The Fatal Revenant Part 66

Esmer and Roger had fought to stop the Harrow; to kill him if they could not remove him from this time. Linden a.s.sumed that moksha Raver's kresh had attacked for the same reason. They wanted to prevent her from reaching Jeremiah.

But Kastenessen could not enter Andelain. The Despiser would not. Perhaps Esmer himself had no power here. Presumably even Roger did not pose a threat. The awakened krill and the Wraiths warded the Hills.

The Harrow was safe. As safe as Linden.

She had nothing to bargain with except her Staff and Covenant's ring. Could she trade them away now? Abandon her purpose? For Jeremiah's sake?

What would that accomplish? Without Earthpower and wild magic, she would have nothing to free him from the croyel The prospect scattered her thoughts like a gust of wind in dried leaves. She had experienced imponderable rescues, miracles of hope. Caerroil Wildwood had completed her Staff. The Mandoubt had retrieved her from the Land's past. And Anele had named other mysteries. Two days ago, he had told her that Morinmoss redeemed the covenant, the white gold wielder. The Forestal sang, and Morinmoss answered.

She needed to believe that she was not done with wonders; that she could accomplish what she had come here to do. That she might find Jeremiah without surrendering any of her strengths. Otherwise she would be helpless to refuse the Insequent.

Now those days are lost.

Instead of answering Liand, Linden turned to Stave.

"Do you know what Anele was talking about?" she asked. "In Salva Gildenbourne, before the Giants found us, he said that Morinmoss 'redeemed' Covenant. It was a long time ago. Do you remember? Can you tell me what he meant?"

All vastness is forgotten.

If her query surprised Stave, he did not show it. "There is a tale," he said carefully. "Some of its aspects are not known. The ur-Lord himself could not recall them clearly. Having eaten amanibhavam, he was held by delirancy for a time, and retained only fragments of what transpired."

Beyond the trees, the sun sank lower. Its light left the Soulsease, shrouding the Harrow in gloom.

"In the unnatural winter which High Lord Elena had imposed upon the Land," Stave continued, "wielding the Staff of Law in Corruption's service, the Unbeliever sought sanctuary in a Ramen covert. But the covert was beset, and he fled. Freezing and alone, he confronted another servant of Corruption. Aided by a Ranyhyn, Lena mother of Elena saved his life. In the attempt, however, Lena perished, and the ur-Lord's ankle was broken.

"He would not consent to ride the Ranyhyn. Rather he freed them to escape that dire winter."

"Aye," Mahrtiir a.s.sented. He and the whole company listened to Stave. "So the tale is told among the Ramen."

"At first," Stave explained. "he wandered, lost. Yet in some fashion he was guided beyond the Roamsedge into Morinmoss. It appeared to him that he was called by the song of a Forestal-a song which summoned him to the care of an unknown woman.

"There memory failed him. He did not return to himself until his hurts had been healed, both his ankle and his amanibhavam-stricken mind, and the woman lay dead.

"If it is sooth that he was drawn into Morinmoss by a Forestal, and that he was restored at a Forestal's urging, then it may truly be said that he was 'redeemed' by the power of wood and sap and song. Also he was later aided by the brief awakening of the Colossus when he confronted High Lord Elena and was powerless."

The Giants harkened to Stave with fascination, the Ramen with acknowledgment and approval. The Humbled paid no apparent heed to anything except the crepuscular loom of the Harrow. But Liand chafed at Stave's explanation. As soon as the former Master was done, he protested. "Linden, I do not comprehend. Often Anele has revealed much which others can not or do not discern. Yet how does this tale pertain to the Harrow?"

Linden felt an obscure relief. Her confusion was fading; dripping away like wave-tossed water from a boulder. There is more in Andelain-and among the Dead-and in your heart-than Lord Foul can conceive. Once again, she discovered that Anele's eerie utterances had substance. Remember that he is the hope of the Land.

