War Of The Wildlands(21)

“Nearly all of our animal skins were destroyed in the fires. We have nothing to stretch over the limbs for roofing,” Essa said.

“We can’t exactly tan hides while we’re traveling and fighting,” Reylin replied. “The clansmen we’re sending away will be fine. Those of us who are fighting won’t be staying in one place long enough to care. We’ll just have to make do.”

For some time the clansmen talked quietly among themselves. Finally, they decided who would be traveling to the Mountain and Mulberry Clans. Two older clansmen had been chosen and would have to be informed.

Reylana was regretting her injury more and more. She disliked that her brother was moving the clan farther away, and that she could not join in the fighting. Their clan Overseer had been killed when their village was destroyed, and Reylin had stepped up quickly to take over command. He had no desire to take the title, and he was too young for anyone to consider giving it to him. However, they did need a leader during the war, and there were few who could lead a battle better than him. Reylana sighed to herself, wishing she was fit enough to travel alongside him.

She gathered up the nuts and dried fruit she had prepared for her journey and placed them inside a small pouch that hung from her belt. Placing her sword on her back was difficult without the use of her left arm. The sling still prohibited her movement, and she knew she wouldn’t be able to swing the sword if she needed it. With only one hand, she couldn’t hope to do more than clumsily bash someone with it. Still, it was better than no defense at all. It was unlikely she would encounter a problem in the forests, but she wouldn’t leave her sword behind. Eventually her arm would heal, and she would be able to rejoin the fighting.

Once she was ready to set out, she went looking for Reylin. He was perched on a limb, busily crafting arrows for the fighting ahead.

“I’m all set to leave,” she called up to him. Her tree-climbing skills were quite awkward without the use of both arms, so she chose to remain on the ground.

Reylin hopped down from the branch and wrapped his arms around his sister. “Be well, Sis,” he said. “Remember how much we need the Sycamore Clan’s help. You have a very important task ahead of you.”

“I doubt they’ll say no,” she said with certainty.

“I can’t imagine they would,” he replied. “But if they’ve been attacked, they may not be so easy to find. I have no idea how many of them may be left. If their rune carver is dead, it’s up to you to find someone else.”

“I’ll do whatever I can,” she said. “I hope to see you again soon.”

Glancing back over her shoulder at what had once been her village, Reylana’s eyes filled with tears. This had always been her home, and she wondered if it ever would be again. Her life was changing too quickly, and she yearned for the carefree days of her childhood. She missed her parents and their wisdom. Things had always seemed simpler when they were around.

A gentle mist began to fall over the forest, and streaks of pale lightning illuminated the sky. The thunder drummed lazily through the clouds as if it had no desire to be noticed. Reylin climbed back into the trees and watched as his sister moved deeper into the dense forest, disappearing within its protective cover. In her hands rested the hope of their clan and all their kinsmen. Their only chance to survive this war depended on the weapons she would secure for them.





Chapter 14




A chill lingered on the air as Yori arrived within sight of Enald. He stood at the edge of the village and sighed quietly to himself. He was not looking forward to telling Meladee that he would be leaving for good. Those soulful eyes of hers would no doubt leave him feeling entirely guilty. She would not understand that he had no choice in the matter. All she would know was that her dearest friend was abandoning her for good.

Mustering his courage, he continued into the village and through the streets until he came at last to Ren’s smithy. Stepping inside, he heard his uncle say, “Welcome back. You were gone a bit longer than I expected.”

Meladee rushed at him, throwing her arms around his waist. “Where were you?” she asked accusingly.

Yori knelt to her level and took her little hands in his. “I’m sorry I didn’t come back right away,” he said.

“You must have met a girl,” Ren said, grinning.

“Sort of,” Yori replied, his gaze falling to the floor.

Ren noticed the change in Yori’s expression and asked, “Did something happen?”

Yori was silent for a moment but finally answered, “Yes, something did.” He drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly before continuing. “I did meet a girl, but when she found out I was an elf, she had me thrown in the dungeons. The prince himself released me on the condition I find my father’s clan and learn to etch runes. He wants me to work for him.”