Blades of the Banished - Robert Ryan Page 0,7

already set to the string, drew his bow and felled the first into the camp. There was little noise except for the quick whistle of fletching, and then a heavy thud. But the other elugs had seen what was done. Instead of support from their own archer, they were now under fire from the enemy.

They hesitated. And in that time Lanrik drew and loosed another arrow. This one was not a clean strike. It took the elug through his shoulder. A painful wound, and dangerous if infection set in, but not a killing one. However, it was enough.

The elugs were now reduced to five able-bodied warriors, and they did not like their chances. They turned and fled into the dark.

Whether they left completely, or lurked nearby trying to summon the courage for another attack, Lanrik did not know. He stayed where he was, poised and alert, while Erlissa continued to ready the horses.

When she was done, she mounted and looked over at him.

He had ten arrows left. Placing the nocked arrow back in the quiver, he counted them again, for it was vital to be sure of such things. He then drew his sword and strode to his horse.

Erlissa held onto the lead rope of the third mount, allowing Lanrik to keep his sword arm free. She then extinguished the light of her staff, and they trotted off into the night.

They kept up a good pace. Should there be another attack it would happen soon. But they saw no sign of the elugs, and as the minutes wore on they knew their enemies were now well behind them. At least, that particular group.

“Word of our presence will spread,” Lanrik said. “We’d better be even more careful from now on, because they’ll be searching for us.”

“At least one thing is in our favor – they don’t know where we’re going.”

“That’s true.” Lanrik said. He paused, and then spoke again. “But what of us. Do we know exactly where we’re going?”

“Yes. I can feel the place even now. I could find my way there blindfolded.” She raised her staff and pointed to the dim outline of several mountains ahead. “We go there. My seeker senses didn’t fail me. Up that way is a long valley. Peaks crowd its sides, but we seek the highest one. If I close my eyes, I can see Assurah’s tower, which stands in its shadow, all dark and grim against the starry sky.”

They spoke no more for a while. Lanrik wanted to travel as far as they could to get away from any immediate search. The pounding of hooves was loud, and the horses kicked dust up into the cool night air.

The mountains loomed ahead, and the land they rode already sloped upward steeply. They were no doubt leaving tracks that the elugs could follow, but he would soon make it harder for them.

Up in the mountains there were many ways to hide their trail, for the terrain varied more frequently and there would be, at least he expected there would be, less sand and more rock. He would use every trick he had, and every nuance of the landscape, to help him. He did not think the elugs would be able to follow them for long.

They rode through the night. Their enemies were behind them, though what elugs or Azan might be ahead, they did not know. For that reason they took their time and went slowly and quietly to ensure they did not stumble into anything unexpected.

After many miles they came to a dry riverbed. How long since water had flowed down its course, Lanrik could not guess. But once water had gauged a path, cutting through earth and rock alike. Rounded stones formed the bed rather than sand, and that would help hide their trail. A Raithlin would be able to follow them without trouble, but he doubted any of the elugs had that skill. Of the Azan, he was less sure.

Now that Erlissa knew more of Aranloth’s captivity, it was time to talk.

“What of Aranloth?” he asked. “Do you think we can break him free?”

“Maybe,” she answered. “We knew before coming here that it would be difficult, though.”

“Yes, but difficult is one thing, and impossible is another. I’m not suggesting we turn around, but from what you described of your vision, well, let’s just say it didn’t give me much hope.”

Erlissa shrugged. “This is not a land for hope. But I think it can be done. The way is not … clear, though.