Finally, as promised the saga of Joana continues. I hope it is still worth the wait.
The fight was over before it had even really started. Yet for Joana, who was in its midst, time seemed a pliable thing that dilated and contracted as the events unfolded. Hit by a terrible impact the man opposite her spun around. Bloodied shreds hung down where the left half of his face had been. Without a sound he folded up dropping right next to the smouldering logs that made up the camp fire. Out of the darkness behind his fallen form bounded a bear larger than Joana had ever seen of heard of. It reared on its hind legs and uttered another roar that echoed through the nocturnal forest. The man next to it fumbled for his axe. The weapon looked pathetically small in comparison to his opponent. More shouts erupted from where the company of small men must be. A yelp made Joana turn. The darkness had taken shape and leaped at another man on her side of the flames. He hardly time to scream before the thing - all teeth and bristles - went for his throat. The leader with his large axe stood wide-eyed for a moment as if unable to make up his mind whether to run or stay. Only the man next to her had lifted his bow and now yanked an arrow from his quiver. For a moment Joana feared he would turn to shoot at her but he did not. He was aiming across the flames. As soon as the shaft had touched the bow string he let fly. The twang was followed closely by a roar from the bear as the arrow dug itself into its heaving flank. It shook itself but then pressed forward with even more ferocity. Its opponent tried to meet the beast's onslaught with his axe but the blow came too late. Claws raked and the axe dropped to the ground. The warrior was buried kicking and wailing with fear under the mass of claws and fur. Next to her the archer was already hastily tugging at a fresh arrow. Joana scrambled forward grabbing the only thing she could reach: a log, its end glowing hot in the fire. As the archer aimed at the struggling pair across the fire he noticed the movement too late. Joana had come around, lunged toward him and drove the glowing end of the log straight into his face. The man shrieked with pain. The arrow sprang away landing harmless in the fire. The bow tumbled to the ground while he clasped both hands over his face. He stumbled backwards. Joana lunged again driving the hot end between his hands. She was rewarded with another muffled outcry. Retreating further he tripped over something in the shadows and fell heavily. Somewhere from behind her there was a high pitched squeal as of a pig. Joana whirled around, her smouldering weapon at the ready. She found herself face to face with the leader hefting his great axe. Dark liquid was slowly dripping down from the edge of the weapon. A look of madness was in his eyes. It turned into a triumphant grin when he beheld her. With a cry Joana thrust her log at him. He slapped it aside with an almost casual swing and it exploded in a hail of sparks. Then he was upon her grabbing her by the throat with his left hand. He spun her around and held her from behind in a grip like iron. Joana struggled wildly but the hand just seemed to tighten more around her throat squeezing the life out of her.
"Hold still", he hissed viciously next to her ear, "or Oi may forget me orders."
Then the man suddenly froze. He had noticed the two beasts that were cautiously circling him in the dancing shadows. The bear had finished its opponent and was lumbering up from the right. The shade that had pounced on the other man had now dissolved into the shape of a large wolf with bristling fur. Teeth bared in a menacing snarl it approached from the left. After the brief tumult silence had now fallen. Joana could hear the man's laboured breaths mingling with her own. She also detected a faint tremor in his grip. He was afraid.
"Back!" Shouting loudly he swung his axe at the beasts. They paid no heed to the weapon, their eyes fixed on him unflinching. He turned this way and that following their contracting cicles and dragging Joana along with him. Had he not been carrying a knife or dagger on his hip, Joana wondered.
The bear reared up on its hind legs uttering another mightly roar that made the man jump.
"Let the child go", the beast rumbled in what Joana knew to be the speech of the ancients. "You cannot have her."
The man's voice faltered, all movement halted. "What witchery is this", he gasped his tone shrill. "What, by the gods, are you?"
"Let her go", the wolf repeated with Vucara's voice. The beasts were now dangerously near, Vucara on their left, the bear on their right.
"If you harm her", the bear continued in his deep grumble, "you will not leave this forest alive."
"Trolls!", exclaimed the man hoarsely. "Thunderer protect me!"
Joana's cautiously fumbling hands had found the hilt of the dagger. She yanked it out of its sheath and brought it down again right beside her thigh. It met resistance digging its way through cloth and flesh. The man's cry was one of surprise and pain. His grip loosened. Then Vucara dove in and closed her jaws around his other leg. This brought forth another sharp cry and Joana was free. She stumbled forward and turned just in time to see the bear swing his mighty paw. The blow connected with a heavy thud. It felled the tall man like lightning splitting a tree. Both beasts had jumped clear and now circled in for the kill.
"Wait", Joana now shouted to the beasts, "I need answers first."
The two hesitated. With two steps she was next to him. Lying several paces from the fire his face was mercifully concealed in shadows. She could see wetness glistening all over it. His breaths were coming his shallow gasps each of them gargling in his throat. She bent down next to the quivering wreckage of his face.
"Who is your master", she demanded, "the truth this time!"
The man coughed. His jaw, which seemed to hang at an odd angle, seemed to grind on something. Dark liquid bubbled down from his mouth. He was trying to pronounce a word. Joana fought down her revulsion and brought her ear close to his mouth.
It sounded like: "Grimrun".
Trying to keep her voice calm and firm she went on: "Where? Where will I find him?" To her dismay Joana realised that it might already be too late to get any more answers out of him. He coughed again and wet droplets splattered over her ear.
"He ... fin' you", the man slurred.
Joana could not quite keep the anxious tremor out of her voice when she spoke again.
"Where will you meet him? Tell me and-" She hesitated. "-and I will ease your passing." She fumbled blindly for the hilt of the dagger. There was a rasping intake of air as she grasped it. He had to make several attempts to put the words together. Even then she could barely make out the words.
"In .. Valhalla."
He coughed once more but it sounded as if he was laughing. When he exhaled next he breathed in no more. It took Joana a moment to comprehend what had happened.
"Gods damn you!" she spat in a fit of helpless rage. Even in death he had still defied her. She pounded the body with her fists. "You'll never make it to Valhalla. Hel will drag you down into nothingness."
"He's dead, young human." The bear's rumbling voice brought Joana to her senses. "He will talk no more."
Joana looked around at Vucara and the bear.
"Did you learn anything from him", the wolf inquired quietly.
"Only a name", the girl murmured in return. "Though I never heard of any man with such a name. And that he tricked me again."
"He was a bad man", the bear growled. "I can still smell that. The world is a better place without him."
There were several grunts. Then with loud rustling and more grunts a group of wild boars broke through the undergrowth into the light of the fire. Joana jumped at their sudden arrival but Vucara and the bear merely looked up.
The wolf hailed them in the ancient tongue: "What news, Irkshu?"
The largest of the pigs, itself almost as massive as a small bear with huge, viciously curved tusks, trotted forward and tossed his head. There was a squeal of what Joana realised was triumphant laughter. With his voice a shrill grate the boar replied: "It was a good fight. We brought down two more of them but lost two of ours, too. And Meera there has been hobbled by the big man." He nodded his big head at one the other pigs. Joana noticed that its bristles were sticky and dark on one shoulder and he walk with a distinct limp. "The rest of them escaped to one of their hidden lairs."
Vucara uttered a snarl. "They will talk!"
