Chapter Four: The Hunters
Tranith Argan: Book 2
Kara is on the elven ship captained by Narón, who has been kind to her despite this not being the sea elves way. They have learned that a dragon attacked the other elven ship, the one carrying her brother, Felanar. The dragon took Felanar and flew off. When chapter three ended, Kara saw with alarm that a dragon approached their ship.
The elves gathered on the port side and stared intently at the dragon as it rapidly approached. Soon it was close enough for the elves to see it was the same dragon that had attacked them earlier. Narón excitedly shared this news with Kara. The dragon was now within speaking distance and Narón called out a greeting in a strange tongue.
The dragon halted its progress and hovered in mid-air just off the side, about twenty feet in the air. This was the first Kara had seen of a dragon apart from the distant view she had of the one who attacked Felanar. This one was brown with red-flecked wings but had the same yellow eyes and beard Felanar had described. Those eyes focused intently on Narón as it began now to speak. A low rumbling sound emanated from its mouth, but Kara could make out nothing of the words. It sounded like distant thunder and went on for a long time. Evidently, dragon speech was not concise.
When the dragon had finished speaking, Narón excitedly spoke again, in that same rumbling fashion though not as deep or as powerful. The dragon was responding with another long speech, the waves of thunder rolling over them, when it caught sight of Kara. As the dragon stared thoughtfully at her, Kara stared back, feeling mesmerized by the gaze. She could now understand the feeling Felanar had upon catching sight of a similar gaze. Truly, this beast was intelligent. Suddenly the dragon leapt higher in the air and began to beat its wings furiously. Letting out a cry of anguish, it flew off to the west, leaving behind a confused band of elves. Kara felt herself take a breath and realized she had been holding it. She turned to Narón.
“What did he say to you?” she asked urgently. “Where is Felanar?”
Narón looked with interest at Kara’s face, as if trying to decipher what had startled the dragon. He responded, “He began by apologizing for attacking us, and for kidnapping Felanar. He kept saying over and over ‘I did not realize.’”
“Realize what?” asked Kara.
“I know not, Kara, for he did not say. I asked him about thy brother. He responded with great sorrow and fear and said he left him near Restar on the mainland. That a band of Hiríkk Jakkír was waiting for him there. He said only then did he realize his mistake and he was apologizing again when he caught sight of thee. That was it, and a great puzzle it is.”
“We must go to the mainland, Narón! Will you take me there?" Kara’s voice again was urgent and her eyes implored the Erenár captain.
“Aye, we turn immediately and make full speed for the Plain.”
Given the orders, the crew sprang into action and the ship was soon sailing southwest toward the shore. It would take no more than an hour or two at top speed but that was still too much time for Kara. Narón saw her lost in thought, pacing at the bow of the ship.
“What is the meaning of this riddle, Kara?” he asked her while she was in mid-stride. “First a Draigú takes thy brother and then apologizes for it. He deals with the Hiríkk Jakkír but says it was a mistake. He sees thee and flies off in panic.”
“I do not know, Narón, but the same thing happened to my brother not long ago. I cannot guess why such a beast would fear either of us, yet it seems it is so." She paused. “Tell me, what does it mean that he is in the hands of the Hiríkk Jakkír? They are the people of Shakaart, are they not? What will they do with him?”
“It means ill, Kara, but not without hope. The Jakkír are a hard people but they take slaves, not corpses. I do not know the meaning of this, but I think thy brother will not be in danger for his life. Truly, though, thy brother and thyself art the greatest mystery I’ve encountered in some time.”
He shook his head and walked back while Kara continued her pacing and the ship raced toward the shore. The land drew visibly closer by the minute. Kara looked curiously at this strange land. She had seen only the easternmost shore of this western land, on the way to Elaria by land, or at the times they had sailed directly to Elaria when the currents allowed. This part of the western lands was completely new to her. As they drew closer, she saw that it was a hilly land, but brown, arid hills. Not like the green hills of nearby Elaria. Trees grew along the shore and on the hills, but they were isolated in clumps, not a true forest.
