Toby Neighbors - Fierce Loyalty

The sky was growing dark. Thick clouds rolled angrily up from the south, and Zollin slumped in his saddle as sheets of cold rain fell. He was tired-both physically and emotionally-from the long ride. It seemed like he couldnt remember when life had been leisurely. He thought back to when he was a boy growing up in Tranaugh Shire. Hed hated going to essentials school, hated being an apprentice with his father, and hated the daily chores that he was forced to do, but looking back he saw that life had been relatively easy.

Whats on your mind? Mansel asked, having to raise his voice over the noise of the falling rain.

Just thinking of home, Zollin said.

Seems like a lifetime ago to me, Mansel said. Its hard to believe we havent even been gone a year.

I know, Zollin said. Its hard to remember a time when we werent constantly on the move and constantly in danger.

Were not in danger now, Mansel said. For the first time, its our enemies who are on the run.

I know what youre saying is true, but it feels wrong somehow, Zollin replied. It feels like something terrible is about to happen.

Ah, thats just because of the weather. The days are getting shorter.

Its not the weather, Zollin said. Even though I dont think those clouds are normal.

You think the Torr is behind it?

I cant say, Zollin said. But something is changing, and it doesnt feel like its a change for the better.

Im sorry, Mansel said, his face bowed low in shame. I killed Kelvich. I almost killed Quinn. You have every right to feel bad.

I miss Kelvich, Zollin said. What happened was tragic, but Im as much to blame as you are. He told me something was wrong, but I was too self-absorbed to see it. If I had listened, perhaps things would have turned out differently.

Well, Im the one who killed him.

You were bewitched, Zollin argued.

That may be true, but it doesnt help me sleep at night.

I dont blame you, Zollin said. You shouldnt blame yourself.

Cant help it, Mansel said. I was in love with the idea of being a great warrior, but in the end I was just a killer. This isnt the life for me, Zollin. Im going to help you as long as you need me, but then Im going to disappear.

Disappear where? Zollin asked.

To a quiet life on the coast. I met someone, Mansel explained. I promised her Id come back. Even when I was under the witchs spell I could see her in my mind.

Whats her name?

Nycoll, Mansel said. She has a little cottage on the coast in Falxis. Her husband was a fisherman, but he was lost at sea. When I ran into trouble on my way to Osla, she nursed me back to health. Theres just something about her-I cant really describe it. All I know is thats home, not Tranaugh Shire. Not flitting about from town to town looking for adventure. When this is all over, thats where Im going.

You really think Quinn is happy in Felson? Zollin asked.

I guess, Mansel said. Hes your father, you should know better than anyone.

Theres a lot about him I dont know, Zollin admitted. Im glad hes found someone who makes him happy, but it seems odd to be on the road without him.

And what about Brianna? Mansel said. How are you doing with that?

I dont know, Zollin said. And thats the hardest part. I dont know what happened to her. I dont know if shes alive or dead. I dont know if Ill ever know, and its like a wound that wont heal. If I knew she was dead, perhaps I could move on emotionally, but its so hard to even think that she might be dead. When I settle things with the Torr and deal with the witch at Lodenhime, Im going to search for her. I cant rest until I know for sure.

They rode in silence after that. The rain soaked through their clothes and made them miserable. Zollin felt especially bad for Eustice. The tongue-less servant who had been cast aside by Offendorl, the Master of the Torr, couldnt even complain about how cold and miserable he felt.

We need to find some shelter, Zollin said to Mansel. Well all be sick if we stay out in this weather.

There should be a settlement or farm close by, Mansel said. I cant believe how cold this rain is. I mean, I know autumn is upon us, but this feels more like winter weather.

I know, Zollin agreed. Like I said, its unnatural.

They rode another half hour, their mounts plodding through mud, the wind finding every gap in their sodden clothing. Finally, they came to an abandoned farmhouse. The farmhouse had no roof, but there was a small barn that still had half a roof. They led their horses into the barn, but were surprised to find that they werent alone.

This is our place, said a surly looking man huddled in the corner. Go find someplace else.

Theres room for all of us, Zollin said cheerfully, even though he felt anything but cheerful. I can start a fire and we have food.

Theres no dry wood to burn, the man said, standing up and drawing a rusty knife from behind his back. If you want to keep breathing, I suggest you find another place.

The man had three companions, and they were all soaked from being out in the rain and looked menacing. They had weapons too, although they were crude instruments. One had a club, and the other two had ancient looking knives. Zollin had a knife in his belt, but no other weapons. Mansel, on the other hand, was fully armed. He had a long sword, a dagger, a round shield, and armor-although he wasnt wearing the armor at the moment.

We dont want trouble, Zollin said. We wont bother you, but were not leaving.

Its your funeral, the surly man said.

Zollin concentrated for moment, sending his magic out silently. It heated the handle of the mans weapon. In the past, using his magic would have sent a warm, wind-like sensation blowing through Zollin. But he had constructed a magical barrier around the reservoir of power that existed inside him. Now he could sense his magic, but it did not effect him physically-at least not to the extent that it had in the past when working magic would leave him drained as if hed been exerting all his physical strength.

Ahhhh! shouted the surly man, dropping his knife. His companions looked over at their friend in surprise. What the devil?

Not the devil, Zollin said. A wizard. Now, if youd be kind enough to put your weapons away, I promise youll not be harmed or molested in any way. We just want a dry spot to ride out the storm.

Then Zollin let his power kindle a fire in front of the men. It was nothing more than a dancing flame on the ground, which was hard-packed dirt. There was no wood, not even old straw, but the flame was bright and hot.

Well? Zollin said impatiently. Were waiting?

Put em away, lads, said the surly man.

Thank you, Zollin said as he swung down off of his horse. My name is Zollin. This is Mansel and Eustice.