Chapter 12: Warlock 5

This is not a good position, I thought, feeling the edge of the spear subtly bite into my neck. The cultists hadn’t yet broken through the tree line, but when the did not even those fanatics would be able to miss such a large grouping. I hadn’t been thinking clearly, hadn’t realized what going into the forest without even a sliver of iron would mean. Of course Fey outriders had found me. It was their entire job to stop outsiders from making their way into the Courts land, doubly so for those they considered outlaws.

“Well, manling? Nothing to say? Weren’t you know for you cutting wit?” I racked my brain for an answer. I DID have a reputation among the court, and it suddenly clicked how I could solve both problems neatly.

“You misunderstand my silence, my lord. I was merely shocked by my luck and good fortune at find you so quickly.” I swallowed heavily, feeling the blade shift with the motion. Their confusion was almost palpable, murmurs and the rusting of tack making their way to my ears.

“Explain. Explain quickly and we may not kill you immediately.”

“My lords, it has come to my attention that I owe a grievous debt to the grand Court which we serve. Pursuant to the terms of that debt, I throw myself at the mercy of this august host and bring an offering of flesh, to help assuage the wrath of those I’ve wronged.” I could sense their interest now. The spear left my throat and emboldened, I continued.

“Following me is a large group of men, broken in mind and highly susceptible to outside suggestion. They are strong in body and should prove to be good servants or worthy sport, as my lord deems it.”

“They’re probably some bandits, and you wish us to dispatch them for you. Typical mortal, unable to clean up your own mess.” Another of the riders said, spitting on the ground in disgust.

“Is not one of the tenets of the Court resourcefulness in dispatching ones enemies? You have captured me fairly, what does it matter how my attempt at leniency comes from?” I shrugged. Tones of agreement reached my ears, and I knew I had won them over.

“Enough,” commanded the leader. “A boon has fallen into our laps, and servants are always welcome. Aisling, you shall guard him. Beware his trickery, for he is cunning for a manling. The rest, form up for ambush. Glory and honor to our Queen.” The cry echoed around the others as they melted into the underbrush. The one left behind, who I assumed was Aisling, muttered curses under their breath. Their spear took up a position, ready to pin my to a tree at the slightest hint of escape.

Minutes passed, the sounds of the forest waiting as though the creatures within held their breaths. Not even a breeze stirred the leaves. My heart beat sounded monstrously loud in my ears, doubt creeping into my mind like a spider. What if they were too stupid to realize the obvious path I would take? What of they were smart enough to know the dangers of the forest? Swallowing became difficult as moisture fled my mouth. They should be here by now.

Suddenly, cries erupted all around me. Hooves pounded the earth as a horn sounded a mournful call. Shouts in an alien tongue, the ecstasy clear even from this distance, and sounds of the battle began. My guard was distractedly glancing around, mount dancing with its masters frustration. They were clearly eager to be out there and resentful at guarding one lowly human. I knew I would not have long to enact my escape, would have to be careful yet decisive in how I carried it out.

Gathering my will, I concentrated on a small point beneath the horse. It was delicate work not creating a massive inferno. That would be too obvious. My hands moved in delicate patterns, fingers wriggling like eels as my spell began to take hold. As the moisture left the detritus smoke began to billow forth, the flame growing slowly but surely. Sometimes all it takes is a small spark, an ember that grows into a ravenous beast. It didn’t take long for the Fey to notice something was amiss, their mount growing restless, but it was too late by then. The fire had grown enough that it was a credible threat to both their safety and instinct took over. They moved away from the growing fire calling down a small patch of frost to put it out. Almost immediately they realized their mistake, and turned back to face me, finding me already gone.

The second their spear had left my body I swung around the back of the tree. Only one Fey to take out, it had to be done quickly. I could not afford to waste time on a protracted duel. Most magic was out of the question, as Outriders of the Court were well armored against the warps and wefts of mortal weaves. Their armor itself was proof against most mundane weapons as well, taking exceptional skill to bypass their protections. A plan formed in my mind, spell matrix building in my hand as I grabbed something from within my bag.

My guard let out a cry as soon as I became visible again, spear lowering as they spurred their mount onwards. I lifted my hand, arcane light pouring forth, illuminating the clear disdain on their face. Showing no intention of veering away they thundered forth. I released the spell at the last second, barely spinning away from the spear point transfixed on my chest. A meaty thwack sounded in the small clearing, and the Fey slowed noticeably, its mounts confusion palpable as it disappeared into the woods. While it generally took great skill to defeat their armor, sufficient enough force could foil it. Thankfully id taken to keeping lead paper weights with me when I began taking on scribing and accounting jobs.

The field was clear for now but there was no guarantee on how long that would last. I renewed my illusions and kept myself down low. While I had no skills on skulking about, I hoped that by the time they could employ measures to track me I’d would be long gone and just keeping out of sight would suffice for now. Setting a course away from the battle and outside the forest, I set off. My trip went from a few more days to well over a span, but the end was in sight.

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