Chapter XVIII
Attack of the Hundings
As the figure climbed closer Merit took her amulet and uttered a few words to bring it to life. The platform was filled with a radiant light, just as the head of Polyphemous appeared through the hatch.
“Put out the light,” he snapped.
She did as told and immediately they were enveloped by the dark.
“Many Hundings passed close by on what purpose I could not find out. Fortunately we were not detected but we must make haste back to my village; I fear something terrible may have happened.”
Polyphemous frantically began urging them to collect everything together that was needed for their journey to his home. His hurried unease meant that it took him longer to do this simple task, as he invariably dropped things on the floor, only to pile them back up. The others looked on with mild unease, until Adamous reached out and took his arm.
“Your concern may be justified, but until you find out the truth of what is going on, then all fears might prove unfounded. Try to calm yourself; and next time instead of going off on your own, take one of us with you.”
They descended to the floor of the forest; Polyphemous practically leapt the short distance from the rope, and set off at a run.
“Merit go after him, and keep him out of trouble.”
Merit did not need encouraging, but with a nod was gone. Adamous did a quick head count; and told Firminus and Gallus to bring up the rear, and keep them from being followed. The trees were less confining; more spread out and much larger in that part of the forest; their trunks were thicker than the columns in the church of the holy wisdom and just as hard, as if they too were made of marble or granite. They were all soon racing through the brush, hurtling past bush or over craggy rock, through shrub and tangled web. Polyphemous eyes were well set, he did not care if he were noticed by any creature of the forest, all that mattered to him was his home.
Merit was fleet footed and kept up with little effort. In fact if she had wanted to, she could have easily run on ahead. She could discern from her companions face the worry he felt, and from that grew her own anxiety.
“Polyphemous what do you expect to find when we reach your village.”
“It is what I expect not to find that disturbs me.” He stretched out his legs with more urgency, even extended branches did not slow his approach, as he would hurdle, duck and break any that were in his way.
“Okay and what’s that?” asked Merit urgently.
“A tranquil life without fear, or intrigue.”
“That is something you will not find in this day and age, and perhaps it is something not to be had in any day or age.”
Polyphemous let out a chuckle of amusement, “Now that’s a happy thought. Where did you say you were from?”
“I don’t believe I said I was from anywhere, be careful.” Merit grabbed Polyphemous by the arm and diverted him away from an unfriendly looking bough. Dodging it, he set off once more at a gallop.
Merit was about to ask Polyphemous to stop a moment to rest, when he halted, and began scanning the ground. He seemed confused, moving through the thicket first one way, then the other. Crouching down he lifted a broken sapling. And then he pawed the ground near to it; some large animal had past that way. He recognised the markings; they were unmistakably those of a Hunding, probably a scout; as the tracks did not indicate a hunting party of any sort. Polyphemous crept along keeping his eyes close to the ground, something had taken place at that spot, there was blood on one of the leaves, and the soil was chaotic and broken. He slowly, step by step edged his way past the confused mess, and there amongst the tangled brush was a cloak, he recognised it at once; he picked it up, smelt it and then drove forward faster than ever. And still Merit kept pace with him; he ran recklessly, in her ear could be heard the echoing voice of Adamous, shouting for her to keep up with him.
The distance between them and the settlement was some leagues off; but so quick did they cover the land, that it is doubtful they would have got there any quicker on horseback. As they approached his village they could see an unnatural fume hovering over the settlement. Trees had been cut back from the encampment to create a clearing. The fort was surrounded by a wooden stockade of nasty spikes that lay within a deep ditch which encircled a timbered wall. It was set upon a mound that had been erected to protect the hamlet. It looked to have been breached at one end, to which people milled around busily repairing the opening. There were two entrances which could only be accessed by lowering a drawbridge, one lay at the rear and one at the front. As they came into the open a horn sounded, and one of the gates was lowered for them to enter. A smell of burning and ash choked the air, and made the throat tighten.
As Polyphemous took in his surroundings his eyes glazed over; on seeing him, a woman ran to meet him, and leapt into his arms, she then took the cloak that he had found in the forest, and clutching it to her breast wept freely, a comforting arm held her close; Merit eyed the small town with some disquiet, it was made up of simple wattle and daub homes, some of which had been burnt; in the heart of the commune, was a chapel, the only stone building to be found, next to it was a large circular, what must have been a municipal lodge with a high pitched roof. Each home appeared to have a small plot of cultivated land, also there was a coral for pigs, and goats, there was a smithy with a stable yard, and a kiln for pottery and another for baking. All in all, it was quite the self-sufficient little hamlet, but the people and some of the buildings had been unhinged. At least the false fog of bitter smoke was beginning to lift; as another horn sounded to let the people know that Adamous had arrived with his small troop of Stratiotai and one monk. Polyphemous was led away by his wife to meet the elders of the village.
Adamous caught up to Merit whose penetrating gaze had not strayed a moment from the scene in front of her.
“What do you think happened here?” asked Adamous.
“I would suggest this is the work of the Moira.”