When they were close enough to land, Kara realized with some surprise that the ship was being guided right up to a beach. It must have an extremely shallow hull, she thought. Soon they were debarking from the ship, with only a handful of crew being left behind to guard it. As a precaution, they were going to sail the ship offshore until needed again. The rest of the crew, with Kara, stood on the beach and gathered their packs and supplies. There were fifteen elves with Narón, and Kara made sixteen. Not a very large army, thought Kara, but it will have to do with elven resourcefulness and my will.
The beach was narrow and rocky. The land quickly rose up to the nearby foothills and it was toward them they marched. The land had sparse, wild vegetation and looked neglected. Evidently, thought Kara as she marched, Elaria was green and beautiful through care and effort.
As they reached the top of the first foothill, Narón halted to peer at the land beyond. From this vantage point they could see the rows of hills following a line to the south. Beyond the last line of hills lay a great brown expanse.
“Is that the Great Plain?” asked Kara.
“Yea,” answered Narón, “or rather it is the start of it. The Plain itself stretches eighty leagues until the desert begins. It is a lonely land, Kara, and not safe to travel. Still, I think we will not need to worry about the Plain, for our journey lies that way.”
He pointed to the southwest along a valley.
“How do you know?” asked Kara.
“I perceive a band of Hiríkk Jakkír in the distance. The dragon flew swiftly away and we made good time. They have not had enough time to make progress. We may catch them ere nightfall if we make swift paths.”
“Then let us fly as only elves and wronged sisters can!" Kara again had an air of determination, which made Narón smile. Off they marched down the other side of that hill and toward the valley. Once they reached it, they sped up along the dry ground. On either side, hills rose up and fell as they progressed. For all of Kara’s brave words, she had to struggle to keep up with the elves. Their long legs worked effortlessly and relentlessly as the land moved past.
The sun was low in the sky when they rounded a bend and came upon a surprising sight. Two Jakkír lay dead in the path. Debris was strewn right and left as if a great struggle had occurred. The elves quickly ran over to the bodies to examine the signs of the fight. Both Jakkír had wounds from an axe. The elves quickly found the bloodied axe lying in the nearby, much-tangled grass. From here, leading further west, the grass had been stamped down with the marching of a great band of men. Kara watched Narón look carefully at the ground at that spot, bending down as he examined the grass.
Standing up again, he softly issued a command to one of the elves, who quickly began to climb the hill to their south. Narón then turned to the others and talked about his findings.
“A fight was here, but between whom? Jakkír axe was the weapon, for the marks are distinctive. The attacker then ran here, and here is where he was captured. Jakkír then dragged him. This is no saark attack, for they use other weapons, and they don’t attack alone. Fight among Jakkír? It may perhaps be so. However, Kara, I believe this sign to be thy brother’s. He gave them more trouble than they expected, it would seem.”
“This gives my heart hope,” said Kara, “for it means he lived till then. Yet I also grow apprehensive over what they may have done to him for this resistance.”
“We shall see, and we will avenge such ere long, Kara.”
While waiting for the elf to return, the others stood around eating food and drink. Only Kara sat down and she felt very glad for it. They had covered several leagues during the afternoon and her legs were tired. These last few days had been exhausting, both physically and emotionally. Still, she felt her strength being renewed by the elven food. It satisfied her deeply and she closed her eyes as she rested. A soft breeze caressed her face.
Soon the scout came back down the hill and reported that the enemy lay straight ahead but was now much closer. Another hour or two would be sufficient to catch them. They numbered fifty but he couldn’t make out what weapons they carried. He also reported something that made Kara’s heart soar: he had seen Felanar among them!
