But there was an undercurrent of anxiety in the communication. Not every enemy was in the camp and some were sensed and not seen. There was danger everywhere, some of which would melt out of the night to strike. They could not lower their guard for a moment.
Auum had continued the run for another hour before his forward scouts reported a perfect site for a camp. Flat ground along the banks of a river was bordered on the other side by steep crags and with narrowed access front and rear. While he was only too aware that Xetesk could attack from the sky, the assassins, he had been told, would be on foot. They would find their task harder tonight; he would see to that.
Offering a prayer of thanks to Yniss for their fortune, he led his people in. One by one, his hunting parties returned and, though the meat was not plentiful, an abandoned farm had yielded some root vegetables among the weeds and they would have broth before the fires were doused.
Auum and Rebraal saw to the structure of the camp defence, positioning elves on riverbank and crag heights as well as front and rear. The mages were scattered through the camp in groups against the risk of spell attack and the ClawBound rested or scouted as they pleased.
Satisfied, the pair walked to the centre of the camp where The Raven sat, their horses picketed nearby. Their fire, like all the others, was soon to be doused but while they could, they enjoyed its light and warmth under the cool, cloudless sky.
Auum still wasn’t sure about them. For humans perhaps they were exceptional and it was true that their actions during the days of the Elfsorrow made them friends to all elves. But he couldn’t help but blame them for the problems they encountered in Xetesk. They were too driven by their emotions, and in combat, Auum did not believe that was the way to win. Even so, he was forced to concede the truth of history. They still fought, and won, sixteen years after they had started.
Auum accepted the mug of tea Hirad handed him and walked over to where Sian’erei tended Evunn. The elf lay next to Erienne, who still had not regained consciousness. Once more, Denser was protecting them from the power of her mind while Cleress slept to rest and regain her strength.
‘Tual has smiled on him,’ said Auum. Evunn looked so much better. His face was relaxed and the colour back in his lips and cheeks.
Sian looked up. ‘He has,’ she said. ‘The Lysternan mage has healed his mind. There is no damage that I can sense now. The mana aura is complete around him. When he wakes, he should be recovered, though we were warned that his memory of recent events might be incomplete.’
‘He will be happy Tual has blessed him with another day,’ said Auum. ‘And the One mage?’
They both looked down at Erienne. Thraun sat beside her, Denser nearby, already looking tired from his spell casting.
‘I do not know,’ said Sian. ‘Her mind is a confusion to me. They say she improves but I cannot see any signs. But she is warm and breathing. Her body is strong and her friends are always with her. All we have for her is hope.’
Auum nodded. ‘Thank you, Sian’erei. The Tai are in your debt.’
She flushed and smiled.
Auum turned and took a seat next to Rebraal. The Raven had banked their saddles on top of leather wraps, creating something passably comfortable to lean on.
‘Let’s talk,’ said Auum to Rebraal. ‘I want to understand these assassins and the winged creatures more. We must also consider our route for tomorrow. Translate for me.’
‘Of course,’ said Rebraal. ‘Hirad, Unknown, may I interrupt?’
‘Why not?’ said Hirad. ‘How are we doing?’
‘Well, the camp is as secure as we can make it. The Xeteskians have stopped for the night. We have hunters out in the field. They will strike if the risk is warranted. ClawBound too may wish to exact retribution. Auum, and I for that matter, need to know more about what we might face tonight.’
‘Denser, you know about this stuff,’ said Hirad.
‘It’s not complex,’ said Denser. Auum looked hard at him. The strain of the last few days was not being kind to him. There were deep shadows under his eyes and there was a cut in his voice. He needed Erienne to awaken. ‘I doubt we will come under familiar attack. They are vulnerable to spell attack and we have a hundred and thirty-odd mages here. But if they do attack, remember that you can’t hurt them with swords. And if their mages are with them, killing one will damage the other. It gives you options. But if I were Xetesk, I’d be sending familiars over shorter distances and attacking Lysternans or Dordovans without mage cover. Stands to reason.’
‘They are not natural creatures,’ said Auum.
‘No, they’re demons. Be careful of them. They are strong and to be feared.’
‘Not by the elves,’ said Auum. ‘However ugly or strong, they are not a match for us. Tual protects us.’
Denser half smiled. ‘I noticed. Now, assassins are altogether different. They will travel Cloaked, silent and in pairs. Always in pairs. We need to worry about these men. They are powerful casters, ruthless knife- and poison-killers and they leave no trail.’ He nodded at Auum. ‘They are the closest thing we have to the TaiGethen. They won’t kill indiscriminately, it isn’t their way. Indeed, they may not attack at all tonight, preferring to watch. If I know Dystran, they will be tasked to recover the Aryn Hiil, kill The Raven, barring Erienne, and also kill any elf they identify as key. That means you two for a start.’
Auum nodded. ‘The ClawBound must be informed,’ he said through Rebraal. ‘And then every elf in the camp. The breeze on your cheek could be the passing of an enemy. This won’t wait.’
He rose and, having spoken quickly to Rebraal, he trotted out of the firelight.
Hirad watched him go then raised his eyebrows in Rebraal’s direction.
‘He wants to get the message out. They are also going to mark the camp accessways with leaves and brush. It might help but the wind works against us. We will have to be vigilant.’
‘We’ve got another idea,’ said Hirad. ‘We think that the assassins’ first target will be us. Judging by the pace of the main Xeteskian force, they think they can take you on at the College so they’ll let you go. If we aren’t with you, you’ll be free to move faster and in darkness if it suits you. We can outrun the assassins, the familiars and the mage defenders. We’ll take the spare horses as well. We’ll be leaving before dawn. Hopefully, we’ll be seen, if you see what I mean.’
‘Is that . . . ?’ Rebraal paused and frowned. ‘That’s a risk. A big one. You are much safer with us.’
‘But we’re putting you at greater risk,’ said The Unknown. ‘Think about it. It makes sense. We can act as decoys, we can look after ourselves. We aren’t helping you here and we don’t like that. We’d be happier on our own.’
‘Doing things The Raven’s way, is that it?’ asked Rebraal.
Hirad smiled. ‘Now you’re getting it.’
‘What about Erienne?’ he asked.
‘She comes with us,’ said Denser.
‘She’s one of their main targets,’ added Darrick. The pale general was lying against his saddle already half asleep, the day’s ride having worn him down.
‘I don’t know,’ said Rebraal. ‘Splitting our forces, isn’t it? And you aren’t just hunted by Xetesk.’
‘Oh, I think Lystern and Dordover have other things on their minds,’ said The Unknown.
‘I’ll speak to Auum,’ said Rebraal. ‘I don’t think he’ll like it.’
‘It isn’t like you have a choice,’ said Hirad. ‘We’re going to sleep on it and if we like the idea when we wake, we’re going.’
Rebraal sucked his lip, his cheeks reddening slightly. ‘Right,’ he said and pushed himself to his feet. ‘Right. Well listen, don’t leave without saying something.’
The Al-Arynaar looked crushed. Hirad couldn’t let him leave like that.
‘Hey, Rebraal, we’d love you to come with us. Gods know, we could do with your skills. But your place is here, with your people. Ours isn’t. Anyway, it’s for two days. We’ll see you in Julatsa.’