"About what", replied Irkshu with scorn, "that they were set upon by some hogs and lost the fight. They wouldn't. They are too proud to bear this shame."
"All the worse for it", the wolf countered, "and they know about the Speaker. Who knows who they will barter that information to."
The boar snorted. "So where is this legendary Speaker, that you keep mentioning?"
Vucara's head indicated the girl. "She is right here."
For a few heartbeats the great boar stared silently at Joana. Then when she almost began feeling uncomfortable under the gaze of the small, wild eyes he said slowly: "This is your chosen one?! A girl? You summoned us for her, who is still almost a babe?"
Joana straightened. Her pride had been stung.
"I may be just a girl. And yet you are here Irkshu, following the call of the Speaker-with-Animals."
The boar walked up to her with heavy steps, sniffed her disdainfully with his long snout. Joana was acutely aware of the beast's bulk and tusks just some two or three hand lengths from her face.
"We pigs are not at the beck and call of any human, not even the legendary Speaker. And least of all do we follow the call of a child such as you."
At this moment Vucara cut in again. Her head lowered she spoke in a reconciling voice: "Be lenient with her, Irkshu. She is still young to our world. The help of the pigs is much appreciated."
Irkshu remained poised staring menacingly at Joana for a moment. "You have much to learn, child", he intoned, "listen to that old wolf if you want to survive." With that he reared around and, summoning the other boars with a squeal, disappeared galoping into the shadows beyond the fire's glow.
The remaining three were left gazing after him. The bear had sat down. His head kept rolling back towards his flank where the arrow with the embedded in his flesh.
After the boars had gone Vucara said admonishingly: "Do not make an enemy of Irkshu. He is proud but brave and strong. He is vicious when his wrath is stirred. If you gain his trust and his friendship, however, there is little he would not do for you."
"In fact, the same is probably true of Murmarn here", she added and there was almost a smile in her tone.
"I'm not vicious", the bear rumbled, "and I have a lot more patience than that pig."
Vucara made no reply. Her head was raised and she was sniffing the air. Her pointy ears swivelled this way and that.
"What", the bear asked sniffing loudly himself.
Vucara shook herself. "Nothing. Yet. But while we bicker those dwarfs that escaped Irkshu and his pack may plan their revenge. They are stealthy. Joana, quick, help me take care of Murmarn's hurt, then put out the fire. We should leave here as soon as possible."
Joana nodded and did as she had been told. She carefully extracted the arrow from Murmarn's flank while the bear patiently endured the procedure. There was some blood but gratefully it was a simple arrow without barbs, so it came out cleanly. By and by she thanked Murmarn for his help and his sacrifice. The bear accepted both silently. Still, the longer it took the more uneasy Vucara became.
When she was done the embers of the fire were already dying. Joana hastily put together a few things. The leader's dagger she kept along with its sheath. She also found one of the travelling cloaks that was not torn or utterly soiled with blood. Among the other gear the men had brought she also found a flint and some meager rations. There were also some copper coins of the realm. The men had evidently not prepared to travel further than some two days at most. The shirts of hard leather were too big for her frame but one man had been wearing a pair of hard bracers. These she took from him. The bows she left because she had never shot an arrow. Eventually, she chose one of the short hunting spears and a simple skull cap that fit her head reasonably well. All the while she tried as much as possible to avoid looking at the mangled bodies. The one that had fallen next to the fire had begun smouldering and the sweetish smell stung her nostrils. Then she stamped out the remaining flames and made sure there were no sparks. The company of three set off in the complete darkness of the nightly forest.
For a long time the made their way over root and rock, through spiky thickets, moonlit clearings and once even a murmuring brook. Joana had trouble keeping up with the brisk pace that Vucara set for them and had soon lost all sense for direction or time. Murmarn followed them lumbering along with no sound but the heavy padding of his paws. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, Vucara let up. On the edge of a clearing, in the shelter of a fallen tree trunk they halted to rest. Joana was utterly spent by now. Wrapt tightly in her cloak, its hood pulled down over her face she leant against the trunk and fell asleep almost immediately.
The next day Joana awoke long after sunrise from hushed voices nearby. This made her start and she breathed a sigh of relief when she realised she had heard the ancient tongue spoken only in Vucara's quick bark and Murmarn's ponderous rumble. She got up and stretched. The night huddled against the tree had left her stiff but at least the cloak had kept the chill in out a bit. Still drowsy she walked over to them.
"-cannot go back", Vucara was hissing excitedly.
"I am not saying", intoned patiently for what seemed not the first time, "that we should abandon her. Especially not if she is a Chosen One."
"Of course, we will not abandon her", the wolf returned indignantly. Then she sniffed and looked up. Murmarn had also noticed Joana approaching but now sat down with a thud.
"Abandon who", Joana asked her voice still hoarse from sleeping.
Vucara hung out her tongue and made a little whine. "Nobody will abandon anybody", she said glancing around at the bear.
Murmarn said: "There has been an old rule of us creatures of the open spaces. A very old rule Vucara here knows well."
Vucara growled at the mighty bear but he just went on looking at her expectantly.
"The rule is", Vucara droned, "to not get involved in the business of humans-" She hesitated.
Murmarn nodded his head gravely. "And why is that", he coaxed her on.
"-because we can never comprehend their business in all its intricacies."
Murmarn grunted his satisfaction.
"Then what do you propose to be done", Vucara began again baring her teeth. Joana was following the exchange with growing concern.
"I propose we return the young human to the nearest safe place there leave her in the care of her clutch, pack, herd..." He seemed to run out of words for groups of creatures.
"That's just it", Joana broke in anxiously. They seemed to suggest to escort her right back to her father in the camp. "I was just abducted from such a safe place in the care of my father. That did not stop those ... dwarfs from sneaking in and dragging me out here. I was not safe even there."
"What is your plan then, young human", Murmarn inquired gently, "if you do not even feel safe with your parents?"
"Vucara knows what has happened", Joana replied, "somebody seems to be looking for me. They go to great lengths to get me. My whole village was burnt down and everyone in it slain. Now they hired these sneaky runts to steal me right out of a camp guarded by the king's warriors. I tell you, if I run again now they will find another way. Maybe more people will die. So, I propose to go looking for them now. I'll be safe only if I uncover who is behind this and what they want of me."
As she spoke she realised that this was exactly what had been on her mind ever since her talk with father. Now was only the first time she had put her thoughts into words. Murmarn gave all this some consideration.
"What you say sounds reasonable", he said with a ponderousness that was growing unnerving. Then he added: "And, of course, you were hoping to find help here."
Joana remained silent. There was no denying she had had exactly that hope. Sitting on his haunches supported on his front paws Murmarn was studying her intently out of his small amber eyes. Joana felt her hope dwindle.
"I could not ask that of either you", she said finally in a tiny voice. "I already have so much to thank you for."
"We sympathise with your predicament", Murmarn rumbled. "If you are not safe with your kind then you might be allowed to seek refuge with some of us - say Vucara and her pack. But if you choose the path of aggression then there is no more we can do. There is more at stake than your quest for revenge."
"I do not seek revenge", Joana objected weakly.
