OUTLANDER

                                                Chapter 29

                                       The Call to War

Dax could see the Sand Walker trader was about to close his stand for the day, but the man turned to greet him in the common language. Dax responded with the proper Sand Walker greeting of friendship and then showed the man his token of honor.

“You are the Wolf King. The one that non-Sand Walkers call Dax” he would now speak his own language as was their custom for any conversation not concerning trade. “My name is Khaled al Gimal.”

“I am and I need to ask your indulgence. I would like to talk to you on that ship that just docked at the pier, if you would follow me there?”

“Of course, we may talk wherever you like.” At saying that the men took a step forward and after Dax turned, they walked to the pier and up the gang plank of the Phoenix. Once on board the man saw the rest of the wolf pack standing there with their wolf partners beside them. Ruthor, Ofid and Cran all proffered their tokens of honor for him to see and all spoke the formal greeting as they did. As did all the other wolf pack men and the ship’s crew in unison. The man stood there in awe for a moment before he spoke. “I see all those known as honored men to my people from your comrades, except one. But I have never seen so many non-Sand Walkers speaking our language before. I know not whether to feel privileged or extremely cautious of its meaning?”

“There is no cause for alarm here, I assure you. All here have spent three moons learning your language from me during our voyage here. My friends and I are here to help your people in this latest atrocity of Damna the Great. But I will need some help from you.”

“Your help is welcome as are all here. How can a simple trader as I be of assistance?”

“I need your help in finding Hamid al Bien.”

The trader takes several minutes in thought before he answers. “It is known that the high holy one is well known to you and you to him. He is far from here.”

“But he is not one of those Damna has forced to be at the Arna River with Damna’s Army?”

“No, he is not. And those forced to be at the border river are not part of the Purple Throne’s Army; they are forced to be there to keep the army from deserting or running away from the fighting. Damna has said they win the fertile triangle, or they die. Our people want none of this; but he left us no choice, so we have those there that he thinks are the majority of our able men.”

“But he is wrong both in forcing your involvement and at the real population of your people. You say he is far from here; can you take or direct me to him?”

“It would take half a moon to reach him. He is beyond the Walking Dunes and the Dry Sea of Lost Souls in the northeast. We would have to avoid both to get to him. He is in an unknown village in the foothills on the desert side close to passes that lead to Lake Crystal.”

“We will not avoid the Walking Dunes or Dry Sea; we will go directly across both. Time is of the essence here; we must make all haste. If you wish not to lead us, then just tell me where this hidden village is please. There is no shame in not challenging the unknown dangers of the Dry Sea.”

Once again, the trader thinks for long moments before he speaks. “There is also no honor in avoiding a risk when you wish to help my people. I will go with you, when we reach the border hills, I will show you the way. You will lead until then. When do we leave?”

“Tomorrow morning, from the house of the mage Neven Sallas. Tonight, my men and I will make our way there under the cover of darkness.”

“I will meet you there before dawn breaks, I know the house and the mage well.” Khaled then bowed and left the ship.

Shortly after that Dax and his men left the Phoenix as well and made their way with all stealth up the streets toward the house of Neven Sallas. Once there they knocked on his door as quietly as they could, but loud enough to be heard inside. After long moments Dens opened the door with a look of shock at first, but then blended into recognition. “Welcome, Dax, have your men take your horses around back. I will go and wake Neven.”

“Thank you, Dens.” Dax handed his horse’s reins to Ruthor and walked through the door. He then walked to the back of the house to let his men and wolves in once the horses were tied in the area behind the house.

“Welcome, Dax, I am not that surprised to see you here. I assume you have come to help the Sand Walkers because of Damna’s troubles with Lagdian.” Neven Sallas said as he entered the room.

“You are correct Neven; I apologize for our intrusion. We will be gone at dawn. We just needed a place to be after disembarking from our ship and until we could head out into the desert.”

“That is fine, I am glad to be of what help I can. May I ask where you are going?”

Ruthor, Ofid and Cran walked in while the two men were speaking, Ruthor spoke after Neven asked his question but before Dax could answer. First, he greeted the elderly mage and then his commander.

