Elf Sight

Chapter Three

Chapter Three

Shadow took hold of Irlan’s hand and ran outside with him, grinning at the laughter that burst from him as they raced through the dark. “You’re mad. We’re going to run into something.”

“After the amount of time we’ve spent out here at night, I could run through this place with my eyes closed.” Irlan slowed and let go of her hand. He reached into the pillowcase. “Here.” He handed Shadow an old felt hat of his as sounds from the camp reached them. “Keep it pulled low and hold your tongue.”

Shadow nodded as she slipped the hat on. Her hand brushed against her hair and she touched the jagged strands, surprised at how light her head felt with her hair cut off. It wasn’t all that was light. She alternated between fear of what was ahead and lightheaded joy at leaving the tavern. She only wished her Ma would go with them, but Gennie believed Gil would change. She’d pointed out each time he’d acted like the man he’d once been, telling Shadow that one day soon she’d know the man her Pa really was.

“Who’s there? Show yourselves,” a guard ordered.

Irlan stepped into the light cast from the torches. “We need to see General Serensten.”

Shadow stayed close behind him, keeping her head tilted to hide her face with the hat’s brim.

“Who are you and what makes you think the General wants to see two brats?” the guard demanded as they came into the circle of light thrown out by the burning torch, one end of which was pushed into the ground. The flame flickered in the soft breeze and the guard held his sword at the ready. “I’m waiting.”

“I’ve got elf sight,” Irlan said.

Shadow jabbed her brother in the back but he ignored her.

“Elf sight.” The guard chuckled. “Hey Wardell, kid here reckons he’s got elf sight.”

Wardell came to join the guard. “What’s that, Yarin? Bad sight?”

“That’s about it,” Yarin agreed. “Can’t you see this is a soldier’s camp? We don’t have time for brats. Now take yourselves home and stop pestering us.”

“What’s going on here?” Another soldier stepped out of the shadows to join them. He had black hair slightly longer than the two soldiers. His brown eyes looked between the two men and then over to Irlan and Shadow. He was broad shouldered, held himself straight compared to the slouched stance of the guards and a sword hung from his belt. He looked to be only a few years older than Irlan but acted like he’d seen more of life.

Shadow had never seen anyone like him before. She was glad Irlan didn’t expect her to speak. She didn’t think she’d be able to.

“Ah, nothing Captain Relth, ah Sir.” Yarin stood to attention.

“Everything’s under control, Captain Relth,” Wardell said.

Shadow’s gaze was drawn back to the captain as she wondered if having a surname so close to the name of their country, Relthon, had helped or hindered his career.

“I’ve got elf sight and I want to see the General,” Irlan said.

Shadow’s hands became fists and she wanted to hit her brother. What was he thinking? How was he going to get them to believe something that wasn’t even close to the truth?

“Nothing, Wardell?” Carson asked quietly. Wardell took a step back under the hard look.

“They’re just kids mucking around,” Yarin said. “Ah, Sir.”

“Let the General be the judge of that. What’s your name boy?” Carson demanded.

“Irlan.”

“And who’s hiding behind you?”

“My brother Shadow.”

Carson stared at them a moment and then chuckled. The tension left the soldiers and they relaxed again.

“How appropriately named. Follow me. We’ll see what the General has to say.” Carson strode away without looking to see if they followed.

Irlan and Shadow shared a quick look and hurried after Carson. They were led to a tent in the middle of the camp.

Carson halted at the entrance. “Wait here.” He stared at each of them before he entered the tent.

“Why did you tell them you had elf sight?” Shadow hissed at her brother as soon as they were alone.

“We don’t want them looking too closely at you.”

Before Shadow could reply, Carson pulled the tent flap back and gestured them inside. The General sat at a collapsible table, with pen, ink and parchment in front of him. He stared at Irlan and glanced over at Shadow who stood close behind her brother.

“Are you telling the truth, lad?” Farnell asked.

Irlan nodded, pinned by the cold blue eyes of the General.

“There are four mugs in here. Magic hid. Find them for me,” Farnell ordered.