Murmarn shook his big head from side to side. "Call it what you will, young human. In the end somebody's blood will stain the earth - your own or your opponent's. How then will our involvement be viewed? Vucara knows all too well what happens if one of her kind as much as steals a chicken, let alone hurts a human. Our blood would flow a hundredfold. As a Speaker you are meant to bring about understanding between your people and ours, not lead one to war against the other."
Joana listened, her lips were pressed together to a thin line. In the end she nodded. Of course, Murmarn was right. Still...
"I wish things were different. Still, there is only this path open to me. Hiding now would mean never to see father again but going back I would live in constant apprehension of some hidden foe. I must go to the town they call Tramir and there maybe find the man called Grimrun. If you would only show me the road I will go alone."
That they did. After eating some bread, hard cheese and dried fruit from her rations the three of them set off again. Joana had asked to taken back toward the build site. From there she would know the way by herself. In silence they wound their way between rocks and dark fir trees. The ground often sloped downward. From the sun that was occasionally visible through the branches Joana realised they were heading due south and west. Her captors had taken her further toward the mountains though the peaks were hidden behind countless tree tops. What had been their destination?
When the sun was at its zenith they slowed. Somewhere through the trees they could see the a lightening of the forest. Then they came upon a road paved with slabs of stone. This must be the Roman road that would lead, past the build site, towards Kremitz. Joana, however, was headed much further south and east. That way, some four days' walking ahead, on the border of the realm, lay the town of Tramir far off the Roman road. Joana had never been there but she had heard about it. From there it would be not much further to the sea, that great body of water of which you could not see the other side and that you could not swim across. To get there she would have to make her way past the build site again and further south to where the Roman road met the east road. Of course, four days would mean to travel on the road. Travelling off the road would be slower. Joana wondered if her supplies would last that far. More likely she would have to forage along the way and that would delay her even more. Would anybody in Tramir still remember a man named Grimrun, even if he had been there? Were any of the things the tall leader of the outlaws had told her true at all?
She pushed the thoughts out. No use worrying about that yet. Those two names were her only lead. She adjusted the sack on her back and hefted her spear over her shoulder. Then she stepped onto the road. After only a few steps she realised Vucara had quietly come up by her side looking up at her.
"I am coming with you", the wolf announced.
Joana hesitated. Her heart had made a bound of joy but Murmarn's words still rang in her ears. She asked cautiously: "Are you sure of this. Murmarn-"
"-is right as he often is", the wolf interrupted her. "Still, he has no life-debt to repay. I gave you a promise, Speaker, to accompany you on your journey and keep you safe. None shall say that a wolf was not true to her word."
Joana wanted to thank her companion but Murmarn had emerged from the bushes and stood in their way.
"If this is the path you choose, Vucara, I will not stop you from it." His voice was an ominous growl. "As your friend I urge you to ask yourself this one question: will your actions of the present undo the past that is already history?"
Joana cast a questioning sidelong glance at the wolf. Vucara, however merely sagged for a moment hanging her head. Then she replied sadly: "You'd have to kill me to stop me, old friend. This is my choice to make, even against reason's caution. But I have faith in this human that my trust is not misplaced." With that she walked past the bear who, in turn, gave way to her and trodded off into the undergrowth.
The last they heard from him was: "I wish you well, Vucara."
Bewildered at this last exchange Joana set off to follow her companion. Who was this beast she called her friend? She wanted to ask but the wolf set a brisk pace ahead down the road with her head and tail low. For some time it was all Joana could do, loaded as she was, to keep up with her.
They continued on their way in silence until dusk. They had left the road again as before. Always Vucara kept a few paces ahead of the girl passing among the trees like a flitting shadow. Once some travellers had passed them on the road and they had lain low among some bushes. Other than that they had met neither man nor beast. When the sun was nearly setting and twilight had fallen beneath the boughs of the trees they had passed the junction with the road towards Kremitz. No sentries were posted there now but still they had hastened their steps for fear they might return. Only when it grew too dark for Joana to go on they searched for a resting place. In a hollow filled with fallen twigs and moss they settled to sleep and Joana ate a few morsels in the dark. A fire, she decided, would give them away so close to the road. Huddled together, Joana wrapt in her cloak they spent the night.
The next morning the girl was more rested. The march through the night, fighting and marching even further the day before had taken more out of her than she had realised. Now, one more thing was left to do. She drew her knife. While the wolf watched her with obvious confusion she set to work. Strand after strand of her raven flood fell to the ground. Her head began to feel chilly. Still she grimly continued on until she could feel little more than spiky shock of hair. Then she finally replaced the blade in its sheath.
She smiled at Vucara's curiously cocked head. "Both the henchmen of my enemy and any warriors of the king will be looking for a girl my size with long black hair. They are not expecting a woodman."
When Vucara still gave her the same look she added: "People go by the looks, you know. It would surely not deceive father but at least it'll throw off someone who has only been given a description."
With that Vucara was satisfied and after a humble breakfast they set off once more.
They made good progress that day heading further south. The ground grew flatter and less rocky. Vucara was in a better mood commenting on the season and reminiscing on the movements of the pack. Soon, however, she fell silent again. Joana knew she should be content listening to the wolf and was glad for the company. They met with nobody and even the beasts of the woodlands seemed to avoid them. The only noise around them was the rustling of the breeze in the branches, the cawing and chattering of birds and their own footsteps. And yet there was a feeling of restlessness upon her that she could not explain. She felt like a deer that senses the stalking hunter. Every now and again the girl would look around or peer into the undergrowth. They were alone. Still, the feeling seemed to drown out all desire for conversation. Was that the reason for Vucara's taciturn demeanour? Could she feel it, too?
When the feeling grew overpowering Joana halted. "We are being watched", she finally voiced her thoughts. Vucara had also stopped slightly ahead of her.
She merely replied: "I know."
At that moment there was a loud clatter of beating wings overhead. With loud caws several bird took flight and disappeared among the foliage. They both looked around but all that remained to be seen was nodding branches.
"Crows", Vucara commented. "Figures."
"I don't understand", said Joana hesitantly. Vucara seemed to stare blankly for a few heartbeats. Then she conceded mildly: "Of course, you don't. Remember the legend I told you of the rift between humans and the other creatures?" Joana nodded.
The wolf continued: "Those same legends also say that crows alone remained curious about humankind. They are the only beasts of the wild that have mastered an understanding of human speech."
The girl was gaping at her. "They can understand human language?"
"So I hear, though they cannot speak it. Yet they remain close to your kind. Some say to keep watch on you, others say for mischief."
"They sure have a strange way of showing their care." Images of black beaks tearing at decomposing flesh came to mind. But there was more. Legends of her own people, told to her before father would have no more of them in the house. Two names: Huginn and Muninn. Watching. Listening.
"They are more like you than you think", Vucara went on, "only they do not rule over fire. You will not find beasts with a sharper wit."
Joana objected: "I tried to talk to some of them in Krem- at my village." Names would mean nothing to the wolf. "They would not answer me."
Vucara shook herself. "Crows are not easily coaxed into sharing thatr wit of theirs. They enjoy the mystery. It does seem, though, that you have engaged their interest. For better or worse", she added darkly.
Joana looked in the direction she had heard the birds flutter. "It seems they have had enough for now."