“It is good to see you Neven, even if the circumstances are not ideal. The horses are taken care of and the others are waiting with them.”

“Good. To answer your question, Neven, we are going to find Hamid al Bien. A trader is going to go with us.”

“I suppose this man knows where their High Holy Man is and that you can trust him?”

“He says he does, and you know those of us standing here with you are trusted by the Sand Walkers.”

“I do, but as with all people not every man of any people is what they seem always. May I ask who this trader is?”

“Of course, it is Khaled al Gimal, the trader who has a stall near the docks.”

“Gimal is an honest and devout man. I know him well, if he says he knows where Hamid is, then he knows. Gimal is Hamid’s cousin and they are very close.”

“He did not tell me they were cousins, but there was no need to either.”

“Might I ask how Syngyn is doing?”

“He is a marvel old friend, and he is doing very well. He has made a good life for himself and is a credit to your training. He never ceases to amaze us all.”

“I am happy for him and that is good to know. Will I see you before you return home when your mission is over?”

“Yes, we will leave from Jav on the same ship we arrived on. I will make sure we have time to see you before we leave. I would rather that Ceric does not know yet that we came here and what we are doing just yet. Secrecy is one thing I wish to maintain as long as possible.”

“He will not know of it from me until you give your leave.”

“Thank you.”

It was now when there was a quiet knock at the front door. Dens was there quickly to answer it and let Khaled al Gimal in pointing him to the room where everyone was.

“Good morning, Neven. I hope our intrusion has not been too disturbing?”

“Not at all, old friend. A little excitement has been rewarding this night. I hear you are going on a journey with Dax and his men?”

“That is true . I think it is I who will be experiencing the excitement with the King of Wolves though.”

“From what I know of Dax and his men, you could not be in more capable hands.”

Dax looked at the trader and bowed in welcome once again. “Are you ready to leave Khaled, I want to be well away from Jav, before anyone knows we were here.”

“I am ready.”

“Good, bring your horse around back, all of ours are there already we will leave as soon as I have told Neven farewell.”

“Then I am off, old friend.” The two men bowed to one another and the trader left through the front door to get his horse.

Dax told Neven farewell. Then he and his men left through the back door to where their horses were being held. Within moments eleven men on horses disappeared into the night with ten Dire Wolves trotting at their sides. Only Neven Sallas and Dens were aware that they had ever been there.

Two days later the band of men and wolves were coming out of the Walking Dunes and making their first camp for some much-needed sleep. Dax was making all haste, they were not riding hard, but continuously only stopping for short drinks of water for themselves and their mounts and some morsels of food for energy. The men of the Wolf Pack were trained for such marches and the trader seemed to acquaint himself well to this rigor, much to his credit. After a few hours of sleep and a traveler’s meal, they were mounted and following the northeast direction as before. By dusk the dusty shrouded haze they were approaching was coming near.

For the first time since they left, Khaled al Gimal began to feel a sense of unease. Only four of the men he was with had ever been known to enter the Dry Sea of Lost Souls and come out again.

Dax halted the advance and turned to speak to everyone. “We will form a phalanx, myself at the point and two abreast at an angle until we are five in length, then fold the column in for one with three at the base. I want do not want a single rear guard, three abreast. Khaled, I want you to be in the center so that you are protected on all sides. We are not stopping here for the night; I want us to make our way as far as we can under the added protection of the utter darkness. We will be using our wolf tokens as our guide, slightly to the northeast. I will lead by mine. But keep to the tightest of formation, that will be our best protection. Everyone keep vigilant, we know how well those who live here can evade detection in this shroud.” He then turned in his saddle, prodded his mount and started to ride into the haze that surrounded the Dry Sea of Lost Souls. His men falling into place, forming the arrow shaped column.

The quiet was deafening. No man made a sound, there was only the slight thumps of hooves on the dried earth below them. The progress was as measured as it was steady. Long toward the time of being halfway between dusk and the beginning of dawn, it was Ofid who deftly whispered the first alarm to his companions.