Before Germanicus joined them he directed the soldiers to offer what help they could, “It looks like we’re too late. Why do you think they changed tact?” asked Germanicus.
“They didn’t; they simply are trying to make sure that the natives comply with their request of handing Merit and us over. This is a message.”
They wandered round the settlement and where they could, offered help; Merit as a healer found her assistance was much in demand; fortunately the small encampment had a herbal apothecary that any major city would have been proud of. She was taken to it and a steward showed her the different plants and their uses. Clearly impressed, she often pointed out that one plant had many applications, and that certain fungi could be used as a means to deaden pain; so that basic actions on the body could be undertaken, like withdrawing arrowheads or closing open wounds.
While all this was going on a runner had been sent round to inform them that once the day was done, they had been assigned quarters where they were to rest; and then the following morning they were to meet up at what was the council lodge.
Late was the hour that Merit arrived at her billet. It was a shelter fit for five, though only her Germanicus and Adamous were quartered there. Three beds were laid out on the stone floor while two others leaned between two tall cabinets; by their side was a long handled sweep. There was a compartment for bathing in, and a separate one for Merit. A simple drape hung from a line that stretched from one wall to the next, a sturdy wooden trellis acted as a divider between the bathing area and her room. Opposite was a hearth of stone set into the wall, there was a pot that slowly simmered with rabbit and squirrel stew, mixed in was the smell of leek, onions, carrots and other vegetables and seasoning. The table already laid; sat close to one of the walls, with a bench to either side of it. There was a jug of mead, freshly baked bread and a thick slice of butter placed invitingly for any to partake. There were wooden stands now occupied for clothes and armour. The hot tub had waited invitingly for her, and she wasted no time in heating u
p the fresh clear water, throwing down her attire and diving in.
“Did you find anything out?” asked Adamous, as he stood facing the drape that protected Merit.
Merit fatigued sunk further into the bath, “That depends on what you mean, I found out that these people know more about herbalism than most. That they have done exceptionally well to have survived here, indeed they have flourished. And believe it or not, they do have a learning centre here, that’s hidden away, filled with the classic works of Archimedes, Aristotle, Plato and many others. And they often convert the council lodge into a theatre for entertainment, quite an enlightened group really.”
“That's all very interesting, but did you find anything out about the Moira?”
“Yes, apparently the Moira showed up some time after Charon had appeared, and I certainly don’t believe that is a coincidence, they are either in fellowship with him or are after the same thing he is after. Also they’ve only had contact with one of the so called witches, her name is Clotho. The reason why the village has been so harangued is because they were set too by Shuck and his minions who are in league with the Moira as you know, and also by strange men folk.”
“Strange men folk you say, that can't be the Franks they are easily recognisable. The thing is I don't in principle believe that the two factions are working together, in fact in every story that I know of Charon, I've never heard tell of any involving the Moira but then again things could have changed; is there anything else you can tell us that might be of use, like why they are after you; and knowing their design would be a great help?”
“Well apparently they are after me as they know of my amulet and its power. And they serve someone by the name of Moloch.”
“Moloch here,” said Germanicus attentively.
“No, he’s not here, not yet at any rate, and to be honest I don't think he intends to come here, and should he ever arrive, I certainly would not wish to meet him, he sounds like a particularly nasty character; any associate of the Moira is not on my list of people I want to know,” replied Merit who stared unflinchingly up at the ceiling.
“Could they be after the Codex?” whispered Germanicus.
Adamous shrugged, “Possibly, though I don’t think they know the nature of the Codex that is here, or even that there is a codex here. Otherwise since everyone believes it’s in Constantinople, they would have tried to get at it there and made a greater effort to do so. And the fact that the Moira know of Merit must mean they have spies in the Palace of Thebes, or that the Wraith are characteristically poor allies. But if that were the case then they would know of the Codex and would have gone after it; unless of course they are really after the Seal to get to the Codex, or maybe they really are just after Merit and her unique gifts.”
Germanicus lowered his voice further, "What if they have been following her all along."
"I don't think that's the case; otherwise why wait till now to go after her? And if they were in league with Charon, then they've already missed the perfect opportunity to get hold of us."
“What do you suggest we do?” asked Germanicus.
Adamous turned his gaze toward the cover that protected Merit from their close scrutiny, “I suggest we now ask Merit to tell us who she really is.”
“Really” replied Merit, “I tell you what, you tell me who you really are? Then I’ll think about it. Especially since you two know a lot more than mere Stratiotai of the Byzantine empire should.”
Germanicus shot Adamous a glance, they had both expected such a time would come when they would reveal themselves. Adamous stopped a moment, as Merit now dry, threw a tunic on and pulled back the drape, he stood opposite her, arms folded, almost statuesque; his eyes seemed to burn into hers, what was surprising was that she held his gaze, not at any time did she flinch or turn away, instead she moved closer, it was as though their minds were locked together, the fire in the hearth seemed to quieten; the flames that had freely crackled slowed; the room became still, as though it were dropping out of time; a beetle that had been running along the floor appeared to stop in mid motion.