The wolf had resumed her trot. "They'll be back", she said evenly over her shoulder.
They went on for the rest of the day without further disturbance. The crows seemed to have abandoned their watch.
Before dusk they passed spacious clearing that was alive with hopping rabbits. Vucara brought one down but Joana refused to share it. She knew how long the wolf had already gone without food.
From the milestone she had studied during a brief moment she had ventured onto the road she had made out that they had made good progress that day, although they had been slower than she had hoped. At this rate they would need another day at the least to reach Tramir.
The next morning they set off and sure enough some time during the morning - Joana could not pinpoint exactly when - the feeling was back. They could not spot the birds but an occasional caw high overhead would give them away.
"Could they be serving the enemy", Joana asked after some time, worried by the silent watchers. Nervously she twisted her ring this way and that.
Vucara gave this some thought gazing up at the dark green roof above them. She shook herself. "Obscure and mischievous they may sometimes be. They are not malevolent. Surely they tend to have their own ends in mind and are difficult to assess. Yet they are not easily commanded."
"Those stunted warriors that Irkshu and his boars attacked also seemed strong willed. Still, their master had some hold on them to make them compliant." Joana clearly recalled the conversation between the tall man and the leader of the strangely short and stocky company that had taken her. There had been something about them, something foreign or alien.
"You mean the dvergr?" Vucara's tone was pensive. "I was wondering what brought them into this. What is it?"
Joana had stopped dead in her tracks, eyes agape.
"Do you want me to believe those little men were genuine dwarfs? Dvergr? From the sagas of old?"
"Call them what you like", replied Vucara calmly with a smile ringing in her voice. "I know nothing of your legends. Still whether you believe in them or not does not change what they are." With that she continued on their way but Joana's head was reeling. For some time she followed the wolf like a dreamer, hardly seeing the ground before her. If dwarfs were not just creatures in the sagas... then what if...? She had to ask.
"If those dwarfs were real enough, then what about other ... creatures that our tales speak of? What about trolls? Or elfs? What about-" She shivered despite the mild day. "What about dragons?"
Vucara had stopped and looked at her. Gravely she said: "You deserve answers to your questions, Speaker, that I cannot give you. Some of these Old Ones you may encounter deep in the forest. Others I have also only heard of in legends myself. Some are said to have left long ago though I know not to where. I only know that wolf and bear are not the most perilous of creatures a human may meet when they venture too far abroad." And that was all she could be made to reveal for the time being. Still, after the mention of the dwarfs the wolf herself seemed lost in thought and almost missed the band of riders that hastened by on the road.
They came from the direction they had come from, as well. But the band had passed the two travellers by before Joana could have made out the designs on their shields.
Thus the day passed and they found a hollow in the ground. This time Joana lit a small fire and huddled next to it while Vucara slept at a cautious distance at the edge of the glow.
The following day the girl and the wolf travelled further over now level ground. For some distance the road followed a stream that wound and tumbled its way through a deep gully into the flatlands, so they did not want for water. Joana also took a quick bath in the clear and ice cold melt water, something that Vucara marvelled at.
As the sun neared its zenith the forest grew sparser until it opened up into patches of meadows and fields. They spotted bleating sheep with their bored herders and dogs. They made a detour around the first few but they soon found no more trees. Before them lay bare acres. Men in simple clothes held the reigns of large oxen pulling ploughs through the tough soil. Ahead lay a village, a clutter of several dozen thatched houses surrounded by a wall of dirt and wood. This was where the Roman road met the road that would lead them east towards Tramir.
For some time Joana merely stood and stared. As she looked on, as if putting on a show for her, several young girls appeared bearing wrapped parcels, calling to the workers. And they would wipe their sweaty brows and accept their lunch and sit together and laugh. And they seemed to know nothing of revenge or being hunted by a mysterious enemy nor of the ancient tongue that connected all beings. She sighed. But then a dog began to bark and soon others joined in and the men looked up suddenly worried.
"We are up-wind. They can smell me", Vucara explained quietly. "Is this where we are going?"
Joana shook her head chasing away the phantoms of a life that already seemed long gone. They still had a long way ahead.
They avoided the village altogether even though Joana had to fight down the temptation to sleep in a bed again - be it just a hay stack. There was little to nothing she could offer in return and there would be too many questions. Instead they stuck to the forest and made a roundabout way to the east until they came upon the road the lead on east. It was obviously well-travelled with tracks of horses and oxen, and the marks of boots and cart wheels. Yet it was not paved with stone. The Romans had never built here. It had always been the edge of their domain.
They resumed their routine of keeping a stone throw or more off the road so that travellers that they saw more often now would not easily spot them. At night they sought a sheltered place and Joana would light a small fire with dry leaves and twigs for tinder. Then after eating her ration for the night she would cower in the dim, flickering light and set to work on the leather bracers. It was awkward since the only tool she had was a dagger and a carving knife that had been with the rations. Still, bit by bit she shaved off parts that were too large for her, readjusted them, cut new holes for the straps fitting them for her slender arms. Vucara watched her intently from the shadows.
Once in a light mood she said: "They used to say you need a man's strength and eye for this." Vucara raised her head attentively cocking her ears. Joana smiled to herself. In moments like this the wolf reminded her of the dogs that lay by the fire at home - had lain, she corrected herself. "Father wouldn't have it. He said to the tanner that his daughter would make up tenfold for those short comings with talent and skill. I guess, I didn't disappoint them."
"Is that the second skin you humans wear to protect you from hurt?"
Joana was concentrating on her work again and didn't look up. "It's not like what the Romans used to make. Now they had real skill. But it'll hold off a stray cut and soften a blow. Father would make iron studs or plates for them. That was before he began building on the king's stronghold." She paused reminiscing. Then with a new smile her gaze found Vucara. "Who knows, maybe I'll make one of these for you one day."
It took nearly four more days through sparse forest and more and more open country to reach the town that Joana had been looking for. During the morning of the fourth day Joana had to find that there was no avoiding the travellers - merchants and farmers and herders - any longer. Sticking to the forest would mean never to reach the town. Here, under an overcast sky, there came again the moment when she had to bid her friend farewell. A wolf would never be welcome in human lands.
"You travel on a dangerous road", Vucara said gravely. "But you need not fear for me."
Vucara stood still awhile seeming to be deep in thought. Then she shook herself and said: "Put a leash on me. Is that not how humans keep their dogs close?"
Joana hesitated. Such an offer from a wolf ... was unheard of.
"How will that change anything", she asked doubtfully.
"All is not what it seems, especially to those willing to believe what they see", the wolf responded with an air of mystery. "Trust me."
Obediently Joana began to rummage through her sack. There was no rope. Eventually, she removed her belt and slung it around the beast's neck. What remained was a length of leather little more than an ell. But it was sufficient for her to hold onto when the wolf was very close. Again without waiting for further questions Vucara trotted out into the open road. Turning around she managed a remarkably dog-like bark. Joana hurried to catch up with her.
They walked in the open now. The country was flat and it occurred to Joana that she had hardly ever been so far away from the mountains that could not see their peaks line the horizon. Far from the places she knew Joana felt exposed after the long days of cover behind dark foliage. Still, the miracle happened. Nobody stopped them. There was the occasional strange glance but those, she realised were as much because of her companion as herself and her strange attire. Men on the road would greet her with a curt "G'day, lad". The wolf seemed to smile when Joana told her this.
