Remnant_The Clans of Arcadia Read online

  “He will be told, child. Don’t worry about Ian. Today, you must choose your path. It is imperative that you gather as much knowledge as you can, while there is still time.” Rendor shielded Fergus’ mind, only allowing him a slight glimpse of what was to come, but even with the shield in place, Fergus was overcome with a wave of emotion. He wiped a tear from his eye. “Our futures are written, but our journey is not. The goddess has laid out your destination, and you must be prepared to face it.” For a moment, sadness flashed in Fergus’ eyes, then he smiled. He handed Karn a skipping rock. “Cast it across the water, Karn.”

  Karn threw it. It skipped once before sinking beneath the surface. “Stupid rock!”

  Fergus laughed. “Patience. Everything worth doing takes practice and knowledge. That is why you must give attention to the things I’m trying to teach you. Watch.” Fergus produced a small amount of blue flame from his fingertips. It pooled in his hand.

  He rotated the flame between his fingers flattening it into a blue disc. He placed it between his thumb and forefinger, and with a flick of his wrist, skipped it across the water. The disc danced on the river’s surface until it reached the other side, and then skipped its way back. Fergus held up his hand and caught it. The flame disappeared.

  Karn’s eyes widened. “That was incredible!” He pretended to cast flame across the water.

  “That, Karn, is just the beginning. You have two paths laid before your feet. You’re the second son of Rhymus. Your brother, Orin, will be chieftain.”

  Karn stared up at him.

  “Someday you could be a second chieftain, but what honor is there in that? If you choose to be the next mage, you will know greatness beyond your wildest imaginations.” Fergus’ eyes sparkled. “Only you can decide which path you’ll take. I’ve asked your father, and he is willing for you to apprentice. But, in the end, it must be your choice.”

  Karn studied his feet, then looked into the horizon.

  Rendor paced across Fergus’ thoughts. He is making a mistake. Make him learn, Fergus. You can force him.

  Silently, Karn stared into the distance. The sun hung low on the horizon.

  Hidden in the branches of a large willow tree, a goshawk with golden eyes watched. Lorna awaited his decision. I doubt he will even remember our time together. It’s a shame children grow out of their belief.

  The pair stood silent, as the sun dropped lower in the sky. Finally, Karn shook his head. “I want to be a fighter, like my father.”

  Fergus gently rested his arm on Karn’s shoulders. He choked the disappointment from his voice. “As I said, it’s your decision, Karn. I will not force you to learn.”

  Rendor growled. He must learn.

  Fergus sighed inwardly. He will. He watched the river flow a little longer, then patted Karn’s back. “Let’s go home.”

  A shrill cry pierced the evening air, and Lorna flew away.

  CHAPTER ONE: TRANSFIXED

  The first rays of light crept over the mountains chasing back the darkness and bathing the cabin in warmth. In the pre-dawn half-light, birds gathered in the branches of the hemlock growing closest to the front window. Their chatter noised through the house and hinted that an early spring might arrive in the mountain region between Erisai and Bardai.

  Inside the cabin, the shell of the previous night’s firewood glowed red, and the warm scent of pine still lingered in the air. Its remnants threatened to crumble into ash at any moment.

  Ian stretched, rubbed the sleep from his eyes, and cast Karn a heavy-lidded glance. “You’re up already?”

  Karn looked up from his saddlebag but didn’t answer.

  Ian threw on his black pants, slung his homespun shirt over his toned chest, and slipped his feet into his knee boots. His golden hair hung in ringlets down past his shoulders. “It’s still early.” He yawned.

  “Yes, it is.”

  Ian fumbled with the top buttons on his shirt but didn’t bother tucking it into his tight-fitting trousers. He arched his back and rolled his shoulders. He stretched again, and let out another loud yawn, before stumbling across the room and sliding past Karn to the cupboard. He retrieved a bottle and motioned to Karn. “Need a drink before you leave?”

  Karn shook his head. “I told you last night I had to leave early, Ian. I should’ve left before sunup.” He cast a longing glance out the window. “Elenora’s waiting.” Karn shoved his dirty clothes and blanket into his saddle bag.