Irlan glanced around. Shadow could see the panic rush in on her brother. She felt the same panic. She didn’t know what the General would do if he found out Irlan had lied, but she didn’t think it’d be good. Reaching out, she wrapped her hand around his right wrist and tugged slightly on it until he turned in that direction. He slowly turned until she stopped tugging. Taking a deep breath he moved forward until she dug her nails into his wrist. Guessing he’d have something to say about that later, she pulled on his arm. He stared at the ground for a moment then looked over at the General and Captain.

“Well lad, if you think it’s there, bend down and pick it up,” Farnell said impatiently.

Irlan looked at Shadow. She could see the question in his eyes. For a fleeting second she felt like reminding him it was his fault. Then she remembered the cold eyes of the General. He was too much like Gil. Irlan didn’t stand a chance against him.

She moved forward and put her foot to a slight angle and hoped he understood what she was doing. Irlan crouched with his back to Farnell and Carson. He hesitatingly reached in front of him. Shadow saw the look of surprise as his fingers ran into the invisible cup near the toe of her boot. He picked it up, took it to the General and placed it on the table with a clunk.

“Hurry it up, lad. You’ve still got another three to find.” Farnell drummed his fingers on the table.

Irlan swallowed visibly. Shadow tugged on his wrist and was relieved this time he was able to follow her directions quicker. Shortly, all four mugs were on the General’s table, still invisible. Farnell pulled a bag of white powder from his belt pouch and sprinkled it over the mugs. It would have been a blend containing some of the same powder originally used to hide them.

Four ceramic mugs sat lined up along the table and Irlan sagged slightly. Shadow’s hand circled his wrist again and she dug her nails in to make him stand straight.

“Looks like you weren’t bragging, lad,” Farnell said. “So what price are you looking for your services?”

“Same as you offered the tavern owner,” Irlan said.

“No.”

Irlan shrugged and turned to walk out.

Shadow tugged on his arm but he dragged her along with him. She felt like hitting him over the head with something. Did he want to go back to the tavern?

“Half what I offered him,” Farnell called out.

Irlan shook his head and turned to face the General. “I’ll be doing the same job. Finding the path you’re looking for. It was obviously important enough for you to offer that price this afternoon. I can’t see why it should suddenly lose importance. Same price plus horses and supplies for me and my brother.” Irlan met Farnell’s eyes.

Shadow was surprised he could bring himself to, but she guessed it was no worse than all the times he’d stood up to their Pa. She shivered as she recalled how well those shows of bravado had turned out.

“You only.” Farnell pointed at Irlan. “We’re not nursemaids. You’re brother won’t be coming.”

“I’m his only kin. There’s nowhere to leave him,” Irlan said.

“I’ll pay the tavern owners to keep him while you’re gone,” Farnell suggested.

“No.” The word burst from Irlan. “I’ve heard stories about that drunk. I wouldn’t leave a dog in his keeping. The kid comes with me or I don’t go. He won’t be no trouble. He’s a bit on the simple side. He gets upset if he’s not near me. Ever since we lost our parents he hasn’t been able to let me out of his sight.”

Shadow dug her nails into her brother’s wrist again. She wanted to kick him as well. Simple! He was the only simple one. This would’ve been straight forward if he’d let her admit she was the one with elf sight. There certainly wouldn’t have been any reason for them to leave her behind then.

Farnell stared at Irlan, his chin resting on his linked fingers. “Eighty percent what I offered Gil, horses, supplies and the kid can come along. We ditch him the first time he gets in the way.”

Irlan nodded. “I want some gold to show good faith.”

“When we’re riding out in the morning. One coin only.”

“One each day,” Irlan said.

“One each week,” Farnell shot back.

“Done.” Irlan stepped forward and held out his hand.

Shadow stayed back and dropped her head more so the hat shaded her face. She looked towards the brim and tilted her head slightly so she could watch Irlan shake Farnell’s hand. Carson, who had stood behind Farnell, stepped forward. Her breath caught in her throat as he smiled at her brother.

“Come on lad, I’ll find somewhere for you and the kid to bed down for the night.”