Riddle of the Wren by Charles De Lint

Author:Charles De Lint
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2012-02-05T15:44:59+00:00

chapter two

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Like many henges, Cosrandra topped a rise in the middle of a clearing. The erlkin, Garowd's tall frame towering over them, headed for a break in the tall forests that surrounded the field. Markj'n kept pace with Minda, matching his stride to her smaller step so that they lagged somewhat behind the others. She wondered if she should give Cabber a call, then thought better of it. Ruhn, she noticed now, had slipped away as well.

The stars seemed closer to the earth on this world than they had on Dewethtyr. The bobbing faery lights of the erlkin pulled further and further ahead. Markj'n quickened the pace a little and Minda tried to keep up with him.

The forest itself was mostly oak—tall spreading giants, thicker about the trunk than three men—fingertips touching—might girdle. Weariness crept into Minda's limbs and fogged her thoughts. She stumbled once or twice along the way until Markj'n took her arm. But her bleary eyes opened wide when Elenwood Hall came into view before them.

Enchanted was the only word to describe the place. It was a huge towered and peak-roofed structure that seemed to have been carved out of one vast tree and stood as tall as the giant oaks, like a castle of wood growing in amongst its brothers rather than crafted by hands. The Inn of the Wandering Piper could have fit into it three times over, stables, yard and all, with room to spare. The courtyard was lit with the same misty globes that the erls had used to light the henge. They swung from the boughs of the trees that overhung the walls and from the gables of the hall itself. Long strands of ivy hung from the rooftops to disappear into the woad and fennel that leaned against the building's walls. A rich smell hung in the air of wildflowers, apples, and the earthy scent of dark forest soil.

There were erlkin everywhere she looked. All were tall and slender, pale-haired and golden-eyed, with the narrow aquiline features she'd come to expect after the ones she'd met in the henge. The ladies were beautiful, with an eeriness to their beauty that took the breath away; even the serving maids that clustered about the keep's door were radiant. There were solemn lords with shining faces and soldiers in gleaming mail who seemed more fit for a high court ceremony than war. All moved with spare, graceful motions.

Minda moved closer to Markj'n, thankful for the comforting arm to hold on to. She felt suddenly dowdy. The tinker squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"Boggles the mind," he whispered to her, "seeing so many all together for the first time, eh?"

Minda nodded mutely. What a sight their small company presented to this shining folk. Grimbold with his fur all singed, the rest of them with their clothing in tatters and dried blood splattered over everything. No wonder Camlin had balked at giving them their freedom, even if they did have a Wysling and Loremistress in their company.

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