"It doesn't," she told Liand. "Not directly." Everything pertained, the doom of the One Forest and the pa.s.sing of the Forestals as much as the Mandoubt's ruin and Esmer's conflicted betrayals. "I'm just trying to imagine what a bargain with the Harrow might cost." She intended to redeem her son at any price-but she also intended to choose that price. "The Wraiths refused Longwrath. But they're ignoring him. That must mean something."

There is hope in contradiction.

The Law of Life had been broken in Andelain. Elena had broken the Law of Death among the roots of Melenkurion Skyweir. On both occasions, Covenant had found a way to save the Land.

Rime Coldspray's voice was a low rumble. "In this, we cannot counsel you. Among us, children are precious beyond description. Both the Swordmainnir and the Giants of Dire's Vessel have hazarded their lives for Longwrath's unattained redemption. But you have not named your purpose. Ignorant of what you will attempt, we cannot gauge the import of the Harrow's presence."

A moment pa.s.sed before Linden realized that all of her companions were waiting for her decision.

"All right." She had already made up her mind. "I want to hear what he has to say. But I'm not going to agree to anything until we reach the krill. I don't trust him. I won't take any chances until I know more."

The krill responded to wild magic. She had the Staff of Law. And if she found Thomas Covenant among the Dead- One way or another, she meant to end Jeremiah's suffering.

Her answer appeared to satisfy Liand, although he did not relax his distrust of the Harrow.

"So how do we get across?" she asked Stave and Mahrtiir. "Can the Ranyhyn carry us? Is there a ford?"

She was already familiar with the prowess of the Giants. The weight of their armor and swords would not hinder them.

The Manethrall snorted at the mere suggestion that the horses might not be able to bear their riders through the river; and Stave said, "In Andelain, the current of the Soulsease is gentle. There will be no difficulty."

As if to demonstrate his a.s.sertion, he sent Hynyn down the riverbank and into the water. For a few strides, Hynyn kept his footing. Then the stallion began to swim strongly.

Galt followed at once. Crossing the river, the company would be vulnerable. Clearly he and Stave meant to gain the south bank so that they could protect Linden and the others if the Harrow contemplated an attack.

"Swordmainnir!" called the Ironhand with a laugh. "Here is opportunity for refreshment. Never let it be said that Giants shun clear water and cleansing!"

At once, she plunged into the Soulsease with her comrades behind her, chuckling as they forged ahead. Without warning, Grueburn threw a splash of water in Cabledarm's face. Stonemage responded by drenching Bluntfist. But their play did not slow them. In spite of their mirth, they carried their swords drawn.

Mahrtiir and Narunal entered the river after the Giants. Bhapa and Pahni, and then Clyme and Branl, positioned themselves around Linden, Liand, and Anele as they followed the Manethrall.

When the water hit Linden's legs, she caught her breath. The Soulsease was colder than she had expected. But it did not resemble the winter which she had experienced with Roger and the croyel.

The river was distilled springtime; the eagerness of fertility and flowing after winter's long sleep. Its touch conveyed hints of the world's renewal. And Hyn pa.s.sed through it easily, thrusting ahead when her hooves could find the bottom, swimming with her head held high when they could not.

Surging up from the watercourse, Stave and Galt greeted the Harrow. If he granted them a reply, Linden did not hear it. Motionless on his destrier, he did not so much as incline his head to the Haruchai-or to the Swordmainnir when they splashed out of the river and surrounded him. This is an un looked-for meeting," Coldspray announced. "Declare yourself, stranger." But the Harrow's answer-if he gave one-did not reach Linden. Encircled by swords, he appeared to do nothing except wait for the arrival of his desires.

A fading glow still held the sky as Hyn gained the riverbank; heaved herself and her rider out of the Soulsease. The evening was too early for stars. And the Harrow had placed himself beneath the outspread shadows of a broad oak at the water's edge. Linden saw him as little more than a deeper blackness in the coming night. His leather apparel seemed to m.u.f.fle or diffuse his aura; mask his intentions.