"Do you now see what I meant? It is impossible for them to see a girl with short hair, armed and dressed as you are, accompanied by a wolf. So they see a boy with a large dog. Use this to your advantage."
Thus they walked on and Joana began to stride like she had seen their hunters do in Kremitz hefting the spear and sack over her shoulder. She was now also wearing the adjusted bracers over her forearms. To the greetings she would reply with a casual nod for she was still worried her voice would give her away. And when there was nobody around she would practice speaking in a manly voice until she felt silly for doing it even in front of Vucara and stopped.
By around midday they had crossed the fields and pastures and passed many a low, long farm house. Now they had reached the stone and wood fortification that surrounded some hundred or more houses. A guard stood by the open wooden gate looking bored. He was wearing a helm much like Joana herself but was girded with a sword. A large long shield leant next to him against the base of the rampart. Idly he watched the girl's halting steps until she was sure he would simple let her walk past him. When she head nearly come abreast with him the man suddenly straightened up and pointed the spear in her direction.
"Hold it, lad", he growled with only a note of drowsiness, "where do you think you're going?"
Joana's heart was beating in her throat, yet she did her best to put boldness in her voice when she replied: "Into town, to the inn, if it's not closed."
"'Course it's not closed." The man spat. "Who are you and what's your business in Tramir?"
A name? Joana thought wildly fingering for her ring. She had never considered a name, especially not a man's name. But she could not possibly give her game away now. She glanced around desperately for a hint before her gaze stuck to the spear in her hand.
"Holmger. Son of-" There was Vucara. "-Sarolf. I seek a man at the inn that they call the Rat and Cat."
The guard was not easily satisfied. In fact, she felt him eyeing her suspiciously. "Who might that be you're looking for? And what's you business with 'im?"
Was a town guard somebody to fear? If he asked questions of all travellers he might have even encountered the man.
"They call him Grimrun. I seek him in a ... family matter. Do you know him? Is he in town?"
The man's brow creased. Then he shook his head with a shrug. "Nah. Never 'eard of one like that." And after another assessing look: "Go on then. But a word of warning: be careful with that spear, Holmger, son of Sarolf. Every man is held accountable for his deeds while in Tramir. G'day."
She could feel his gaze following her as she made her way down the road between the first houses. Further on the streets became a bustle of workers and peddlers, carts and horses and other animals. She breathed a sigh of relief when they finally lost sight of him.
Here the air was filled with the sights and sounds and smells of many people living together. Shouting of merchants, laughing of women, crying of babies, barking of dogs, the clinking of a blacksmith's hammer. Smells of cooked food, smoke, sweat and some other less pleasant smells. Vucara followed her visibly daunted with her tail between her hind legs. Joana on the other hand felt excited. The many people around her were making her nearly dizzy.
It took only a few inquiries to locate their destination. Then after walking down a side street of packed dirt the girl and the wolf were standing outside the long, angled, high-roofed building that people called the Rat and Cat.
... to be continued ...
The fight was over before it had even really started. Yet for Joana, who was in its midst, time seemed a pliable thing that dilated and contracted as the events unfolded. Hit by a terrible impact the man opposite her spun around. Bloodied shreds hung down where the left half of his face had been. Without a sound he folded up dropping right next to the smouldering logs that made up the camp fire. Out of the darkness behind his fallen form bounded a bear larger than Joana had ever seen of heard of. It reared on its hind legs and uttered another roar that echoed through the nocturnal forest. The man next to it fumbled for his axe. The weapon looked pathetically small in comparison to his opponent. More shouts erupted from where the company of small men must be. A yelp made Joana turn. The darkness had taken shape and leaped at another man on her side of the flames. He hardly time to scream before the thing - all teeth and bristles - went for his throat. The leader with his large axe stood wide-eyed for a moment as if unable to make up his mind whether to run or stay. Only the man next to her had lifted his bow and now yanked an arrow from his quiver. For a moment Joana feared he would turn to shoot at her but he did not. He was aiming across the flames. As soon as the shaft had touched the bow string he let fly. The twang was followed closely by a roar from the bear as the arrow dug itself into its heaving flank. It shook itself but then pressed forward with even more ferocity. Its opponent tried to meet the beast's onslaught with his axe but the blow came too late. Claws raked and the axe dropped to the ground. The warrior was buried kicking and wailing with fear under the mass of claws and fur. Next to her the archer was already hastily tugging at a fresh arrow. Joana scrambled forward grabbing the only thing she could reach: a log, its end glowing hot in the fire. As the archer aimed at the struggling pair across the fire he noticed the movement too late. Joana had come around, lunged toward him and drove the glowing end of the log straight into his face. The man shrieked with pain. The arrow sprang away landing harmless in the fire. The bow tumbled to the ground while he clasped both hands over his face. He stumbled backwards. Joana lunged again driving the hot end between his hands. She was rewarded with another muffled outcry. Retreating further he tripped over something in the shadows and fell heavily. Somewhere from behind her there was a high pitched squeal as of a pig. Joana whirled around, her smouldering weapon at the ready. She found herself face to face with the leader hefting his great axe. Dark liquid was slowly dripping down from the edge of the weapon. A look of madness was in his eyes. It turned into a triumphant grin when he beheld her. With a cry Joana thrust her log at him. He slapped it aside with an almost casual swing and it exploded in a hail of sparks. Then he was upon her grabbing her by the throat with his left hand. He spun her around and held her from behind in a grip like iron. Joana struggled wildly but the hand just seemed to tighten more around her throat squeezing the life out of her.
"Hold still", he hissed viciously next to her ear, "or Oi may forget me orders."
Then the man suddenly froze. He had noticed the two beasts that were cautiously circling him in the dancing shadows. The bear had finished its opponent and was lumbering up from the right. The shade that had pounced on the other man had now dissolved into the shape of a large wolf with bristling fur. Teeth bared in a menacing snarl it approached from the left. After the brief tumult silence had now fallen. Joana could hear the man's laboured breaths mingling with her own. She also detected a faint tremor in his grip. He was afraid.
"Back!" Shouting loudly he swung his axe at the beasts. They paid no heed to the weapon, their eyes fixed on him unflinching. He turned this way and that following their contracting cicles and dragging Joana along with him. Had he not been carrying a knife or dagger on his hip, Joana wondered.
The bear reared up on its hind legs uttering another mightly roar that made the man jump.
"Let the child go", the beast rumbled in what Joana knew to be the speech of the ancients. "You cannot have her."
The man's voice faltered, all movement halted. "What witchery is this", he gasped his tone shrill. "What, by the gods, are you?"
"Let her go", the wolf repeated with Vucara's voice. The beasts were now dangerously near, Vucara on their left, the bear on their right.
"If you harm her", the bear continued in his deep grumble, "you will not leave this forest alive."
"Trolls!", exclaimed the man hoarsely. "Thunderer protect me!"