“I hear a rustle of movement to our right. I can see nothing yet but could hear a slow shuffle on the dried and cracked earth.” Ofid was riding just to the right behind Dax and abreast of Ruthor. Both men just barely heard him and turned their heads in that direction immediately.

“I heard it, but it stopped right after you warned us. Don’t stop yet but move on as quietly as we can.” Dax stated just above a whisper.

Now at a pace barely equal to an old man’s crouched walk, they continued forward. Just as the three rear guards passed the location Heart’s neck hair bristled and Sergeant at Arms Bern passed a hushed alarm forward to everyone. He told them Heart had either heard or seen something briefly, because when he looked, he could not see it. Each man now had a grip on his weapon.

Khaled was amazed with what happened next. Without a word or a gesture, the ten men on horses turned around, in place wolves moving with each horse in unison. Then Shem stepped forward one horse length while Dax moved in between Ruthor and Ofid. Khaled turned his mount about, so he was facing the same way. Seeing this precision, he could see where this was well practiced and rehearsed, this phalanx, as the King of Wolves had called it, could alter its direction in the blink of one’s eye without any warning to any perceived danger.

Now they were facing the direction which Heart had reacted to a noise or movement in the all- surrounding mist. Without another noise four standing erect shapes burst through the mist, weapons raised and shouting threats, springing from their sides were four long fanged beasts.

In less than a heartbeat Cran, Dien and Bern loosed three arrows from their bows, all hitting their marks, as three of the attackers fell dead to the hard cracked ground. By the time the three men hit the ground all ten wolves had pack-jumped the four long teeth. The growls and snarls from the wolves not drowning out the screams of the long teeth as they were outnumbered and losing their fight to survive. Cran had loosed another arrow at the fourth man as soon as his first one took flight, but this one was meant to harm not kill. Bern being the forward man had already leapt from his horse and was pummeling the attacker into submission.

Now all ten members of the Wolf Pack were on the ground, some putting the finishing blade into a long tooth and others surrounding the surviving attacker cowering under the onslaught of Bern.

Dax bent toward the man and told Sergeant-at-Arms Bern to move back, so the man could hear and see him. Bern did as he was ordered by his Commander.

“You have one of two choices, Dog who runs with Long tooth lions; take us to the one who gives you orders to stalk and kill those who but make their way through this mist or die here like your three companions and these four long teeth.” Dax spoke in Sand Walker and when the man did not immediately answer, repeated it in the common language. The man still refused to answer, so he turned to Darma and the other Dire Wolves and in Sand Walker said. “Kill.”

But as he did the bloodied and beaten survivor yelled. “I understand you, but if I lead you to him, I will be dead anyway.”

Dax had put his hand down in the gesture of stop to Darma. “That may be your way, I do not know. But I can guarantee if you refuse, I will allow these ten wolves to finish you off right now. And you will suffer every bite and tearing of your flesh until they tear out a vital organ. “

As Darma growls and is postured to leap at the slightest command from Dax. The man speaks quickly in a panic. “I will do it but know this you will all die before you get the chance to talk to our leader.”

“He may try, this I would expect of a fool who sends quaking men with lions to kill the unaware in a shroud of mist. But killing trained men and Dire Wolves who are facing them is another matter. Now get to your feet and lead us there, one false move and you die where you stand.”

The beaten and bloodied surviving attacker stood and did as he was told. Bern placed a noose around the man’s neck and bound his hands behind his back. Everyone had climbed back into their saddles and followed him back now in their phalanx formation. He had walked for three hours when the mist started to separate, and the procession could begin to see greater distances the farther the man walked in this direction. Finally, Bern and the others began to see what looked like the whispered about huge monitor lizards of fables and then structures in the distance. But as they did a large group of people began running their direction waving swords, clubs and whatever they had found once they saw intruders riding their way on horseback.

As they neared, Dax gave the command for the wolves to take up positions in front of the formation and howl that eerie cry that could be heard for leagues. This seemed to slow the head long run toward them to slower more measured pace. As it did several men in the group took up forward positions protecting those behind them. Then one man with graying temples emerged in front of these men, who then held his hand high in the air calling the procession to a halt about fifty paces in front of Dax and his men.