His destrier was more tangible. The beast was a gelding as ma.s.sive and tall as Mh.o.r.n.ym. It champed at its bit and fretted while its master sat without moving. Occasional quivers ran through its muscles like small galvanic shocks, jolts of excitement or terror. But its tension did not trouble the Harrow. Instead his mount's disquiet only made him look more unpredictable and dangerous.

Stave and Mahrtiir moved to escort Linden as she advanced. The Soulsease had carried her eastward: she faced the Harrow with the last of the sunset in her eyes. Some of the Swordmainnir stepped aside to watch over Liand, Anele, and the Cords, but Coldspray, Grueburn, and Stonemage continued to confront the Insequent with their weapons ready.

Poised for battle, the Humbled regarded him impa.s.sively. He had already defeated them once. He had done so without difficulty. Yet Linden recognized that his physical strength did not equal theirs. His prowess was external in some fashion: an expression of acquired theurgy rather than of innate might. He wore his magicks like a form of raiment, as elaborate and distinctive as his leather garb.

When she reached the verge of the oak's shade, she asked Hyn to stop. She wanted to keep her distance. She could not see his eyes, but she was sure that he could see hers-and those of her companions. He had vowed that he would not make a second attempt to swallow her mind. He had called on his fellow Insequent to ensure that he kept his word. However, he had not promised to refrain from threatening her friends.

Mahrtiir and Anele were safe. The intransigence of the Haruchai might protect them from a fall into the Harrow's bottomless gaze. Even the Giants might be able to resist. But Liand, Bhapa, and Pahni had no defense. If the Harrow wanted leverage- Time seemed to stretch as though it might tear. The darkness under the oak became all darkness despite the faint light beyond the shadows. The Giants shifted their feet, waiting for Linden to speak. The destrier stamped one hoof restively.

Linden secured her grip on the Staff.

With one hand, she touched Covenant's ring through the fabric of her shirt.

"Say something," she demanded. "I'm here. It's your move."

The Harrow laughed softly. "Be welcome in Andelain, lady." His voice held the fertile depth of damp loam. Unlike Esmer, he had suffered no apparent damage in their earlier struggle. "You will find much to delight and surprise you in this bourne of peace."

He may have been mocking her.

"Don't play games with me," she retorted. -Peace' isn't one of your strengths. Get to the point."

He laughed again, a low rustle like the sound of canvas sliding over stone. "Is it not sufficient that I am able to enter Andelain? Must I refrain from the enjoyment of loveliness because Kastenessen and the mere-son and your perished love's scion cannot share my pleasure?"

Linden started to reply, then stopped herself. Roger was blocked from Andelain? And Esmer? She had hoped for that, but Esmer had not said so explicitly.

Then why did the Harrow hold back? He was in no danger of any kind. Why did he taunt her instead of bargaining?

Implied threats sc.r.a.ped across her nerves. At that moment, however, her certainty was greater than her alarm. She was so close to her goal- Apart from Stave and the Humbled, all of her companions were taut, apprehensive; braced for danger. In spite of their concerns, she forced herself to relax her shoulders and breathe more slowly.

All right," she said as if she had become calm. "I'm confused. I know why you're here. What I don't know is how. Why didn't the Wraiths stop you? Or the krill? If they can forbid Kastenessen, how did you get in?"

The Harrow did not answer. His emanations suggested that he was not paying attention.

Linden thought that she heard a distant sound which did not belong to evening in Andelain. But it was too elusive to be identified; and then it was gone.

"Mayhap, Chosen," Stave offered, "he was not prevented because he is not a being of power. His theurgy is that of knowledge. It does not reside within him."

Even Longwrath was possessed by a kind of magic: the ability to slough off his shackles whenever he wished.

Linden felt the Harrow's gaze return. "Lady, I have promised my companionship, and the word of any Insequent is holy. Lacking such fidelity, knowledge erodes itself. I have striven too long, and have learned too much, to be made trivial by unfaith. Therefore I am here. No other justification is required."

He still seemed to be mocking her.

