Slathbog's Gold

“Summer rains are coming,” said Tayo as they ate their di

“At least it’s not cold,” Skeld replied with a laugh. “Though wet is wet, no matter the temperature.”

“Wind and rain are allies to bandits,” Bregnest commented thoughtfully, sca

The hills they had been riding through were small and had spread out. The small meadows had grown into wide open fields with only a few clumps of trees and small hills between them.

“We should stay alert,” Bregnest continued, returning his gaze to the company.

“Alert and quiet,” Thrang added, glancing at Skeld.

That night, Alex had a hard time reading as he sat beside the fire with Arco

“Are there really bandits this close to the White Tower?” Alex asked as he finished his reading.

“We are far from the tower now,” replied Arco

“Will they try to kill us?” Alex questioned nervously.

“Perhaps. Though I think they would try to steal our horses first. A company on foot is easier prey.”

“Andy said bandits would attack first and steal our horses later,” Alex commented, remembering Andy’s words at the Troll’s Stream.

“Andy has little experience with bandits. Though at times they will attack first and steal later.”

Alex stood beside Arco

“Perhaps we should build the fire up.”

“That would draw them like moths, if there are any about,” said Arco

Alex did as Arco

They followed the road for several more days, seeing no sign of anyone or anything as they went. Each night, Arco

“Soon you will be able to read elfin as well as any man, and better than many elves,” said Arco

“You are a good teacher,” Alex replied.

Arco

“What is it?” Alex questioned softly.

“Perhaps nothing,” replied Arco

“Should I wake the others?”

“No,” said Arco

Alex felt nervous and tense as he lay down on his blankets. Anticipation filled his mind and he found it difficult to sleep. He pulled his sword closer to him, letting his hand rest on the hilt. The cold metal seemed to ease his worries, and slowly he fell into a fitful sleep.

A hand covered Alex’s mouth and he jerked awake, wanting to cry a warning to his friends. His hand gripped tightly around his sword.

“Stay quiet,” Thrang’s voice whispered. “Trouble’s close. Pull on your boots and come outside. Quickly.”

Alex could hear Andy moving in the darkness, but his eyes would not focus. He pulled on his boots and rubbed his eyes, trying hard to shake off sleep. Fastening Moon Slayer to his belt, he followed Andy out of the tent. He could breathe better in the open air, but he was still having trouble seeing. Clouds filled the sky, hiding the moonlight, but he could make out the gray outlines of his companions standing near the cold fire pit. As quietly as he could, Alex moved toward them, his senses becoming sharper with each step.

The wind had died down, allowing a strange silence to settle over the campsite. Alex could hear trees creaking softly in the light breeze, but what he focused on was the sound of horses in the distance, moving slowly from side to side.

“They will come soon,” whispered Thrang. “Be ready.”

Alex and his friends spread out, forming a line in front of their camp. Thrang was next to him on his right, Andy on his left. To Thrang’s right stood Halfdan and then Bregnest, but there was no sign of Tayo, Skeld, or Arco

“Where are the others?” Alex asked nervously, keeping his voice lowered.

“Close,” Thrang replied, lifting his ax to a fighting position.

Alex followed Thrang’s example and drew Moon Slayer from his side. The blade shimmered black in the darkness, a hint of blue ru

Suddenly the sound of horses grew louder, moving fast, no longer shifting from side to side but coming straight toward the camp.

Alex felt his stomach tighten, knowing that any moment he would have to fight and kill if he wanted to stay alive.

From out of the darkness, the dim outline of men on horses appeared, and Alex heard a terrible yell from the bandits as they charged. Alex and his friends raised their own battle cry when the bandits came into view. Alex saw some of the horsemen turn quickly to ride away, surprised to see an armed company ready to fight, but the rest charged forward wildly. Alex stood firm with his companions, afraid, but ready to meet the charging bandits and his fate.

The noise of steel meeting steel filled the air around him, followed by the groans of wounded and dying men. Alex sidestepped a charging horse, swinging Moon Slayer at the rider’s body as hard as he could. He didn’t think to strike a second time, but quickly looked for another enemy to fight. A strange madness filled his mind as he wielded his sword, a madness that drove him recklessly into the battle. To Alex, his movements felt natural but strangely alien as well. There was no time for him to think even if he’d been able to focus his mind. He had to attack the bandits if he wanted to stay alive, and he did attack. Without hesitation, without thought, and without fear, Alex rushed into battle as a great happiness and a deep

sorrow filled his heart and mind.

The bandits quickly changed their minds about the attack and turned their horses to flee. They let out another scream as they tried to make their escape. Skeld, Tayo, and Arco

Alex rushed toward the remaining bandits he could see, slashing at them as they tried to break away. He felt a great heat inside his body as he attacked, swinging his sword wildly at everything on horseback. His movements were quicker now, and he could see his enemies clearly in the darkness, as if some strange light illuminated them. Ru

As quickly as it had begun, the battle was over. Alex spun around, wildly looking for more bandits, but there were none left. The heat inside him began to cool quickly, and as it cooled, darkness clouded his vision.