Mage of Silence

Chapter 5-2

The path was narrow, which forced them to ride single file toward the Keep. Castien became aware someone watched as they moved along and rode up behind Daeron. He signed for Theirn to get his attention. When he did Castien let him know what he felt. Daeron nodded with a deep frown.

“I will have to talk to the commander, they are slipping. No one should be able to sense they are there even though they can see me and my men.”

Castien had to agree. Watchers were of no use if those they observed knew they were there, the element of surprise would be lost if those who came down the trail were enemies.

Finally the path widened enough for them to ride two abreast again. Daeron turned to Castien. “Do you see it?”

Castien stared hard and shook his head. A few hundred yards in front of them there was a small glen and on the far side of it a curved moss-covered set of indentations. They went to the top of a mound which appeared to be twice the height of a man. Beyond it was forest again.

Daeron grinned. “The Keep is there as you will soon discover.”

They moved forward across the glen. When they arrived at the mound Daeron led them to the step-like formations, stopped and dismounted. As Castien watched he saw something move and slowly a door opened just to the right of the steps. Two men stepped out. They stood at attention for a moment until Daeron gave them a signal that all was well. Then they moved forward and one took the reins of Daeron’s horse while they waited for the rest of the men to alight. The two men gathered the reins of the other horses so they could lead them through the door. Castien and the others followed and one of Daeron’s men closed the door behind them.

The interior of the mound appeared to be one long hallway with lit torches in sconces every few feet. It sloped downward and they followed the men who led the horses until Daeron halted at the lowest point, put his hand on the wall to his right and pushed. Another door opened.

They stepped through into a large antechamber.

“What on earth,” Theirn whispered in shock. Castien agreed with him. Where were they?

Daeron watched them and chuckled. “Illusion, Castien, illusion. From the outside all you saw were tall trees growing close together, yes? And so they are, but if you tried to move between them you would not be able to. The vines that weave their way among them would stop you. It is all illusion, I will show you later. For now, come, it is time to eat and rest.” He led them to a winding stairway leading up.

At the first landing was a door. Daeron rapped on it and it swung open to reveal one large room. Several men looked up from a long table that ran down the center.

“It is about time you returned,” one of them said as he came to enfold Daeron in a bear hug. Then he stepped away to look at Castien. “This is the one you sent messages about. Not too prepossessing I must say.”

“Do not let his looks fool you. He is an expert swordsman, a thief among thieves and a mage of no small talents, just what we need.”

“I will take your word for it.” The man smiled. “Welcome to our humble home, Castien. I am Malcolm, Daeron’s father and the leader of this band of ruffians.”

Daeron laughed. “Hardly ruffians, Castien, we have some of the best trained fighters in the land with us. As you well know, our objective is to put an end to the tyranny of the Lords and their underlings who seek to enslave us and all elves. It is time to rid our homeland of their kind. You are also aware they are working with some of those in your own homeland who would do the same.” Daeron turned back to his father. “Castien was instrumental in finding information that will let us eliminate the Baron.”

Malcolm arched an eyebrow in surprise. “If you could do that, young Castien, you will indeed be a fine addition to our group. Welcome.” He looked at Theirn. “And who is this lad?”

Theirn dipped his head and introduced himself.

“We happened to run across him last evening and he agreed to accompany us,” Daeron said with a chuckle.

“I see, and what are we going to do with him?”

Theirn looked at him. “I am a fair thief, if you have need of another one.”

“Humm, a fair one only; is that how they ‘ran across’ you?” Theirn nodded. “Well I’m sure Castien can help you become a better one. Right, young man?”

Castien shrugged. “Perhaps, if he is willing to learn,” he signed. Malcolm looked at Daeron who told him what Castien had meant.

“You did not tell me he was a mute,” Malcolm complained. Daeron smiled and told him he would explain, later.

With that, Malcolm invited everyone to sit and dine. “And when you have finished, Daeron will show you to your rooms. They are not ornate but I’m sure you will find them more than adequate.”