Goaded by what he had done to the Mandoubt, she said angrily, "And you think that just showing up occasionally makes you honest?" But then she caught herself. "No, forget that. I don't care how you justify yourself. Tell me something else. I want to understand this.

"Anele has power. Why didn't the Wraiths refuse him?"

Was it possible that the Wraiths had allowed the Harrow to enter Andelain because he did not serve Despite?

Something that she could not define seemed to snag his notice. It was not birdsong or breeze or the soughing of the Soulsease, although it resembled those sounds. Still she felt his posture shift; felt him probe the twilight behind her. Again he did not answer.

Stave appeared to shrug. "The old man desires no harm. And his power is that of Andelain. Here he was transformed in his mother's womb, and given birth."

"Then what about Longwrath?" Linden insisted, aiming her questions at the Harrow in spite of his inattention. "Is he possessed?" She did not think so. If a Raver-or some similar ent.i.ty-ruled him, she would have sensed its presence. But she wanted to be sure. "Did the Wraiths stop him just because he's trying to kill me?"

The Insequent faced her. "I would do so in their place." His tone continued to jeer at her, but his manner implied boredom or distraction. "Have I not said that your might becomes you? Others may desire your death. I do not.

"However, concerning this Giant who craves your blood-"

He paused as though he expected an interruption. But Linden waited, and her companions were silent. After a moment, he resumed.

"His blade holds some interest. It was forged at a time millennia past, when Kasreyn of the Gyre feared the Sandgorgons, having not yet devised their Doom. He hungered for a weapon puissant to slay those feral beasts. Therefore he wrought the flamberge, aided by the croyel. It was fearsome in the hands of a knowing wielder. Yet its purpose ended when the Sandgorgons were bound to their Doom. Deprived of use, its theurgy fades."

Staring, Linden asked. "Is that what attracted the Wraiths? His sword?"

"Lady," replied the Harrow sardonically, "I have said that his blade holds some interest. It does not fascinate me. And the Wraiths are of no consequence. They merely articulate the might of Loric's krill. Born of Andelain, they nurture its beauty. Far greater beings walk the Hills, among them one of vast arrogance and self-worship."

She shook her head, trying to rid herself an innominate whisper. Far greater beings-Was he referring to the Dead?

Stubbornly she returned to her essential question. "I know what you want. You tried to force me, but you failed. So now I'm supposed to need your help." am able to convey you to your son. "That way, you can 'demand recompense.' All right. Let's get on with it. Isn't it time for you to offer me ap> am able to convey you to your son. "That way, you can 'demand recompense.' All right. Let's get on with it. Isn't it time for you to offer me ap> bargain? Isn't that why you're here?"

"It is," he replied. "and it is not. For the present, it would be bootless to barter. One comes who will preclude my desires without qualm. I do not relish the indignity of being thwarted. I will await a more congenial opportunity to speak of your son."

Linden scowled. Hints of sound became more persistent, in spite of her efforts to dismiss them. She could almost- An instant later, she realized that she was hearing the delicate music of bells or chimes: a soft ringing, at once beautiful and imprecise, as allusive as the scent of an exotic perfume. She nearly gasped as she recognized the tones. She knew them well.

Instinctively dismayed, she wheeled Hyn away from the Harrow.

"Linden?" Liand asked in surprise. Stave and the Humbled looked around, alert for danger. Muttering Giantish oaths, the Swordmainnir did the same.

They could not discern what Linden heard: she knew that. Long ago, this same chiming had filled her with turmoil and confusion-and none of her companions had been aware of it, not Covenant, not the Giants of the Search, not even the Haruchai.

Behind her, the Harrow said with rich sarcasm, "Be at peace, lady. Your concern is needless. No powers will contend in this place."

Linden ignored him; ignored her friends. At once alarmed and angry, she watched a portion of Andelain's dusk concatenate and flow as if the soul of the Hills were taking form.

Adorned with the tang and piquancy of tuned bells, a woman stepped out of the twilight and became herself.

