Chapter 1; The Watchtower

The banners snapped sharply in the breeze, late summer sunrise off in the distance turning the banner near invisible. Armour rattled, from those mounted and on foot, long spears and bow shafts standing well above those who carried them. The ruined watchtower cast a deep shadow down the valley, barely enough to stop the worst of the glare.

’Pushing through the night was not the best call,’ Anilas said, looking to his former student. She sat lightly on her heavy horse, clearly not bothered by the long march.

’We could be caught when tired, dear teacher?’ Lomathien replied, her words showing her tiredness.

’So close to the castle,’ Anilas continued. ’We still don’t know if it’s been occupied. The poacher...’

’Hunter,’ Lomathien said, ’He claims the orcs have taken these lands and he knows these lands. Even caught you out.’

’He might have, it’s been a while,’ Anilas said, looking around.

’The forests grow quickly, always have,’ Lomathien said. ’I wish my father could have seen it again. At least he can be buried in the family crypt once we’re done.’

’It would be good to be back home,’ Anilas said, looking down the length of the small company, clearly exhausted expression returning his gaze.

’Take them to watch tower, rest as many as you can, I’ll see you there. I want to explore it while it’s quiet,’ Lomathien said, not needing to know the next words out of her former teachers mouth. ’I’ll take some soldiers, even though we’ve not seen any movement through the dawn.’

’Very well Mi’lady,’ Anilas said, recognising the order.

Lomathien, with the practised ease of well over a century in the saddle, rode down the line of the company, soldiers doing their best to stand that bit straighter.

’Remi, Calamaethor, with me, Nerith, a moment of your time?’ Lomathien asked. Remethiel, Remi in short, was the first to her side. Brightly coloured clothes, all different shades of red, from those of summer to autumn, it was hard not to notice her. Calamaethor was still uncomfortable in his tabard and armour, though he’d been wearing something similar for near ten years now. Dirty blonde hair stuck out from under the helmet, soft blue eyes clearly exhausted.

’You asked me for me?’ Nerith asked, her blunt tone unchanged from the time that Lomathien first met her.

’Milady,’ Calamaethor said sharply, his tone just as sharp as Nerith’s.

’I did, I thought you’d want to be there before the rest of the company arrived,’ Lomathien said, keeping her tone even, hiding her tiredness. Nerith pulled back on her intricate scarf, dark eyes and darker hair clearly in Lomathien’s sight.

’Yes, it would,’ Nerith replied, Calamaethor’s complaint again given freedom.

’Meet me at the front of the column,’ Lomathien said, again, showing her expert ease in the saddle. Gathering five more soldiers, all on horse, she rode off with the small detachment, heading down onto the road at a canter.

’Sergeant, you and your riders follow us, keep back and watch our flanks,’ Lomathien said, reaching the outriders at the head at the column.

’Mi’lday,’ he replied, selecting a number of soldiers. They formed into a line, keeping a gentle canter.

Lomathien studied the sweeping landscape in front of her. It had inspired many paintings and was still the subject of songs and poems. She tried to remember it as best she could, but near two and a half centuries have had many changes. The small clusters of trees had grown into a small forest, the tree line dense enough to block her sight. She remembered the many different wild flowers that grew around here, the plain a brilliant and shifting sea of colours. Early spring was the best time to see it. Also, without any frost to cover the ground in ice, it was always a sign of early spring. Long and hard winders would have frost lasted another month into spring before they would appear.

As spring ended, summer arrived the many different flocks and herds were driven onto the plains, left to graze for days at a time. The many small springs and the river provided more than enough water for the many creatures. Few horses were given such freedom, rabbits lived here in the hundreds, perhaps even in the thousands. Autumn brought with it a cool wind coming from the lakes not too far away and a change in the plants. The grass would shorten quite dramatically, revealing the poppies that grew here, mostly red through orange. A few were bright yellow. They would soon disappear, only to return next year.

Winter brought with it an even colder air from the lakes and only the barest minimum of grasses. Reeds from the rivers would be harvested as well, taken to be used for instruments, fuel and roofing. Trappers would spend weeks out, rabbits their main targets. Some smaller foxes would come down from the mountains to feed on them. Their fur was near white and highly sought after, for pets as well as their fur. She had three of them for nearly ten years, their yips and calls as memorable as they were when she first heard them. Two were quiet and more than affectionate, but one was nothing but a troublemaker of the highest order. Even as a small pup, he would find his way out of their basket and well beyond. Once he made his way to the kitchen on one occasion and half devoured a roasting bird on a midsummer night right before a festival. Her thoughts turned to the trio, missing them for a moment, knowing there wouldn’t ever be any others like them.

One of the soldiers, spear in hand pointed in the distance. ’River that way Milady, can we water the horses?’

