Vortex by Paul J Bennett

Author:Paul J Bennett [Bennett, Paul J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Paul J Bennett

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They dragged the bodies into the woods, covering them with bracken. The horses, still spooked from the fight, proved too difficult to locate. Athgar felt it wiser to continue rather than waste more time on a fruitless search.

They reached the inn as darkness fell, the soft light in its windows inviting after their ordeal. Belgast went in first to ensure none of the king's men were present. He soon reappeared at the doorway, waving them over.

The roaring fire warmed them, and they were the only guests. They took a seat as a middle-aged woman emerged from a back room.

"It's late to be out at the Drake," she said.

"The Drake?" said Athgar.

She pointed to a sign hanging on one wall.

"I would’ve thought a place like this would be busy this time of year," said Belgast. "What with the harvest being in and all."

"Aye," the woman replied, "and well it would be if it wasn't for the king's calling."

"The what?"

"The king's calling. He's sent word for all men of fighting age to gather in the villages."

"And the nearest village is?" said Athgar.

"Blackwing."

"Strange name for a village," grumbled the Dwarf.

"It's named after a bird," the woman replied. "Now, are you just going to sit there warming yourselves or order something to drink?"

"Drink, of course. What do you recommend?"

"We have a nice ale, or mead, if you prefer."

"Mead will be fine. Thank you."

Her gaze swept the table. "And the rest of you?"

"Ale," said Herulf.

"Yes," Athgar agreed. "Ale for all of us."

She disappeared into the back room.

"Well?" said the Dwarf. "What do you think?"

"It sounds like King Dagmar has already decided to go to war."

"No. That's not what I meant."

"Then what?"

"Do you believe that woman knows anything about the Orcs?"

"Wait for her to return, then we'll see."

They waited patiently. Their host soon reappeared carrying a tray loaded with pots of ale and the Dwarf's mead.

Athgar tossed some coins on the table, then, when the woman moved to retrieve them, he spoke. "Might I know your name?" he asked.

"Edna," she replied.

"Tell me, Edna. Have you heard any tales of the woods in these parts?"

"Tales?"

"Yes, you know—ghost stories, tales of monsters, that sort of thing. Anything to entertain a group of weary travellers?"

"I don't know about no monsters, but the fairy lights been acting up of late."

"Fairy lights, you say? You must tell us more." Athgar placed another coin on the table. "I have more, if need be. Please, share what you know."

"The woods in these parts is dark," she said, "and folk don't wander into them at night."

"Because of wild animals?"

"No. There be worse things than animals out there. Only one man ever come back out of those woods alive, and he wasn't quite himself afterwards."

"Are you saying he lost his mind?" asked Belgast.

"Aye, his mind and an arm. He claimed savages abducted him, but his story made little sense."

"In what way?"

"He said strange lights shot up out of the ground and lured him into captivity."

"I've never heard such a thing," said Athgar.

"Nor had anyone here, but the rumours persist.

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