She was tall and supple, lovely and lucent; bright with hues that glowed like the light of gems. Her raiment may have been sendaline, or it may have been composed of diamonds and rubies, its glitter and incarnadine woven together by the illimitable magic of dreams. The regal l.u.s.ter of her hair seemed more precious than jewels: it shone like her ornate cymar and her sovereign eyes; like a sea entranced by the moon. Her chosen flesh spread gleams that caused or resembled her chiming. When she moved, every line and curve was limned in exaltation.

And in her gaze and her mien, an imperious disdain struggled against pleading and sorrow.

Linden knew her. She was Infelice. In some sense which Linden had never understood, she was the leader or spokeswoman or potentate of the Elohim. Among her people, she embodied what they called the Wurd of the Earth," although in their mellifluous voices "Wurd" might have been "Wyrd" or "Word" or "Weird."

Her simple presence commanded humility: it urged abas.e.m.e.nt. In spite of Hyn's unflinching calm, Linden felt a blind impulse to kneel, abashed, before Infelice.

Her reaction was echoed by Liand and the Ramen. Their faces reflected Infelice's radiance. Even Mahrtiir was stricken with awe and chagrin. Scowling, Anele refused to turn toward her. And the Giants, who had been acquainted with the Elohim for millennia, scrambled to put away their weapons and bow deeply. Only the Haruchai showed no reaction*the Haruchai and the Harrow.

Thousands of years ago, the uncompromising dedication of Stave's ancestors had offended the Elohim. More recently, Linden had learned from the Theomach that his people resented the hauteur and power of the Elohim. The Vizard had tried to encourage Jeremiah to imprison them.

In the Elohimfest where Linden had first seen Infelice, her people had betrayed Covenant because they distrusted his possession of white gold. They had believed that Linden should wield wild magic. Even then, they had been certain that Covenant's efforts to defeat Lord Foul would ultimately fail.

Facing Infelice, Linden feared suddenly that her straits, and the Land's, demonstrated that the Elohim had been right all along. The Despiser's repeated return to strength demeaned Covenant's victories. They might as well have been failures.

Infelice did not walk on the gra.s.s. Instead she moved through the air at the height of the Giants. She may have wished to look down on Linden and the Harrow.

Her voice wore a penumbra of bells as she said, "The Insequent speaks sooth, Wildwielder." Around her, night thickened over the Hills and the Soulsease as if her appearance absorbed the last of the light. "No powers will contend in sacred Andelain. Conscious of his littleness, and embittered, he faults us for arrogance and self-worship. Yet he declines to acknowledge that the quality which he deplores, the certainty that we are equal to all things, preserves his petty machinations as well as his life. Our unconcern spares smaller beings. Were we less than we are, we would have taken umbrage in an earlier age and extinguished the Insequent for their meddlesomeness."

You vaunt yourself without cause, Elohim," retorted the Harrow. "Was not your Appointed Guardian of the One Tree defeated by the Theomach?"

"He was," admitted Infelice in a tone that conceded nothing. "And in his turn, the Theomach was defeated. Though he strove to affect the Wurd of the Earth, he fell before one mere Haruchai. Thus our present peril is in part attributable to the Insequent. Had the Theomach refrained from aggrandizement, much which now threatens the Earth would not have occurred, and I would not have come to counter your gluttony."

The Harrow laughed, mocking Infelice as he had mocked Linden. "You are clever, Elohim. You speak truth to conceal truth. Did you not also come to prevent the lady?"

Infelice did not waver. "I did."

Nevertheless expressions molted across her face, ire and grief and alarm commingled with a look that resembled self-pity. "If the Wildwielder will heed me."

Their exchange gave Linden time to rally herself; step back from the brink of consternation. She did not trust the Harrow: she knew the intensity of his greed. And she was painfully, intimately familiar with the surquedry and secrets of the Elohim: she could not believe that Infelice wished her-or Jeremiah-well. As a people, the Elohim cared only for themselves.