  Ian sat the bottle on the counter. “I know. But gods, Brother. It’s too early, especially after last night.” Ian rubbed his temples and poured himself a drink. A broad grin sprawled across his face. “Was a late-night, you know.”

  Karn cocked his eyebrow. “Agreed. You spent too much time chasing Clarissa at The Dragon’s Fire Cellar. Especially since you knew I had to leave early this morning.” Karn frowned.

  Ian grinned and little lines formed around his dark brown eyes. “Okay. Okay. But did you see her?” He sighed. “That Clarissa.” He chewed on his lip.

  Karn studied his cousin and brother-in-arms. “Well, you look like you’ve been wrestling a dragon.” Karn tossed a dagger into the top of his bag and cinched it tight.

  “No dragons, but wrestling, maybe…” Ian refilled his glass. “You sure you don’t want a drink before you go?”

  Karn shrugged. “I guess. A quick one to keep me warm on the trail.”

  Ian poured Karn a mug. Karn lifted the glass into the air. “To the Brehon, and the brothers we lost in the Y’Itha raids.”

  “To the Brehon and our battle comrades.” He took a quick drink then studied the inside of his glass.

  Karn frowned at Ian’s pensive expression. “What’s on your mind, Brother?”

  “Last night Clarissa mentioned a warband is camped a few leagues from Erisai.”

  Karn knit his eyebrows. “I haven’t heard anything.” He stared out the window in the direction of Erisai, before glancing toward Bardai.”

  “Karn, I feel like something wants to grab me by the throat and tear me into pieces.” Ian set his mug on the counter. “I think you may need to regroup the Brehon.”

  Karn exhaled. “I assure you, Ian, if the need arises, I will.” He studied the green knotwork tattoo on his wrist. His eyes traced the curves that created the elaborate circle, before looking back at Ian. “For now, my duty lies with the clan. I can’t just forsake it and ride off as a ranger. If Father or Orin need me, I have to be there.” Karn lifted his glass to his lips and took a long drink, before setting the mug back down. “The last thing I want to do is travel with Elenora in a warband.” Pain filled Karn’s eyes. “I won’t leave her behind, but war is no place for her.”

  Ian rested a hand on Karn’s shoulder. “We all miss your mother. She was a strong woman.”

  Sorrow, then anger flashed across Karn’s face. “I’ll never forgive the Maekels for her death.” He took a deep breath. “Her absence weighs heavy on Father. He doesn’t even find solace in Orin’s mother.” Karn lifted his glass to his lips and downed the remaining amber liquid. “Ian. You wouldn’t believe how he’s aged, even since the hand-fasting.”

  Ian examined the floor. “It has been hard for everyone in the clan, Karn.”

  Karn nodded. “I know.” He cleared his throat. “Father and Orin are planning a trip to The Land of Four Cities, as soon as the snow melts. I plan to go with them. Maybe you would like to go?”

  Ian shrugged. “Perhaps.” He stared at his socked feet.

  “Ian. I will mention your concerns at the council meeting when I get home, but I can’t call people to honor their blood oath without proof.”

  Ian swallowed hard. “I know. It’s just this feeling.” He huffed.

  Karn clapped him on the shoulder. “It’ll pass. I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about,” Karn set his glass on the counter beside his saddlebag, “But, if you learn anything for certain from Clarissa, send a crow. I’ll be here as fast as Albion can take me.”

  Ian nodded. “I will.” H
e glanced out the window, noticing a pair of elk horns that rested against the porch railing.” Well, at least we had a good hunt this time, don’t you think?”

  Karn chuckled. “I’ll never forget your face when that elk shed its horns.”

  Ian grinned. “Well, I’ve never seen them fall off like that before.”

  Karn snorted as Ian disappeared into the cupboard.

  He returned with a couple of bottles of his homebrew in hand. He gave them to Karn. “Take these to your father. I know he likes them.”

  “Sure.” Karn opened his bag and carefully stored the bottles. He cinched it again and threw the bag over his shoulder. “I guess that’s it, then. I have to be going.” He opened the door, and Ian followed close behind, glass in hand.

  Karn walked down the steps and motioned to Albion to come to him. The horse trotted to his side, and Karn rubbed his nose. “Easy boy. Ready to go home?”

  Albion reared his head, and Karn laughed. “You see Ian; even Albion is ready to get home.”

