“Walking uphill for days while you’re hungry and freezing sounds like a good time to you?” Ann’s tone and sour words told him her opinion of his decision.
“I guess it’s the wonder of what is over the next hill. We have no idea. Since Blackie and I bonded I’ve known almost everything about where we live, who supports the King, who does not. I see and hear the world as a vast crowd with few secrets and help where I can. But things got out of balance so fast I’m scared to do much of anything.”
As they started walking on the road, the two boys walked ahead. Ann said, “Explain that if you will.”
“Balance is what I term the way the world works. A power-hungry king may throw off the balance, at least for a while. But for most things, if they are left alone the balance soon returns. Now and then a nudge is needed.”
Ann said, “If fishermen take too many fish from one part of the sea there are not enough fish for them the next year so they go somewhere else to fish. In time the fish return.”
“That’s a good way to look at it. In the long term, only a few things need to be changed because most will work themselves out.”
“But in your explanation you mentioned a power-hungry king.”
“Yes, there are times when steps need to be taken. But even then, the consequences have to be considered. For instance, if the power-hungry king is somehow removed from his position and replaced with the next in royal line, suppose that next person is weak and cares little for his people. In the larger consideration, which was better for the kingdom?”
The road climbed through a tunnel in the overhanging trees. Looking ahead, massive trees lined both sides of the dirt road, and the underbrush growing to the sides. Above the road spread the intertwined branches of trees from both sides. Little direct sunlight ever reached the road, but bright blue patches of sky could be seen through the few openings.
Peering ahead looked like a green tunnel without end, always rising. The slope was not yet steep, but already the calves of Gareth’s legs protested. The boys walked without complaining, although at a pace slower than Gareth would walk if he were alone. But he accepted it and adjusted.
A slight twinge in his mind drew his attention. He lowered his protection slightly and found the Brother he had wanted to speak with searching for him. He said out loud, “We have to pause here.”
Gareth sat on the bare dirt of the empty road and closed his eyes. The mental voice of the Brother filled his mind. “Brother, do you wish to speak with me?”
*I do, Gareth. As you requested, I found one of the Sisterhood early this morning on the road and passed on the message from Ann. She became very excited and rushed off to notify others.*
“The Brotherhood?”
*I have also passed on your request to them, but the response was initially more reserved.*
“Initially?”
*They are less accepting but willing to consider.*
“The King?”
*He too may be reluctant at first, but after the wailing, threats, and anger we all felt last night things may quickly change.*
Gareth had forgotten the fit of anger Belcher had broadcast while speaking to Gareth. All sensitives heard it, even those with the barest measure of talent. They might not know what they were feeling and hearing, but they knew it was unpleasant.
Gareth said, “I have to make a personal request of you. You may share the information with the Brotherhood so there will be no test of loyalties.”
*If I can be of service?*
“I need you to gather food for traveling, you know the kind I mean. I also require four heavy cloaks, three the size for small boys, and also warm blankets. Tie all of it in a single package and place it in the middle of a field or pasture. Can you do that for me?”
*Of course. Can you explain?”*
“My dragon will collect it and fly it to me.”
*The reason you require these things?*
“The voice you heard last night is that of a boy named Belcher. He thinks of himself as The Master. He came from across the mountains. I have to go there and try to find his roots.”
*You make me proud, Gareth. Instead of fighting and possibly losing your life in the battle you are seeking out information to use for his defeat. This makes all those days we sat in the shade at Dun Mare studying history worthwhile. I will go gather what you need.*
Gareth broke the connection and stood in one motion. He was ready to move. He also knew that Belcher would soon learn of his intentions. Belcher knew the general area where Gareth had been the night before, and he would be waiting for Gareth to charge into the valley where his father had lived. If not today, tomorrow.
When Gareth didn’t show, he’d wonder why. Either that, or he would begin picking at as many minds as he could find until he discovered one that provided the information Gareth had shared with the Brotherhood, Sisterhood, and King.
What would Belcher do then? That was the question. Would Belcher leave his fortified position and chase after Gareth? Would he remain in hiding and wait for Gareth to return? Or, would he go on a rampage and begin his conquest of the entire kingdom? There was no way to know the correct answer.
Ann said, “Are you ready to travel?”
“Yes. I want to move very fast in case Belcher decides to try catching us. Blackie will deliver cloaks and blankets later. And food.”
“Food?” Tad asked, a smile suddenly on his face. He winked at Ramos.
Gareth returned the smile but noticed Ramos looked happier, too. On impulse, he said, “Ramos, how are you doing this fine morning?”
A curt nod and the hint of a smile was more response than Gareth expected. They all walked a little faster. A while later the Brother imprinted an image of a large field of grass that was probably a farmer’s pasture that would be cut as hay soon. A bundle was located near the center.
Gareth contacted Blackie and passed on the image, along with instructions to fly it to the road they walked on. Blackie eagerly agreed. He was lonely and wanted to be near Gareth where he belonged.
Ann, Gareth, and the two boys continued their trek while Gareth watched for a place where a dragon the size of Blackie could safely land and take off again. By mid-morning the trees that had been so large and plentiful changed to smaller trees, more pine, fir, and cedar. Then suddenly they were walking almost in the open. There were still trees, but they were thinner and smaller.
The road they followed had narrowed to a path that barely allowed them to walk two across. Grass, flowers, and small shrubs grew on it as if very few feet passed this way. If left alone a year or two it would disappear into the forest. Gareth hadn’t seen the print of a horse, mule, or man since early morning.
He touched Blackie’s mind briefly and found him flying high and easy, a bundle gripped in his rear claws. Gareth looked through the dragon’s eyes and looked at the jagged mountains directly ahead. He could not tell where the pass was located, but Blackie could sense Gareth and fly to him. In the instant, he was with Blackie he hadn’t watched where he walked and almost fell.
Ann caught him. She said, “Are you with us or somewhere else?”