Joana's cautiously fumbling hands had found the hilt of the dagger. She yanked it out of its sheath and brought it down again right beside her thigh. It met resistance digging its way through cloth and flesh. The man's cry was one of surprise and pain. His grip loosened. Then Vucara dove in and closed her jaws around his other leg. This brought forth another sharp cry and Joana was free. She stumbled forward and turned just in time to see the bear swing his mighty paw. The blow connected with a heavy thud. It felled the tall man like lightning splitting a tree. Both beasts had jumped clear and now circled in for the kill.
"Wait", Joana now shouted to the beasts, "I need answers first."
The two hesitated. With two steps she was next to him. Lying several paces from the fire his face was mercifully concealed in shadows. She could see wetness glistening all over it. His breaths were coming his shallow gasps each of them gargling in his throat. She bent down next to the quivering wreckage of his face.
"Who is your master", she demanded, "the truth this time!"
The man coughed. His jaw, which seemed to hang at an odd angle, seemed to grind on something. Dark liquid bubbled down from his mouth. He was trying to pronounce a word. Joana fought down her revulsion and brought her ear close to his mouth.
It sounded like: "Grimrun".
Trying to keep her voice calm and firm she went on: "Where? Where will I find him?" To her dismay Joana realised that it might already be too late to get any more answers out of him. He coughed again and wet droplets splattered over her ear.
"He ... fin' you", the man slurred.
Joana could not quite keep the anxious tremor out of her voice when she spoke again.
"Where will you meet him? Tell me and-" She hesitated. "-and I will ease your passing." She fumbled blindly for the hilt of the dagger. There was a rasping intake of air as she grasped it. He had to make several attempts to put the words together. Even then she could barely make out the words.
"In .. Valhalla."
He coughed once more but it sounded as if he was laughing. When he exhaled next he breathed in no more. It took Joana a moment to comprehend what had happened.
"Gods damn you!" she spat in a fit of helpless rage. Even in death he had still defied her. She pounded the body with her fists. "You'll never make it to Valhalla. Hel will drag you down into nothingness."
"He's dead, young human." The bear's rumbling voice brought Joana to her senses. "He will talk no more."
Joana looked around at Vucara and the bear.
"Did you learn anything from him", the wolf inquired quietly.
"Only a name", the girl murmured in return. "Though I never heard of any man with such a name. And that he tricked me again."
"He was a bad man", the bear growled. "I can still smell that. The world is a better place without him."
There were several grunts. Then with loud rustling and more grunts a group of wild boars broke through the undergrowth into the light of the fire. Joana jumped at their sudden arrival but Vucara and the bear merely looked up.
The wolf hailed them in the ancient tongue: "What news, Irkshu?"
The largest of the pigs, itself almost as massive as a small bear with huge, viciously curved tusks, trotted forward and tossed his head. There was a squeal of what Joana realised was triumphant laughter. With his voice a shrill grate the boar replied: "It was a good fight. We brought down two more of them but lost two of ours, too. And Meera there has been hobbled by the big man." He nodded his big head at one the other pigs. Joana noticed that its bristles were sticky and dark on one shoulder and he walk with a distinct limp. "The rest of them escaped to one of their hidden lairs."
Vucara uttered a snarl. "They will talk!"
"About what", replied Irkshu with scorn, "that they were set upon by some hogs and lost the fight. They wouldn't. They are too proud to bear this shame."
"All the worse for it", the wolf countered, "and they know about the Speaker. Who knows who they will barter that information to."
The boar snorted. "So where is this legendary Speaker, that you keep mentioning?"
Vucara's head indicated the girl. "She is right here."
For a few heartbeats the great boar stared silently at Joana. Then when she almost began feeling uncomfortable under the gaze of the small, wild eyes he said slowly: "This is your chosen one?! A girl? You summoned us for her, who is still almost a babe?"
Joana straightened. Her pride had been stung.
"I may be just a girl. And yet you are here Irkshu, following the call of the Speaker-with-Animals."
The boar walked up to her with heavy steps, sniffed her disdainfully with his long snout. Joana was acutely aware of the beast's bulk and tusks just some two or three hand lengths from her face.
"We pigs are not at the beck and call of any human, not even the legendary Speaker. And least of all do we follow the call of a child such as you."
At this moment Vucara cut in again. Her head lowered she spoke in a reconciling voice: "Be lenient with her, Irkshu. She is still young to our world. The help of the pigs is much appreciated."
Irkshu remained poised staring menacingly at Joana for a moment. "You have much to learn, child", he intoned, "listen to that old wolf if you want to survive." With that he reared around and, summoning the other boars with a squeal, disappeared galoping into the shadows beyond the fire's glow.
The remaining three were left gazing after him. The bear had sat down. His head kept rolling back towards his flank where the arrow with the embedded in his flesh.
After the boars had gone Vucara said admonishingly: "Do not make an enemy of Irkshu. He is proud but brave and strong. He is vicious when his wrath is stirred. If you gain his trust and his friendship, however, there is little he would not do for you."
"In fact, the same is probably true of Murmarn here", she added and there was almost a smile in her tone.
"I'm not vicious", the bear rumbled, "and I have a lot more patience than that pig."
Vucara made no reply. Her head was raised and she was sniffing the air. Her pointy ears swivelled this way and that.
"What", the bear asked sniffing loudly himself.
Vucara shook herself. "Nothing. Yet. But while we bicker those dwarfs that escaped Irkshu and his pack may plan their revenge. They are stealthy. Joana, quick, help me take care of Murmarn's hurt, then put out the fire. We should leave here as soon as possible."
Joana nodded and did as she had been told. She carefully extracted the arrow from Murmarn's flank while the bear patiently endured the procedure. There was some blood but gratefully it was a simple arrow without barbs, so it came out cleanly. By and by she thanked Murmarn for his help and his sacrifice. The bear accepted both silently. Still, the longer it took the more uneasy Vucara became.
When she was done the embers of the fire were already dying. Joana hastily put together a few things. The leader's dagger she kept along with its sheath. She also found one of the travelling cloaks that was not torn or utterly soiled with blood. Among the other gear the men had brought she also found a flint and some meager rations. There were also some copper coins of the realm. The men had evidently not prepared to travel further than some two days at most. The shirts of hard leather were too big for her frame but one man had been wearing a pair of hard bracers. These she took from him. The bows she left because she had never shot an arrow. Eventually, she chose one of the short hunting spears and a simple skull cap that fit her head reasonably well. All the while she tried as much as possible to avoid looking at the mangled bodies. The one that had fallen next to the fire had begun smouldering and the sweetish smell stung her nostrils. Then she stamped out the remaining flames and made sure there were no sparks. The company of three set off in the complete darkness of the nightly forest.
For a long time the made their way over root and rock, through spiky thickets, moonlit clearings and once even a murmuring brook. Joana had trouble keeping up with the brisk pace that Vucara set for them and had soon lost all sense for direction or time. Murmarn followed them lumbering along with no sound but the heavy padding of his paws. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, Vucara let up. On the edge of a clearing, in the shelter of a fallen tree trunk they halted to rest. Joana was utterly spent by now. Wrapt tightly in her cloak, its hood pulled down over her face she leant against the trunk and fell asleep almost immediately.
