Smiling the Moon by Thomas Lawrence

Author:Thomas Lawrence
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Spiritual fiction
Publisher: Hay House
Published: 2013-07-05T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

Vigilance is ultimately the only weapon.

Wode only had to wait until the afternoon before the next Keeper of the Tree arrived. He was delighted. It was long enough for what he’d needed to do and short enough for him to get to Teksel as soon as he could. He’d seen a black kite circling in the sky above him all morning: Keekra. He sent her back to Geeter with the message that he was coming.

The new Keeper had arrived on horseback but left on foot. Wode had given a brief explanation for his need to hasten his return to Teksel and easily persuaded him to part with his mount for one of the gold coins from Harrell’s pouch. Wode had thanked his new friend and, after allowing the horse a short feed and water, he adjusted the saddle and mounted.

“What’s her name?”

“Tarn.”

“Thank you again.”

“It is my pleasure. Now be gone, my friend.”

Wode needed no further bidding and urged Tarn on. She sensed his mood and went off at a steady canter. She kept it up all the way to the bottom of the escarpment on which Wode had stood looking down across the Tulrain, only three days before. From here he kept her at a fast walk until night camp.

He dismounted and removed her bridle. Loosening the saddle strap, he patted her neck and spoke to her. She lifted her head to listen.

“We’re staying here the night; keep the fire in your sight at all times,” and with that he let her loose and set about making a fire.

After some food, he went to work on Geeter, Berlen and Thrum. Only time would tell if he was successful.

* * *

The following night Wode was at the tavern in Teksel. It had been a hard ride and both he and Tarn were exhausted. She was stabled for the night with plenty of water and hay, and he was tucking into a good hot meal. He was just clearing his plate when a man came up and stood in front of him, casting a long shadow.

Wode lifted his head. “Moosen!”

“Hello, Wode, what brings you to these parts?”

Wode got up and embraced his friend. “Join me and I’ll tell you. On your way to the Tree?”

Moosen nodded. “And you’re just back?”

“Yes, I was only there two days for one questioner, which suited me fine. You look well.”

Moosen sat down and Wode began to explain the situation, keeping his voice low. His friend sat glued to his every word and then all of a sudden sat bolt upright.

“This Rekle. Is she fair-haired, slightly haughty and with outspoken cheekbones?”

“Yes, do you know her?”

“From a long time ago. She was brought to me by her mother, who I sensed was keen for her to leave home. She had some ability and wanted me to assess her for apprenticeship. Her mother couldn’t pay anything because she was very poor and so I agreed on the understanding that the girl would keep house too. I later found out that she’d been with old Donnat as well and that he’d been dismayed by her headstrong ways.

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