  Ian leaned against the porch railing and smirked. “Well, be gone with you then.”

  Karn swung a leg over Albion and pulled himself into the saddle. “You know you could come back to Bardai with me. We could always use your blacksmithing skills. Ryland’s getting old.” He wrapped the leather reins loosely around his right hand.

  Ian looked in the direction of Bardai then back to Karn. He shook his head. “And, give up all this? Not a chance.”

  Karn grinned. “Two of Ryland’s daughters have come of age since you left. Neither are betrothed.”

  Ian spat his drink into the yard. “Do they still look like their father?”

  Karn chuckled. “I’ll never tell. You’ll have to come home and see for yourself.” He turned Albion to face the trail.

  Ian shook his head and pushed his hair from his face. “Not now. I’m not ready to come back.”

  “Well, just remember you’re always welcome home, Brother.”

  Ian nodded. “I know.” He took a deep breath inhaling the crisp morning air as he stepped down off the porch. “Living this close to Lorna’s creation reminds me that I am alive. And, it’s wise to have a clansman this far out anyway just to keep up with the news.”

  Karn straightened in the saddle. “You know I had to ask. Elenora would be furious if I didn’t.” Karn pulled up on Albion’s reins.

  Ian puffed out his chest. “I told you she likes me.”

  Karn smiled. “Of course, she does.”

  Ian clasped Karn’s forearm, and Karn returned the gesture. “Be safe, Brother.”

  “And you, Brother.” Karn drove a heel into Albion’s flank, as the sun poked her head above the mountain.

  Karn rubbed his eyes. Through squinted eyelids, he studied the snow bank that hugged the mountain pass and winced. His fire had dwindled to mostly ash, but small wisps of smoke rose from the few scattered embers that remained. He warmed his hands close to the char, collected a handful of the black substance, and stored it in a small pouch. Karn rubbed some of the soot beneath his eyes, kicked snow over the remnants, and mounted Albion.

  Bardai was still several hours ahead, but Karn had made good time. Alone with his thoughts, he was plagued by the rumor’s floating around The Dragon’s Fire Cellar. If there was a warband camped near Erisai, it could only mean the growing unrest had reached an all-time high in the land of Arcadia. He scratched his chin and determined he would send a crow to Caderyn as soon as he’d made it to Bardai. Perhaps he would have some knowledge of what clan was moving through the Elohite lands.

  Karn glanced down the trail and up into the sky. High above his head, a goshawk screeched and darted across the heavens. It lunged toward the ground and emerged with its prey dangling from its beak.

  Transfixed, Karn’s light blue eyes trekked the circular path it flew overhead. The bird’s grey and white plumage nearly blended in with the snow clouds. In the recesses of his mind, what sounded like a woman’s voice called to him. He listened intently, trying to focus on the sound, but it eluded him.

  The goshawk flew a few hundred feet in front of him and perched on the lowest bough of a towering tree. The bird studied him.

  Karn directed Albion closer to her and pulled him to a stop. “Have we met, Lady Hawk?”

  Her golden eyes bored into his flesh, as though she were contemplating whether or not she should speak. She nodded faintly and cocked her head to the right. Her beak parted slightly, and her voice filled the air with birdsong.

  Karn smiled, and little crow’s feet formed around his eyes. “So, it’s a yes, then?”

  She blinked, spread her wings, and lurched upward into the clouds, leaving a faint odor of cinnamon in her wake.

  A wave of nausea hit him, and he leaned to his side. His stomach roiled, and his breakfast hit the trail. He wiped his mouth with the back of his gloved hand and took a deep breath. The nausea passed, but in its place, a strange tingling sensation filled his body. He felt as though his veins had turned to lightning, and the hairs on the back of his neck and arms stood erect. He rubbed his temples and turned his head, but the feeling remained. Reluctantly, he pushed Albion forward anxious to get home.

  Arvid Forest beckoned to Karn. Around him, the finger-like branches of sleeping trees reached up and outward, swaying in meter with the howl of the wind, and clacking together.

