into an imitation of a smile, and I nod my head slightly, turning back to the tribesman, who’s now watching me with a frown.
I sigh, and my expression settles into a frown of my own. “Why are you acting so…different?”
Making a noise of frustration, he rubs one of his tattooed hands over his face. This is really un-Tor-like behaviour, so whatever is bugging him must be something big. Sitting upright in his saddle, he pulls at the reins, slowing his horse to a stop before holding up his hand to signal those behind us to do the same. The smell of smoke is in the air now, and if I listen closely, I can hear the sound of people, so we must be nearby. I haven’t seen anyone, but we entered a valley a little while ago and have been following a freshwater spring. I have to admit this would be a good place to establish a permanent base. It’s sheltered, hidden, and has a good water source, and I’ve seen evidence of plenty of animals around.
Vaeril and Naril bring their horses over so we are all gathered together, and as one, we turn to Tor, awaiting instruction. After all, he’s the expert here. His eyes run over our group, but when they land on me, that’s where they stay. “When we arrive, I will have to act in a different way than how you know me, and I apologise for that in advance.” He winces as he speaks. To a certain extent, I understand. I’ve seen the same happen with Vaeril. People change when they’re around their peers, but this is a completely different environment for me. In Arhaven, they used to whisper about the mountain tribes and their customs and brutal ways. I have no idea how much of that was rumour or truth, but I suppose I’m about to find out. Tor’s eyes flit over my face as if sensing my anxiety. “I worry that once you learn the truth, you won’t want to be bonded to me.”
The way he phrases it gives me the impression he’s not talking about their customs, but whatever ‘truth’ about my family he thinks he knows. “Now I’m really nervous,” I joke with a chuckle, but it falls flat, sounding forced. Tor seems to appreciate the effort, though, as he gives me a half smile.
“Tor, should we be concerned?” Vaeril inquires from my other side.
The question seems to offend the tribesman as he sits up in his saddle, looking even bigger than usual, his frown turning severe. “No, you will all be welcomed as honoured guests.”
“Let’s get this over with then.” I’m not sure I can stand the suspense of not knowing for much longer. Knowing there are answers waiting for me just on the other side of the rocky ridge before us is making me feel sick with nerves. Excited. I’m excited, right? I try to convince myself, but the twisting in my gut tells me otherwise. Why am I suddenly filled with dread?
In silence, we all turn our horses and start following the path once more. Tor is in the lead with me behind him. Vaeril follows me with Naril protecting our backs. We ride for about fifteen minutes before the first horn sounds. It’s loud, and I nearly topple from my horse as the deep, keening noise echoes from the rocks around us. It soon stops, and Tor doesn’t seem bothered by it, but as we continue, another one sounds. It’s eerie, like some giant creature calling for its lost mate, and it makes the hair stand up on my arms.
Feeling eyes on me, I glance around and see that Tor is watching me with a slight smile. “The watchers are signalling that someone is approaching,” he explains, as the noise starts up again, closer this time.
I swivel my head around quickly, as if I can catch sight of whoever is making the noise, when I hear Tor’s quiet chuckle. “I can’t see anyone.”
“They are hidden in the rock.” He gestures to the wall of rock around us, which is full of crevices and ridges, perfect for hiding in.
“It’s a loud noise for someone who is so well hidden,” Naril calls out dryly from the back of our convoy, and he makes a fair point. Why be hidden if you’re going to give away your position by making such a loud sound?
Tor grins now, but it’s not a nice smile. “If we were unwanted, they would’ve used a