse as he turned. He, too, smiled and joined his brother to meet Jace and Holden. It was good to see them. Jace had missed them in camp and the studies he used to have with Timothy and Kyrin.
They met each other near the door and clasped arms firmly in greeting.
“What are you two doing here?” Aaron asked. The excitement of seeing them faded from his face, his expression growing serious. “Has something happened in camp?”
Jace grimaced. If only he could say no. “We were attacked two weeks ago by Dagren and the General.” He drew a hard breath as his chest tightened. “We lost several men… including Michael.”
They stared at him in shock for a moment, sorrow building in their expressions. Aaron shook his head wordlessly, anger mingling with the sadness in his dark eyes.
“How are Kyrin and her family?” Timothy asked.
“It’s been hard for them.” He sighed, the heaviness of the situation weighing down. “One of the soldiers we captured got the fever. We tried to keep it contained, but it spread. Kyrin and Rayad are both sick, as well as several others.”
Aaron just shook his head. There were no words at this point.
“How long have they been sick?” Timothy asked.
“Four days for Rayad and two days for Kyrin.” Jace summoned his determination to dispel the dread and fear threatening to rise up at the thought of them lying ill back at camp. “We came to try to get the remedy from Alex Avery.” He looked at Aaron. “Ben said you might have a way to contact him?”
Thank Elôm Aaron gave a confident nod. “I believe I’ve located his right-hand man, Tavor. If we want a meeting with Avery, it’ll be through him.”
“Then we must set up that meeting as soon as possible.”
“It won’t be cheap,” Aaron warned.
“Trask sent money. Combined with whatever you can gather, hopefully it will be enough for everyone.”
* * *
Daniel turned to the next page in the King’s Scrolls. He figured he could sit and worry about everyone in camp, or he could study. The latter seemed a far better option. If he was going to be king one day, he should know as much as he possibly could about Elôm. That didn’t exactly make it easy to focus, though. Any minute another person could fall ill, including Elanor. Of course, the only thing he could do about that was pray and trust Elôm. He wouldn’t have to worry nearly as much if Jace and Holden managed to get that remedy, so he prayed for them too.
About an hour into his study, the cabin door opened. Cold air rushed in, but at least it was sunny outside. For the moment, anyway. Balen hurried inside and stomped snow from his boots before striding to his bed. Kneeling down, he pulled his bow and quiver out from underneath it.
“Where are you going?” Daniel asked.
“Hunting.” Balen rose and strung the longbow. “Someone should be out checking the area for game in case the riders Trask sent out don’t find anything.”
Despite the freezing temperature, braving the cold seemed a whole lot more preferable to sitting around here waiting for the next bit of bad news. Not that Daniel could call himself much of a hunter. Sure, he’d been on hunts with his father. Hunts that involved dozens of men and staff herding deer toward the hunters. There wasn’t much skill to it, and lives certainly hadn’t depended on success.
“Mind if I join you?” Perhaps Daniel could pick up some skills from Balen. After all, he was said to be one of the best trackers and hunters in camp. It was his hunting skills that had landed him the position of king after saving Samara’s previous king from a killer wildcat.
Balen looked only mildly surprised and nodded. “Sure. It’s probably best not to head out alone considering how quickly the fever strikes.”
Daniel agreed. He might not be much of a hunter, but at least he could help make sure they both made it safely back to camp. So much rested on the two of them surviving. Did Balen feel the weight of that as keenly as Daniel did?
He set his study material aside and rose to pull on an extra wool shirt and his warmest winter gear. The most time he’d spent outside lately was brief strolls with Elanor and traveling from cabin to cabin. Usually not more than twenty minutes at best. This hunting trip would be much different. While he had lived a much more pampered life than Balen up to this point, he was determined to hold his own beside the Samaran king. If Balen could endure the cold, then he could too.
They both grabbed their snowshoes and headed outdoors. A little twinge of uncertainty gnawed at Daniel when the icy breeze blasted him. This would not be a particularly pleasant excursion into the surrounding forest, but he’d be dead before he’d back out now. He had to prove he was up to such challenges. If he couldn’t manage a bit of foul weather, how could anyone expect him to rule a country?
On the way toward the edge of camp, Balen detoured to the supply shed and collected an axe and shovel that he attached to his pack.
“What’s that for?” Daniel asked.
Balen glanced at him. “I have an idea we haven’t tried yet.”
He didn’t explain further, and they strapped on their snowshoes. Sucking in a cold breath, Daniel followed Balen away from the packed snow in camp into the deep drifts amidst the trees. They didn’t say much as they made their trek. Though Daniel had questions he would have liked to ask, he didn’t want to scare away any game that might be in the area. Balen appeared too focused on the surroundings for conversation anyway. Daniel scanned the snowy terrain as well for footprints or anything else that might lead to much needed food for camp. He’d heard from their other hunters how desolate the forest seemed, and now he witnessed it firsthand.
For over half an hour they trudged through the woods with not a sight of game to be found. Daniel was beginning to think this would be all their day consisted of until he picked up the sound of trickling water. Just ahead, one small hole opened up in the snow where the stream ran just fast enough to keep from freezing over. Faint indents in the snow around the hole offered hope that maybe there were still game animals around and this was where they came to drink. They continued past this small break in the monotony of the frozen forest for another several yards before Balen stopped and shrugged off his pack.
“There’s a deep pool here that I saw last fall. If we can get through the ice, we might be able to bring back fish.” He grabbed the shovel and set about clearing the snow. “Why don’t you gather some wood for a fire?”
Daniel wasn’t sure what a fire would do besides keep them warm while they attempted fishing, but he turned to search for wood buried in the snow. It was better than standing and watching Balen do all the work. Once he had a nice pile off to the side, Balen paused and rummaged through his pack. He pulled out a pouch and produced a wad of tow, birch bark, and flint and steel. Daniel watched closely, hoping his interest wouldn’t betray the fact that he had never started a fire before.
With practiced ease, Balen soon had a small fire crackling amongst the wood Daniel had gathered. He stowed his fire kit and then pulled out a fry pan and a bundle of what Daniel realized was animal fat.
“We haven’t had much luck with regular game,” Balen said as he laid the strips of fat in the pan over the fire, “so we’ll try drawing in predators instead. Maybe a wolf or two or even a fisher. If they are having as hard a time hunting as we are, they’ll be hungry.”
Drawing in hungry, potentially dangerous predators didn’t seem to be an especially wise move, but they did need any meat they could get. Daniel figured he was probably with just about the most capable person for dealing with such a situation. Balen seemed perfectly confident in what he was doing.
“Keep watch,” he told Daniel, getting up and brushing snow from his knees. “I’m going to see if I can get through this ice.”
He picked up the axe and went to work hacking at the frozen stream he had uncovered. Daniel watched him for a moment before turning his gaze to the forest. Good to know Balen trusted him to watch his back, at least from hungry predators. The fat in the pan started to sizzle, the scent rising into the air for the wind to carry it deep into the trees. Surely something would be drawn to it.
Nearly twenty minutes later, after an impressive amount of work and effort, Balen broke through the ice. Tugging off his glove, he used his bare hand to scoop out the ice chunks in the way and then warmed up by the fire before gathering his fishing supplies. He baited the hooks with leftover fat and lowered a couple of lines into the dark hole.