They were about to speak when there was a thumping at the door; it was Marius crying out to be let in. The flames awoke once more and the beetle continued scuttling across the floor, until it reached a small hole in the wall, where it disappeared inside.
“I’ve come about Polyphemous,” shouted Marius through the door.
It was opened and a lantern was raised to his face.
“What’s going on?” asked Germanicus hurriedly.
“Our friend Polyphemous has it in his head to take on this Shuck the Cleaver on his own; he’s getting ready to leave as we speak. If we can’t stop him, he’ll go off alone.”
“Get our gear Marius,” cried Germanicus; as he shot out of the small cottage, quickly followed by Adamous.
They found Polyphemous trying to calm his horse so that he could gain a foothold and mount it.
“What do you think you are doing?” cried Adamous.
“I’m going for an evening ride, what does it look like I’m doing,” replied Polyphemous.
“It looks like you intend going after Shuck on your own.”
“I don’t ask you to come with me, but while everyone’s talking and deliberating they could be doing who knows what to my daughter, and the other captives. I must get them back.”
Adamous took hold of the reins of the horse and with a single touch the horse quietened, “I understand, but this is not the way.”
“They will expect you to do something stupid like this,” cried Germanicus.
“Then I’m not going to disappoint them.”
“If you intend going through with whatever plan you’ve got, you’re not going alone, we’re coming with you. And besides what is your plan?” asked Adamous.
“Get my daughter back; kill anything in the way.”
“Well that’s a plan, not a very sophisticated one though,” replied Germanicus.
“I’m going too,” said Merit who had managed to hear the final exchanges between them; “If you three are going you'll need my help, and someone should be there to haul you out of trouble, when things go horribly wrong.”
“Well there’s a vote of confidence for you,” said Adamous.
“We’re going also,” Marius had arrived; instead of gathering up the gear of Adamous he had woken Gallus, Firminus and Callistus, who had hurriedly got dressed and rushed to meet them.
“There’s no way I’m staying behind, after all, who else can pray over your bodies when you’re dead,” said the Monk, who had arrived after hearing the commotion.
The villages had also gathered, of which six stepped forward, at their head was Remus, a tall broad man with long flaxen hair and bright eyes; he carried with him a long bow and a quiver of arrows, and at his side hung a long sword; he wore a woven leather jerkin, that was thick and light for protection against arrow shot; his weathered breeches and dark boots had seen better days; he was tough, grizzled, and as rugged as old leather. The determined look on his face told everyone that he was a man not to be trifled with.
“We’re going also; my men are the best arches in all of Byzantium. And we know the Hundings, their ways and their weaknesses,” said Remus his voice was deep and resolute.
One of the Elders spoke up, a man of some standing, his furrowed brow and long grey hair and fiery eyes had a story to tell; age had not withered his burning heart; he walked straight and tall, and at his side was a heavy sword. He was the council leader of the town. “If you must go then at least take all those that are willing to help you on this quest.”
Polyphemous looked at the troop that had gathered there, his eyes glazed over, he gave out a long sad sigh, “Meet me back here in one hour, we’ll leave then; anyone not here gets left behind. And I hope Adamous that gives you a little time to come up with a better plan than my one.”
“I hope so too. Everyone get a bite to eat, we all need to be as alert as possible for what we are about to face. Remus
gather what you need for the journey and meet me at my lodge; I need to know all there is to know about the Hundings and their allies,” cried Adamous.
“I knew Polyphemous would try something like this, so I’m ready to go. As for all there is to know, that would take too long; I’ll restrict myself, as to what’s necessary.”
The two made their way back to Adamous's lodge, Remus gave an account of how the Hundings always hunted in packs of fifty or more; that their clan had grown out of control, the creatures were merciless but also courageous, they were willing to die for one another; and were unquestioningly loyal. One thing also; though cunning, they were very rigid in their scheming; but that was more to do with the fact that they were the unchallenged predators of the forest; and had no need to be anything other than inflexible. They probably would not expect an assault, as no one would be stupid enough to attack them, as the consequences of such a strike should it fail, would be terrible.
The Moira with the help of those strange savage unnatural looking men were a different mater, he had found them to be cunning, incredibly intelligent and extremely dangerous, and together they were formidable enemies. Their weakness however could be their confidence; they simply would not expect any to fight them. And if that were true then the element of surprise would have to be their greatest ally.
Just passed the hour and as agreed, everyone was in the designated area and ready to set off, this time they would not be going on foot but on horseback. When they got close to the Dominion of the Hundings they would leave the horses behind with a couple of guards and proceed forward on foot. They would then split up into two groups, one to set up a diversion, whilst the other would proceed into the enemy camp to free the captives, and make the Hundings pay a heavy price for taking up with the Moira.
There was a sombre air as, under torchlight, they rode out of the camp; enough men had been left behind to defend the settlement should the fight go against them. People stared after them as they filed passed, there was no cheering or yelling, just a stoic understanding of what was needed to be done to preserve their way of life.