  Karn leaned forward in his saddle and pushed his chest upward. Stiffness had settled into his back, and though he knew stopping to stretch would improve his circulation, he resisted, pushing deeper into the forest. The further inside they traveled, the hotter the energy inside him burned. Karn felt dizzy and lightheaded. His pulse quickened, and his skin ached as though pricked by a thousand tiny needles.

  Ahead, the passage twisted and curved until the ancient forest engulfed them completely. Snow-draped evergreens and ice-covered trees grew close to the edge of the trail. Karn tried to clear his mind, but the pain left him fuzzy headed. He took a deep breath and inhaled the sweet smell of fir and pine. The snow’s icy breath coated his throat and helped quench the fire burning inside, if only a little.

  He slid in the saddle, but a goshawk shriek echoed through the air, pulling him back into the moment. Karn repositioned himself. Late afternoon light poured through the icy trees, casting shadows across the ground’s glassy surface. Suddenly, the wind shifted directions clanking frozen limbs together. Karn followed the sound with his eyes, and a burst of gold caught his attention.

  He pulled up on Albion’s reins and threw his leg over his horse, landing with a crunch on the frozen, snow-covered ground. Karn circled Albion, in search of the light that had caught his eye. He scoured the icy tree growing next to the trail, for any sign of the light. Icicles draped from the tree’s branches, but as he neared it, one icicle stood out. Karn shuffled his feet across the icy ground, and lightly touched it. A spark jumped from the ice and into Karn’s finger, and he dropped his hand. Suddenly, his eyes flickered dark blue, and his skin shimmered like dragon’s scales in the sunlight. His breath caught in his throat, and an image of Fergus standing between a massive fire and the Story Tree flashed across the surface. Young children grouped beneath the branches of the trees.

  The fire raged out of control, melting the snow and consuming the land. Fergus' eyes were wide, and the flame-filled both the pupils and whites of his eyes. He held his crooked white staff in his hand. The words inscribed on its side glowed blue.

  Karn fell to his knees, as Fergus’ voice filled his ears. Tears fell down his cheeks, as he watched the children’s faces. The fire raged in their pupils, yet they stood still. Karn tried to shout to them, warn them of the danger, but he couldn’t speak, and the image faded.

  His heart dropped, and he slid across the short distance from the tree to Albion, throwing himself into his saddle. As fear crawled up his spine, he dug his heels into Albion’s flank, and the horse rushed forward.

  High above a goshawk call screeched through the air, and the electricity rushing thr
ough Karn’s body intensified. The fingers on his right hand splayed open wide, and a light blue flame burst from his fingertips. Karn stared at his hand in disbelief, and fear gripped him by the neck. He lowered himself in the saddle and urged Albion to Bardai.

  CHAPTER TWO: QUICKENED

  Fire spread, licking up the snow, melting it, as if it were trying to abate an unquenchable thirst. Karn shielded his eyes and peered through the thick haze of smoke. His lungs burned, as he inhaled the noxious cinnamon fumes of foul magic, rising from the flames that shot across the field like bloody fingers. His head spun. The heat on his face was nearly unbearable, even from atop Albion.

  Karn methodically picked his way through the meadow until they could safely go no further. He jumped off Albion’s back and landed with a thud. Karn struck Albion’s right flank with the palm of his hand. “Go home.” Albion turned from the fields and raced toward the village. His grimy white mane and tail whipped in the wind.

  Karn held his cloak over his mouth and nose, as he blinked away tears. His ears strained, listening for any sign of survival over the sizzle-pop sound of the fire meeting grass and snow. He carefully made his way to the back of the eastern fields to the Story Tree.

  Through the haze of smoke, near the edge of the field, Karn spotted a lone figure not far from the tree line. He ran forward, no longer picking his way through the fire sparks that kept igniting. His heart leaped into his throat. “Oh, Lorna, let it be her.”

  His shoulders fell as recognition lit across his face. Fergus rested against the stump of an old tree, paces away from the fire’s edge. Blood oozed from severe burns that covered most of Fergus’ flesh. He stared blankly into the distance. Karn crouched on the ground beside him but turned slightly when the sound of beating wings filled the space to his right. Rendor landed with a thud.

  “He is dying, Karn. We are dying.” Rendor lay down beside Fergus. His body convulsed, and smoke puffed from his nose. Rendor collapsed into a heap, and he struggled for air.