Kara jumped up and wanted to march again immediately. The elves, who had finished their meal, set out again. This time Kara led the way at first, which greatly amused the others. Soon her zeal softened and she held back for Narón. They marched onward as the sun began to set, turning the sky fiery red. When the sky turned a deep purple and the light began to fade, Narón again held up his hand. The elves gathered around him as he said, “They are just ahead. I can hear them talking. Now we must plan our attack.”
Narón gestured to five of the elves and told them to climb to the left, and five others he told to circle around on the right. He would lead the other four ahead.
“Can you manage with only fifteen against fifty?” asked Kara as she pictured the upcoming battle in her mind.
Several Erenár frowned and one said, “Enough our numbers are against any who be not Erenár!”
Narón added, “His words be true if the numbers do not exceed reason. Immortal we are not, nor invincible. A hard fight this will be, for Hiríkk Jakkír are not saarks. Saarks fight with strength and no brain. Jakkír fight with strength and brain. This is why I break us up, Kara, in hopes that we can surround and surprise them before they recover. If hand-to-hand is our end, we will be hard pressed.”
“I do not wish harm to come to your people,” said Kara. “This is not your fight, after all. And you’ve been so kind to me already.”
“Nay, do not deter us from our right, Kara” said Narón. “I gave my promise to thy brother. Protect him I would, and protect him I shall. Thy fight is our fight.”
Kara stared at Narón, her extreme gratefulness showing in her eyes. “I thank you, Narón, from all my heart. Never let it be said that our people will not show their gratitude to the Erenár. Come, tell me what I should do in the fight.”
“Thou?” asked Narón quizzically. “Thou are to stay back lest thee be killed.”
“Stay back? Then truly this would be your fight alone, and yet this cannot be. It is my brother who has been taken. His sister will have her revenge!”
“Thou art a woman, Kara, and know nothing of combat." In saying this, Narón looked around to the others and smiled. Several Erenár laughed at the idea of Kara fighting among them.
Kara’s face grew serious. She stared at Narón alone and ignored the laughter of the others.
“Thou art an elf, and know nothing of men, if you think that,” she said. “Lead me on or leave me alone, but do not tell me to stand back, and do not think I know naught of combat. Or shall I show thee my swordplay?" She placed her hand on the hilt of her sword.
Chastened by this fervor, Narón responded, “I meant thee no disrespect, Kara, but only thought of thy safety. Thou seems to be of some importance in thy world, and I would see thee safely back. If I underestimated thy skills, I apologize. I was told among your people the women do not fight.”
“Women do not, Narón, but I do. I have been trained even among your own, by Findáran knights. Before this night is through, I will show you my skill. Lead on before it gets too dark!”
The three groups separated and marched silently forward as dusk settled around them. A few minutes’ march brought them within hearing distance of the band ahead: soldiers of the Jakkír could be heard talking. As the elves grew closer, it was clear that the Jakkír had decided to stop for the night. The glow of a campfire was seen. The talking was normal and relaxed. The soldiers felt comfortable in their homeland.
Kara could see the soldiers. She was on a slight rise looking down into the valley. There was enough light remaining to see the rows of men laying out equipment near the fire. Some were preparing a meal over the fire, some were setting out bedding. Others were gathering wood. The rest were sitting and resting after their day of marching. Kara strained to make out her brother and finally she saw him on the far side of the fire. With a leap of joy in her heart, she saw that he seemed healthy. He was sitting up with his arms behind his back. He had no injury visible from this distance. All Kara could make out were his eyes taking in the camp scene.
By now the two other elf groups of five were in position, one to the left of the camp and one to the right. Narón saw this and made a gesture with his right arm. Immediately the five elves with Kara raised their bows and began firing. From either side, too, arrows rained down. With the element of surprise, all of the first arrows hit their target. The elves had time to aim carefully and the targets had been completely unaware of their danger. With no more than a swooshing sound, fifteen Jakkír went down with sharp cries of pain and thuds of bodies.