Dax now moved to the front of his men on his magnificent black stallion with Darma at his side, he took the rope from Bern as he passed and had the surviving attacker beside him on the ground. Then loosed the noose around the man’s neck and told him to walk ten paces in front of him and Darma, with a warning that if he moved farther before Dax gave him leave, Cran would loose an arrow killing him instantly. The man did as he was told and stopped ten paces in front of Dax’s formation.

Dax, now knowing that these people spoke Sand Walker, raised his hand in the air and spoke loudly. “This one fought bravely alongside his companions, but they and the four long teeth are dead. We did not come into your land to kill any here, but your men attacked rather than just watch us pass through your land on our way elsewhere. This tactic of yours is the reason for their death, as you have done to others over the long passing of time. We have passed through your land before on the side closest the mountains and you attacked us, that time you lost men and the long-toothed lions as well, even though we meant you no harm.”

“It is our law; our law is for the protection of our people, you from outside mean only harm to us if we are known to be here.”

“My men and I have known you are here for several seasons, and yet we have told no one and we have not come to harm you now. But we will if we are pressed to do so. You know this is truth. I am sure some here remember the men and lions lost several seasons ago and burned as a warning to not pursue us farther that time.”

“I remember that time well. It was the first time any entered our lands and lived to go back to the outside.”

“That is also wrong. Many have been lost in here and never seen again. But I had crossed this land many seasons before that time with my men. Once long ago and alone leaving Pelia behind.”

“I had heard a report long ago of one who was thought to have ventured into the mist and leave it before he was taken or killed. I discounted it as my scouts being weary and needing to return to us before they should.”

“Tired they may have been, but a well-trained man alone can sometimes do what a regiment cannot.”

“This is also true . Why do you cross our lands again, if you mean us no harm now or in the future?”

“We are on our way from Jav to this side of the mountains near Lake Crystal. We seek the high holy man of the Sand Walkers.”

“Why do you seek Hamid al Bien?”

“You are well informed, leader of the people of the Dry Sea of Lost Souls. We are known to him and we seek to aid the Sand Walkers in their plight with Damna the Great.”

“Now I can guess who it is you are. You’re the one known to them as the King of Wolves, that fits with their stories of you and your men being the first to survive crossing our lands. I see a Sand Walker with you. Who are you, Sand Walker?”

“I am Khaled al Gimal, man of the mists. What the King of Wolves says is true . I am with them to show them where Hamid al Bien is currently. Some of these men have been made honored among us.”

“This aid you plan to give would it end the reign of Damna the Great?’

“If luck be with us, then yes I plan the end of that purple fool’s reign.”

“In such a case, I will allow your passage without harm to any. I would though ask that you take this man of mine with you. He then can return with news of your fate. The end of the reign of the Damna’s in Pelia would also end my people’s need for secrecy from the outside world finally. We could rejoin the world of men.”

“If that would be your desire, then would you be willing to fight to gain it alongside of us?”

The grey-streaked leader hesitated for several moments. Looked around at all those standing beside and behind him and then turned back to look at Dax. “Yes, we would join in such a fight. What do I call you King of Wolves? Men who make alliances should know each other’s names. I am known as Benjin al Desender.”

“And I am known as Dax.”

Dax dismounted his stallion dropped the noose from his captive’s neck and walked to face Benjin face to face. Both men clasped hands to forearms and shook cordially.

Benjin turned to have a horse brought up for his man who was to go with Dax and his men. Then turned back to Dax. “I am glad we have met this day finally. Wefir here will come with you and give us your summons to battle. We will be ready; I am glad he accounted himself well and did not die as his friends did. I would have mourned the loss of this nephew.”

“He did you proud, Benjin.”

“Would you stay a night for rest and refreshment?”

“We could use it, but that will need to wait for another time. We must make all haste to Hamid al Bien.”

“Then until a better time. Blessings upon you.”

“And on you.”