’Yes, we’ll meet you there,’ Lomathien replied, waiting for the rest of the group to catch up. Remethiel was talking to Calamaethor, their conversation lost to a sudden sharp gust. It carried the smell of the mountains and of the start of autumn. She smiled, the first time she felt home for years. As the soldier said, more importantly just as she remembered, there was a small river up ahead. Curving inland and towards the watch tower, if she remembered it correctly, it would be the water source for the watch tower and one of the small hamlets here. She dismounted, all bar Nerith following her lead. Most of the horses took the chance to drink, their sounds stopping all conversation for a moment.

’With your permission, we’ll scout the road?’ the sergeant asked.

’Calamaethor, take the lead,’ Lomathien said. Calamaethor replied quickly, the riders leaving quickly. Lomathien took a while longer, her horse taking another drink, as was Remethiel’s. She tried to remember the plains, the changes too many to count. She was sure she practised archery not that far from here. There was an old oak tree, nearly the width of a horse near here, she hoped it was still alive and going strong.

’Can we set off?’ Nerith asked.

’Yes, we should,’ Lomathien replied , not remounting and moving towards the tower. She was sure she could see it, the top of the tower, even so slightly curved and ever so slightly, The half roof frame on the tower top was all she could see. There was only a mile or two between them and the tower. She set off, the first words out of Remethiel’s mouth was to complain at walking, that her boots were for riding. Nerith remained silent, the few soldiers left very quiet. They were relaxed, still aware of their surroundings. Following the tracks left by the advanced party, they were able to find their way to the road and towards the tower.

The road was heavily covered, overgrown, the hooves sinking deep into the ground. The plains continued to stretch out all around them, the small patrol ahead waiting at the remains of a bridge. Sections had fallen in and even to the untrained, it was unstable.

’We’ve found a place to ford the river, not that far, I’ve sent a pair of riders back with this news to the main force,’ Calamaethor said.

Lomathien nodded. ’Good news, lead the way.’ Calamaethor offered a small bow on her reply, again taking the lead. She was sure the river was deeper, the water barely reaching the knees of her horse, her own barely touching the water. The path back to the road was clear, as was the road itself. It had fallen, leaving an obvious depression. She was also sure that there were supposed to be some fences in the area, but they had long since disappeared.

Rounding the bend, the site of the tower were lost in a dense patch of trees and grass, the walls occasionally peaking through the foliage. Even then there was a good bowshot to the walls proper. Daylight finally was strong enough to make out the details, the once worked land around the tower having long since gone wild. The mix of trees though made it instantly recognisable to those who knew it before the many years have passed. The remains of a road appeared under the small group, scattered milestones and filled ditches slowing their progress for a while.

’What was it like before? Do you remember much?’ Remethiel asked. She tried to slow her horse from the canter, but the creature had its own mind, needing a few more steps to slow its pace. It snorted its displeasure, clearly wanting the run.

’I do,’ Lomathien replied, thinking back to how it was when her family fled these lands. The watchtower was also a way station, keeping a small number of fields. Not only that, banners would be flying high on the tower, the red pennant always caught in the breeze. You could see spear points moving along the walls if you watched long enough. There was always a group appearing or going as well. ’It was busy, never a dull day here.’

’Lots of caravans?’ Remethiel asked. ’What about the soldiers? Lots of soldiers? What about knights?’

’Not that many knights, it was only a small outpost,’ Lomathien replied. ’Anilas taught me how to ride and fight here too.’

’I’ll have to ask him about it, he must remember more,’ Remethiel said, her horse finally getting the better of her, pulling away from the group. Calamaethor rode after her, the two only stopping when they reached the edge of the forest. Eventually they regrouped, the trees more than enough force people to ride single file. Calamaethor was first and he wasn’t struggling with the reins. Glad to see his Lomathien followed closely, Nerith and Remethiel jockeying for position. Remethiel stopped regularly, picking fruit from the many trees she passed, the small saddle bags filling quickly.

’Apple?’ Remethiel asked, almost surprising Lomathien.

’No, thank you, but save it for the horses,’ Lomathien replied, Nerith refused, Calamaethor taking a few.

Daylight was hard to find for a moment, before it blinded the small group. Ahead of them was the watch tower and it was surprisingly pristine. The tower seemed to be entirely intact and the walls, smooth their gentle upwards curve leading to the crenulations. Some had vines growing over, through the walls, though the white walls were still as much. Much as Lomathien remembered it, there was no sign of the door. Calamaethor stopped his horse slowly, Remethiel bumping into him, then stopping. Nerith followed the group at a distance, her gaze distant.

’I heard the door was hidden,’ Calamaethor said, speaking slowly.

’You can see for miles, easily to the city,’ Lomathien said. ’The main gate was a masterpiece.’

’And completely hidden,’ Remethiel complained. ’It could be right in front of us and we’d never see it.

’Nerith, could you find it?’ Lomathien asked.

’I shall, if you give me enough time,’ she replied, waiting until everyone had dismounted before she did. Her robes were pale, impossibly clean and impossibly sharp as they ever were. She barely disturbed the ground underneath her.