The rest of the Jakkír responded faster than Kara would have thought possible. Leaping to their feet and grabbing their swords, they jumped to the spots where the arrows had originated. Kara was amazed at their instincts and reaction time. Before she had more time to marvel at these skills she had to brace herself, for ten of the Jakkír were coming right toward her.
Standing to her left, Narón drew back another arrow and let fly. This one also hit its target, but with the Jakkír moving swiftly the arrow hit square on his metal-studded leather armor. Thrown backwards momentarily, he righted himself and kept running forward. Several of the Jakkír had been killed with this second barrage of arrows, but not nearly as many as the first time. There was no chance for a third. The Jakkír had closed the gap on all three groups and suddenly each elf found himself in hand-to-hand combat with one or two Jakkír simultaneously.
Seeing three Jakkír rush for Narón and herself, Kara lifted her sword, yelled out, “For Argan!” and ran at the first Jakkír. He was much surprised at the sight of this young woman attacking him. Kara barely had time to notice the appearance of this large, muscular man in heavy leather armor. She thrust her sword forward and caught her opponent while he was still confused. However, her blade turned on a metal stud and merely wounded him. By now he had realized that woman or man, it made no difference when you are being attacked. He thrust her sword away with a strong cross stroke, and then lifted his sword above Kara’s head. She quickly raised her sword defensively and caught his downward thrust with a clang and a thud. She felt his strength bear down on her but she fought back and pushed him clear. Pulling her sword back she quickly thrust it through the leather armor and into his torso. Her opponent slumped to his knees and fell over.
Kara pulled the sword out and whirled around to help Narón. He was struggling with two Jakkír at once, and by keeping him off balance they had been able to stand up to his strong parries. They fought with intelligence and never allowed him to isolate one of them. In contrast, Narón’s skills were keen enough to prevent either of them from harming him. It was an extended draw being carried out before Kara’s eyes.
Seizing an opportune moment, Kara stepped forward and swung her sword high at the Jakkír nearest to her. Suddenly his head rolled off his body and he fell. At that moment, Narón, freed from the second opponent, quickly slew the first. With a brief glance at Kara in thanks, he moved swiftly to other fights being carried out along the perimeter of the camp.
Kara ran the other way and encountered another Jakkír near where Felanar was being guarded. With a few clashing blows, Kara felled the Jakkír and stepped forward. Now only one other Jakkír stood between her and Felanar. The guard raised a battle-axe and brought it crashing down on Kara’s sword. Her entire body shook with the force of the blow and she momentarily lost her breath and fell to her knees. Forcing herself to act, she quickly rolled along the ground to her right, jumped up, and raised her sword again. The guard stepped forward, brought his axe high above his head, and then lowered it in a rushing motion toward Kara. She jumped to the side and let the axe come hurtling down beside her. As the guard’s body leaned forward on the follow-through, she brought her sword quickly down with deadly force. The guard fell at her feet.
“Kara, you found me!" Felanar had watched his little sister with amazement. She rushed over, hugged him, and then used her sword to cut through the bonds that held his arms. Felanar stood up and hugged his sister tenderly.
“Come, brother, let us finish this fight and then we will talk." Kara gave Felanar her sword as she reached down and grabbed the dead guard’s axe. Then both rushed forward to the far side of the fire, where fighting was still ongoing. Many of the Jakkír were dead, but a pocket of ten still fought in a tight circle. The Erenár were hemming them in and Kara and Felanar joined in the attack. The remaining Jakkír fought bravely, but by now the numbers were overwhelming and they were soon dead.
The victors stood around and surveyed the damage. Six of the fifteen Erenár had been killed in the combat. Kara saw with sadness that one of them was the elf who had bragged at their skills in combat. He looked peaceful as he lay on the ground with a deep chest wound. The surviving elves knelt in respect to their fallen comrades. Felanar and Kara knelt beside them and lowered their heads in gratitude and respect for their aid.