With that said Dax returned to his men, mounted his stallion and now with Wefir mounted on a fine gelding, the Pack turned to continue their journey to the mountains near Lake Crystal.

                                                                           *****

Gaben had sailed the Phoenix south the dawn of the morning the Wolf Pack disembarked in Jav. The ship had just tied up to the pier in Viral, now he was making his way to King Magdar’s council house. Once he reached the long series of steps to the high double doors of the entry he stopped and gave his name to the guards standing watch there. One man left and returned with who Gaben thought to be the captain of the guards. The man asked Gaben what his business was with the king. Gaben explained he was there to tell the King of Commander Dax’s Wolf Pack making its way to his aid in the fight with Damna the Great. Hearing this the man led Gaben up and into the entry doors, then through the main hall and had guards open the council doors so he could announce Gaben’s treaty for an audience with the King.

Amish Magdar commanded back that they allow Captain Slogin to approach the high council table. Gaben walked across the long chamber and took up his position in full view of King Magdar’s council.

“I welcome you to Viral, Captain Slogin. I am told you have news that Commander Dax is on his way to our aid in this war with that purple fool, Damna the Great who has invaded my fertile triangle between the Arna and Prah Rivers.”

“That is my mission today, great King. But unfortunately, my message is for you and your council’s ears only at this time. There is need for secrecy of the Wolf Packs plans, which he was sure you would be in agreement with.”

Magdar turned and had the guards escort everyone from the chamber except his council seated at the table with him. Once the council chamber doors were closed behind the guards, Magdar looked back toward Gaben and spoke again.

“As you can see, I do agree. Commander Dax must have a plan to shorten this stalemate.”

“He does, King Magdar. As I am sure you are aware Commander Dax and some of his men are known and accepted among the Sand Walkers.”

“Yes, I know of this. But the Sand Walkers are among Damna’s army in this invasion.”

“He also knows this, but they are forced into their part and that part is only as a blocking force not allowing Damna’s army to cross back across the Arna River and give up the fight. The Sand Walkers have not crossed the Arna and do not plan to, in fact they want no part of this invasion.”

“It is true they have not as yet crossed into our lands, yet.”

“Commander Dax is making his way to the high holy man of the Sand Walkers at this moment, if he is not already there. His plan is to muster all of their fighting men and lead them to the Arna, then pursue Damna’s army into a position of surrender with them trapped between the Sand Walkers and your army.”

“But I was led to believe that all the fighters among the Sand Walkers were already at the Arna, and they are the subjects of Damna the Great.”

“Commander Dax says that the ones along the Arna are only a small part of the true population of the Sand Walkers and that their hatred for Damna the Great is far greater than anyone’s. He his certain they will join him in his endeavor. He does plan more though if you will agree?”

“What more are you talking about?”

“His full plan involves the removing of Damna the Great from his throne once the Pelian Army is defeated in the fertile triangle and marched in disgrace back to Pelia. He plans to give the Waste back to the Sand Walker people.”

“That is a very ambitious and dangerous game he is making the Wolf Pack a part of. Is Thane Eric in agreement with this ouster of Damna the Great?”

“Thane Eric does not know of Commander Dax’s plan. He only sent Captain Freize with the request for the Wolf Pack to aid you. Commander Dax does not wish to make you or Thane Eric complicit in the overthrow of Damna the Great.”

“I appreciate that, but I for one, will have orders sent to my generals to assist the Commander in any way he deems fit when the army of Pelia is defeated. It is long past the time that Damna the Great is taken from the Purple Throne.”

“I am sure the Commander will be thankful for any help you can give, once the invasion of Lagdian has been stopped.”

“Do you and your ship stay here with us in Viral?”

“I am sorry, but no, we have other duties we must perform.”

“Then I wish you good speed and luck. When you see Commander Dax, give him our sincere thanks and hope that we will see him again soon.”

“I will relay your kind regards, King Magdar.” As soon as Gaben thanked King Magdar, he backed up, turned around and left the Chamber council building and made his way back to the docks. The next morning the Phoenix left the port of Viral and headed back up the coastline.