’Do you remember the entrance location?’ Nerith asked bluntly, looking at Lomathien.

’No, I don’t, it was masterful in its construction,’ Lomathien replied.

Remethiel was pacing across a large area, occasionally stamping on the ground.

’This road stops here, so it’s got to be here,’ she said, looking around. It was clear Nerith had disappeared for a moment, before returning.

’You want to see this,’ she said, staring at Lomathien. She waited until Lomathien started to move, the marks on the wall obvious. Deep gouges covered a three foot section. Someone had made a serious attempt to try and get through the wall, no sign of the tools or creatures that caused it.

’Milady?’ Calamaethor asked.

Lomathien sighed. ’Don’t worry about it, it could have been a month or a decade ago, I truly don’t know, what’s more important is if they got inside, climbed over.’ He nodded his reply, Lomathien trying to stay in sight of Nerith, as she walked the perimetre of the wall. Every so often the dark haired elf stopped, studying the wall intently. Never touching it, there was definitely something she was after, but it was only visible to her. Nearly two thirds of the way around she stopped, taping the ground with her staff. It didn’t sink deeply into the ground, She then touched the wall in front of her, the staff seeming to sink into it. Her focused expression was obvious, even Remethiel keeping quiet. The stone seemed to ripple for a moment, then fading into nothing.

Nerith caught herself from falling, but the gate was now in sight. She looked at the stonework, only her head moving. She was whispering to herself, for a moment.

’It’s disabled, but not broken,’ Nerith said. ’I will need to study this more.’

Lomathien nodded, before stepping through into the main courtyard. the central well, fountain was still intact, but heavily overgrown. The stables and buildings around the inside where mostly intact, if not for the rooves which have fallen in. Stopping for a moment in the gateway, she touched the intricate patterns, remembering passing through here with her father or Anilas over many years. She saw the soldiers, nearly a dozen steps behind her.

’Water and rest the horses, hold the gate,’ Lomathien said. ’When I give the signal, go to the tower and fly your pennants.’

The soldiers nodded, bringing their horses in, two standing guard at the gate. Calamaethor took her horse, doing exactly as she asked. She slowly made her way towards the main tower, Nerith still studying the enchantment around the gate. Remethiel surprised her this time, bumping into her.

’Memories?’ she asked.

’Yes, lots of memories,’ Lomathien replied quickly. ’I remember many days, training with Anilas, reading just over there.’ Lomathien pointed to a now quite tall tree. ’I remember being taller than that tree. There was a riding horse, gelding that was so patient.’

She walked around the courtyard slowly, taking in the memories. The smithy was smaller and meant for farriers than blacksmiths. The stables were large enough to hold nearly twenty horses too. Next to that was supposed to be a larger storage shed. She remembered the smell of oats, feed coming from them. Occasionally there would be pests that had to be hunted out, but there always was a fox or cat to dig them out. Continuing around was the small guest house, barracks. It was the same size as the store house, but far better decorated. Also very warm, the feasts held within had stayed with her for years and she could still remember. The main tower was the only building that remained, her eyes following the gentle curves. It seemed a bird had nested nearly at the top of the tower, hawk or falcon by the size.

It was hard to resist, the tower was open, windows and doors long since decayed or fallen. Lomathien stepped in, somehow the tower was still standing strong. There was no sign that anyone had gotten in, The mortar and stones were intact and still strong from what she could see. Only the roof on the very top had fallen in. The main hall, entrance was filled with debris from years of winters and harsh winds. She pushed the leaves and branches around, small creatures scurrying away. She continued through the main hall, the kitchens and servants quarters to her left, a small barracks to the right. The stairs, built into the side of the round tower, took her up a floor. Here were the officer quarters and library. She remembered taking a few books from the library, needing Isondir to help her read them at first. The ornate book shelves had long since rotted away, so had the books within. Her best memories came from reading The Golden Bloom, more accurately having it read to her.

The next floor up was had the room she used to sleep on. It wasn’t large, but it had a view over the lakes and towards the mountains. There was no sign it was her room now, like the others, full of debris. The other rooms on this level would be for the garrison commander and another two guest rooms. Above that was another small barracks and some storage rooms. Continuing up the stairs, it become obvious that the tower was otherwise intact. There was plenty of signs that birds and vermin had made a home here, once, but had left it. Finally reaching the roof, she shielded her eyes for a moment before looking out over the surrounding lands. She could see her column approaching, easily a while off. It would be closer to midday when they arrived, but they would get here soon enough.

Just as she remembered, the views of the mountains were stunning. She could see the snow capped peaks. The lake was clear and a crisp blue. A gust of wind carried the smell of the lake to her and she took a deep breath. There was the faintest hint of the sea in there as well, which Lomathien didn’t remember. Her thoughts turned to what it could mean, trying to remember if it was a storm or an afternoon gale. Whatever it was, it would be good to get people inside the walls and out of the wind.

Next Chapter: Chapter 2; Reunions