The next day Joana awoke long after sunrise from hushed voices nearby. This made her start and she breathed a sigh of relief when she realised she had heard the ancient tongue spoken only in Vucara's quick bark and Murmarn's ponderous rumble. She got up and stretched. The night huddled against the tree had left her stiff but at least the cloak had kept the chill in out a bit. Still drowsy she walked over to them.
"-cannot go back", Vucara was hissing excitedly.
"I am not saying", intoned patiently for what seemed not the first time, "that we should abandon her. Especially not if she is a Chosen One."
"Of course, we will not abandon her", the wolf returned indignantly. Then she sniffed and looked up. Murmarn had also noticed Joana approaching but now sat down with a thud.
"Abandon who", Joana asked her voice still hoarse from sleeping.
Vucara hung out her tongue and made a little whine. "Nobody will abandon anybody", she said glancing around at the bear.
Murmarn said: "There has been an old rule of us creatures of the open spaces. A very old rule Vucara here knows well."
Vucara growled at the mighty bear but he just went on looking at her expectantly.
"The rule is", Vucara droned, "to not get involved in the business of humans-" She hesitated.
Murmarn nodded his head gravely. "And why is that", he coaxed her on.
"-because we can never comprehend their business in all its intricacies."
Murmarn grunted his satisfaction.
"Then what do you propose to be done", Vucara began again baring her teeth. Joana was following the exchange with growing concern.
"I propose we return the young human to the nearest safe place there leave her in the care of her clutch, pack, herd..." He seemed to run out of words for groups of creatures.
"That's just it", Joana broke in anxiously. They seemed to suggest to escort her right back to her father in the camp. "I was just abducted from such a safe place in the care of my father. That did not stop those ... dwarfs from sneaking in and dragging me out here. I was not safe even there."
"What is your plan then, young human", Murmarn inquired gently, "if you do not even feel safe with your parents?"
"Vucara knows what has happened", Joana replied, "somebody seems to be looking for me. They go to great lengths to get me. My whole village was burnt down and everyone in it slain. Now they hired these sneaky runts to steal me right out of a camp guarded by the king's warriors. I tell you, if I run again now they will find another way. Maybe more people will die. So, I propose to go looking for them now. I'll be safe only if I uncover who is behind this and what they want of me."
As she spoke she realised that this was exactly what had been on her mind ever since her talk with father. Now was only the first time she had put her thoughts into words. Murmarn gave all this some consideration.
"What you say sounds reasonable", he said with a ponderousness that was growing unnerving. Then he added: "And, of course, you were hoping to find help here."
Joana remained silent. There was no denying she had had exactly that hope. Sitting on his haunches supported on his front paws Murmarn was studying her intently out of his small amber eyes. Joana felt her hope dwindle.
"I could not ask that of either you", she said finally in a tiny voice. "I already have so much to thank you for."
"We sympathise with your predicament", Murmarn rumbled. "If you are not safe with your kind then you might be allowed to seek refuge with some of us - say Vucara and her pack. But if you choose the path of aggression then there is no more we can do. There is more at stake than your quest for revenge."
"I do not seek revenge", Joana objected weakly.
Murmarn shook his big head from side to side. "Call it what you will, young human. In the end somebody's blood will stain the earth - your own or your opponent's. How then will our involvement be viewed? Vucara knows all too well what happens if one of her kind as much as steals a chicken, let alone hurts a human. Our blood would flow a hundredfold. As a Speaker you are meant to bring about understanding between your people and ours, not lead one to war against the other."
Joana listened, her lips were pressed together to a thin line. In the end she nodded. Of course, Murmarn was right. Still...
"I wish things were different. Still, there is only this path open to me. Hiding now would mean never to see father again but going back I would live in constant apprehension of some hidden foe. I must go to the town they call Tramir and there maybe find the man called Grimrun. If you would only show me the road I will go alone."
That they did. After eating some bread, hard cheese and dried fruit from her rations the three of them set off again. Joana had asked to taken back toward the build site. From there she would know the way by herself. In silence they wound their way between rocks and dark fir trees. The ground often sloped downward. From the sun that was occasionally visible through the branches Joana realised they were heading due south and west. Her captors had taken her further toward the mountains though the peaks were hidden behind countless tree tops. What had been their destination?
When the sun was at its zenith they slowed. Somewhere through the trees they could see the a lightening of the forest. Then they came upon a road paved with slabs of stone. This must be the Roman road that would lead, past the build site, towards Kremitz. Joana, however, was headed much further south and east. That way, some four days' walking ahead, on the border of the realm, lay the town of Tramir far off the Roman road. Joana had never been there but she had heard about it. From there it would be not much further to the sea, that great body of water of which you could not see the other side and that you could not swim across. To get there she would have to make her way past the build site again and further south to where the Roman road met the east road. Of course, four days would mean to travel on the road. Travelling off the road would be slower. Joana wondered if her supplies would last that far. More likely she would have to forage along the way and that would delay her even more. Would anybody in Tramir still remember a man named Grimrun, even if he had been there? Were any of the things the tall leader of the outlaws had told her true at all?
She pushed the thoughts out. No use worrying about that yet. Those two names were her only lead. She adjusted the sack on her back and hefted her spear over her shoulder. Then she stepped onto the road. After only a few steps she realised Vucara had quietly come up by her side looking up at her.
"I am coming with you", the wolf announced.
Joana hesitated. Her heart had made a bound of joy but Murmarn's words still rang in her ears. She asked cautiously: "Are you sure of this. Murmarn-"
"-is right as he often is", the wolf interrupted her. "Still, he has no life-debt to repay. I gave you a promise, Speaker, to accompany you on your journey and keep you safe. None shall say that a wolf was not true to her word."
Joana wanted to thank her companion but Murmarn had emerged from the bushes and stood in their way.
"If this is the path you choose, Vucara, I will not stop you from it." His voice was an ominous growl. "As your friend I urge you to ask yourself this one question: will your actions of the present undo the past that is already history?"
Joana cast a questioning sidelong glance at the wolf. Vucara, however merely sagged for a moment hanging her head. Then she replied sadly: "You'd have to kill me to stop me, old friend. This is my choice to make, even against reason's caution. But I have faith in this human that my trust is not misplaced." With that she walked past the bear who, in turn, gave way to her and trodded off into the undergrowth.
The last they heard from him was: "I wish you well, Vucara."
Bewildered at this last exchange Joana set off to follow her companion. Who was this beast she called her friend? She wanted to ask but the wolf set a brisk pace ahead down the road with her head and tail low. For some time it was all Joana could do, loaded as she was, to keep up with her.
They continued on their way in silence until dusk. They had left the road again as before. Always Vucara kept a few paces ahead of the girl passing among the trees like a flitting shadow. Once some travellers had passed them on the road and they had lain low among some bushes. Other than that they had met neither man nor beast. When the sun was nearly setting and twilight had fallen beneath the boughs of the trees they had passed the junction with the road towards Kremitz. No sentries were posted there now but still they had hastened their steps for fear they might return. Only when it grew too dark for Joana to go on they searched for a resting place. In a hollow filled with fallen twigs and moss they settled to sleep and Joana ate a few morsels in the dark. A fire, she decided, would give them away so close to the road. Huddled together, Joana wrapt in her cloak they spent the night.