                                                             *****

Asbyndahl open her door to fast knock from outside to find Aiela standing outside. “Good morning, Aiela. Should I assume that it is Melody’s time?”

“It is. Gayla is with her and her contractions are coming closer and deeper. We have her in a squat position by the side of her bed.”

“Then come on, we have little time to lose.”

The two women walked down the street and then up the hill to the house of Dax and Melody. They did not wait to knock but entered quickly and went straight to the bedroom. Gayla was beside her friend keeping her calm and coaching her in breathing. This was not Melody’s first, but her friends were a very welcome and calming influence. Delpha was outside watching Ginger, Iben Dom and Balen, who were all running around in front of the house.

There was a pallet of sheets lain on the hard wood floor below Melody to soften where the newborn might land even though Asbyndahl would be there to guide the birth.

Sweat was beaded and running down Melody’s shoulders and her night shift was soaked from the perspiration. She was grimaced and in the middle of a contraction and was straining to push as much as she could, as soon as there was a short pause in the pain she gasped in a large amount of air and yelled that she wished Dax were there. But another contraction stifled anymore, and Melody started straining another deep push.

Asbyndahl who was now in position told her to push harder as she could see the top of a head, and then reached to guide it to a soft landing when it finally broke completely through. Finally, the baby was on the pallet, kicking and screaming loudly. Asbyndahl looked up after she severed the umbilical cord and tied the knot saying that Melody had a fine new son.

After a little panting, a grimaced smile and leaning back against her bed she put her arms out to take the now swaddled babe. “You are going to be a treasure, little man.”

Gayla and Aiela helped their friend to a softer seated position on the side of her bed and shortly after Melody lay back her head propped up on several of the pillows, not taking her eyes off the son she had just given birth to.

“He is perfect in every way.” Gayla said, which was echoed by all in the room.

                                                                 *****

Dax, Hamid al Bien and Benjin al Desender rode in front of a league long mass of men on horses and hump backs many with wolves or long teeth walking beside them. Behind those on horseback were well over a thousand infantrymen carrying their weapons, some with huge monitor lizards entail. Behind them was a long caravan of wagons and carts drawn by more draft horses. The dust from their march was blowing for leagues behind where they marched, steadily plodding to the south as they neared the last rise in the desert which bordered the Arna River. The longer the march had gone the more Sand Walkers had fallen into ranks and marched with them. Some greeting old friends they had not seen in long periods of time. Many talking about who were the men with long teeth and holding reins on the huge lizards rumored to live in the Dry Sea.

As they marched over that last ridge with the narrow strip of grasslands bordering the Arna River the Sand Walkers who first saw them gave shouts of welcome. Men on horses rode from this encampment east and west along the river taking messages to leave where they were and come immediately to this encampment; if any Pelian tried to stop them then either kill them or bring them as captives.

That night men sat around campfires eating their evening meal, drinking ales, meads and wine while awaiting orders that would come from the war council being held at the encampment’s center. Some standing watches at its perimeter throughout the night in shifts, so that no man would be sleepless when the dawn broke.

The Wolf Pack’s officers, Hamid’s most trusted higher-ranking men and Benjin’s top officers were all seated in a double circle around the campfire discussing the next morning’s events in detail. It was Dax who laid out his plan of what would be their first march to engage the Pelian army across the river and then how he planned to force them into a retreat toward where the bulk of the Lagdian would be. Before the moon had reached its zenith in the dark skies overhead, every man knew his men’s place in the ranks and the plan to follow.

After all were dismissed and coached to see that all men got as much rest as possible only a few stayed to talk longer. Dax, Ruthor, Hamid, Benjin, Khaled and Wefir. This last discussion was only the thanks of each in his part in bringing this force together and making it here as quick as they had. In the morning, the die would be cast, and only the annals would know how they fared. Tonight, was a time for remembering those who they loved and wanted to return to once this war was over. Starting with the dawn there was only time to out-think their opponent, out-fight him, and finally remove Damna from his throne, possibly remove him from the land of the living, and see that the Waste once again belonged to those who loved it.

Once good evenings were said even these men went to get as much sleep as they could.