Fever Mist by L. K. Rigel
Author:L. K. Rigel [Rigel, L. K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Literature & Fiction, Mythology & Folk Tales, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Historical, Sword & Sorcery, Fairy Tales, Mythology, Arthurian, Metaphysical & Visionary
ISBN: 1532984502
Amazon: B00MKATH2A
Publisher: Beastie Press
Published: 2014-08-11T16:00:00+00:00
« Chapter 5 »
Desire is the Fire
THE FIRST THING THAT hit Max was the ocean airâcold, salty, aliveâand the breezes accompanied by the pounding of waves on the rocks at the foot of the cliffs where he stood. He was in the human realm, beside a great tree that itself hummed with mystical power.
This must be Igdrasil, the world tree of the Dumnos wyrd.
Beyond the cliffs and Tintagos Bay was the Severn Sea, and on the horizon a mist churned and undulated, racing toward land like an ocean godâs team of water horses. The Dumnos mist, spoken of in the Blue Vale, was darker than heâd expected, quite out of keeping with what heâd heard. The mist did not appear benign.
He turned to the sounds of shouting men and clanging swords and saw fields covered with tents and hundreds of warriors. Nearby a laughing crowd surrounded and cheered on two knights engaged in a demonstration of swordplay.
To the north a castle at cliffâs edge flew the pennant of its occupant from the highest tower, indicating the lord was at home. The stronghold wasnât under siege, judging by the festive camaraderie among the encamped knights, but its drawbridge was closedâa shocking withholding of hospitality on the part of the resident lord. Had human men no manners?
âCome, Sir Goblin.â Merlyn indicated a carpet spread on the ground and a pile of soft-looking cushions. âTake some refreshment, and watch.â
âWatch?â Max sniffed at the bestowed title.
âSee there.â Merlyn nodded. The castle drawbridge began to lower. âThatâs Tintagos. Its walls are inviolate, warded by magic impenetrable by men or the magic of wyrd or fae. From this position of strength, Duke Gorlas imagines heâll soon rule over all these men as king of Dumnos. Ah. His lady, Igraine, rides out now to meet him.â
A procession of ladies on horseback rode through the gate, but Maxâs attention went to the castle itself, his curiosity aroused, his competence challenged.
Impenetrable by men or magic.
âJust so,â Merlyn said, again with the irritating implication heâd read Maxâs thoughts. âThe northwest wall is built sheer to the cliffs. Tunnels run from the keep down to Tintagos Bay, allowing for constant restocking of supplies during a siege.â
As the ladies progressed from the castle, each group of knights and squires they passed stopped all conversations and play to bow or nod.
âHave some wine, Maxim,â Merlyn said.
Max accepted a goblet and joined the wyrder on the carpet, but the view had been better standing.
Merlyn withdrew a leather pouch from an interior pocket in his cloak and untied its strings. âMove back a little there, Maxim. And do not utter a sound until I give you leave.â He pulled a handful of dust from the pouch and tossed it into the air. âUtros! Utros! Utros!â
The air between wyrder and goblin shimmered and distorted, giving the appearance of a distant mirage on a hot summerâs day. An apparition slowly took form and came into focus, two men in the midst of an intense exchange. The dark-haired
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