The next morning the girl was more rested. The march through the night, fighting and marching even further the day before had taken more out of her than she had realised. Now, one more thing was left to do. She drew her knife. While the wolf watched her with obvious confusion she set to work. Strand after strand of her raven flood fell to the ground. Her head began to feel chilly. Still she grimly continued on until she could feel little more than spiky shock of hair. Then she finally replaced the blade in its sheath.
She smiled at Vucara's curiously cocked head. "Both the henchmen of my enemy and any warriors of the king will be looking for a girl my size with long black hair. They are not expecting a woodman."
When Vucara still gave her the same look she added: "People go by the looks, you know. It would surely not deceive father but at least it'll throw off someone who has only been given a description."
With that Vucara was satisfied and after a humble breakfast they set off once more.
They made good progress that day heading further south. The ground grew flatter and less rocky. Vucara was in a better mood commenting on the season and reminiscing on the movements of the pack. Soon, however, she fell silent again. Joana knew she should be content listening to the wolf and was glad for the company. They met with nobody and even the beasts of the woodlands seemed to avoid them. The only noise around them was the rustling of the breeze in the branches, the cawing and chattering of birds and their own footsteps. And yet there was a feeling of restlessness upon her that she could not explain. She felt like a deer that senses the stalking hunter. Every now and again the girl would look around or peer into the undergrowth. They were alone. Still, the feeling seemed to drown out all desire for conversation. Was that the reason for Vucara's taciturn demeanour? Could she feel it, too?
When the feeling grew overpowering Joana halted. "We are being watched", she finally voiced her thoughts. Vucara had also stopped slightly ahead of her.
She merely replied: "I know."
At that moment there was a loud clatter of beating wings overhead. With loud caws several bird took flight and disappeared among the foliage. They both looked around but all that remained to be seen was nodding branches.
"Crows", Vucara commented. "Figures."
"I don't understand", said Joana hesitantly. Vucara seemed to stare blankly for a few heartbeats. Then she conceded mildly: "Of course, you don't. Remember the legend I told you of the rift between humans and the other creatures?" Joana nodded.
The wolf continued: "Those same legends also say that crows alone remained curious about humankind. They are the only beasts of the wild that have mastered an understanding of human speech."
The girl was gaping at her. "They can understand human language?"
"So I hear, though they cannot speak it. Yet they remain close to your kind. Some say to keep watch on you, others say for mischief."
"They sure have a strange way of showing their care." Images of black beaks tearing at decomposing flesh came to mind. But there was more. Legends of her own people, told to her before father would have no more of them in the house. Two names: Huginn and Muninn. Watching. Listening.
"They are more like you than you think", Vucara went on, "only they do not rule over fire. You will not find beasts with a sharper wit."
Joana objected: "I tried to talk to some of them in Krem- at my village." Names would mean nothing to the wolf. "They would not answer me."
Vucara shook herself. "Crows are not easily coaxed into sharing thatr wit of theirs. They enjoy the mystery. It does seem, though, that you have engaged their interest. For better or worse", she added darkly.
Joana looked in the direction she had heard the birds flutter. "It seems they have had enough for now."
The wolf had resumed her trot. "They'll be back", she said evenly over her shoulder.
They went on for the rest of the day without further disturbance. The crows seemed to have abandoned their watch.
Before dusk they passed spacious clearing that was alive with hopping rabbits. Vucara brought one down but Joana refused to share it. She knew how long the wolf had already gone without food.
From the milestone she had studied during a brief moment she had ventured onto the road she had made out that they had made good progress that day, although they had been slower than she had hoped. At this rate they would need another day at the least to reach Tramir.
The next morning they set off and sure enough some time during the morning - Joana could not pinpoint exactly when - the feeling was back. They could not spot the birds but an occasional caw high overhead would give them away.
"Could they be serving the enemy", Joana asked after some time, worried by the silent watchers. Nervously she twisted her ring this way and that.
Vucara gave this some thought gazing up at the dark green roof above them. She shook herself. "Obscure and mischievous they may sometimes be. They are not malevolent. Surely they tend to have their own ends in mind and are difficult to assess. Yet they are not easily commanded."
"Those stunted warriors that Irkshu and his boars attacked also seemed strong willed. Still, their master had some hold on them to make them compliant." Joana clearly recalled the conversation between the tall man and the leader of the strangely short and stocky company that had taken her. There had been something about them, something foreign or alien.
"You mean the dvergr?" Vucara's tone was pensive. "I was wondering what brought them into this. What is it?"
Joana had stopped dead in her tracks, eyes agape.
"Do you want me to believe those little men were genuine dwarfs? Dvergr? From the sagas of old?"
"Call them what you like", replied Vucara calmly with a smile ringing in her voice. "I know nothing of your legends. Still whether you believe in them or not does not change what they are." With that she continued on their way but Joana's head was reeling. For some time she followed the wolf like a dreamer, hardly seeing the ground before her. If dwarfs were not just creatures in the sagas... then what if...? She had to ask.
"If those dwarfs were real enough, then what about other ... creatures that our tales speak of? What about trolls? Or elfs? What about-" She shivered despite the mild day. "What about dragons?"
Vucara had stopped and looked at her. Gravely she said: "You deserve answers to your questions, Speaker, that I cannot give you. Some of these Old Ones you may encounter deep in the forest. Others I have also only heard of in legends myself. Some are said to have left long ago though I know not to where. I only know that wolf and bear are not the most perilous of creatures a human may meet when they venture too far abroad." And that was all she could be made to reveal for the time being. Still, after the mention of the dwarfs the wolf herself seemed lost in thought and almost missed the band of riders that hastened by on the road.
They came from the direction they had come from, as well. But the band had passed the two travellers by before Joana could have made out the designs on their shields.
Thus the day passed and they found a hollow in the ground. This time Joana lit a small fire and huddled next to it while Vucara slept at a cautious distance at the edge of the glow.
The following day the girl and the wolf travelled further over now level ground. For some distance the road followed a stream that wound and tumbled its way through a deep gully into the flatlands, so they did not want for water. Joana also took a quick bath in the clear and ice cold melt water, something that Vucara marvelled at.
As the sun neared its zenith the forest grew sparser until it opened up into patches of meadows and fields. They spotted bleating sheep with their bored herders and dogs. They made a detour around the first few but they soon found no more trees. Before them lay bare acres. Men in simple clothes held the reigns of large oxen pulling ploughs through the tough soil. Ahead lay a village, a clutter of several dozen thatched houses surrounded by a wall of dirt and wood. This was where the Roman road met the road that would lead them east towards Tramir.
For some time Joana merely stood and stared. As she looked on, as if putting on a show for her, several young girls appeared bearing wrapped parcels, calling to the workers. And they would wipe their sweaty brows and accept their lunch and sit together and laugh. And they seemed to know nothing of revenge or being hunted by a mysterious enemy nor of the ancient tongue that connected all beings. She sighed. But then a dog began to bark and soon others joined in and the men looked up suddenly worried.
"We are up-wind. They can smell me", Vucara explained quietly. "Is this where we are going?"
Joana shook her head chasing away the phantoms of a life that already seemed long gone. They still had a long way ahead.
They avoided the village altogether even though Joana had to fight down the temptation to sleep in a bed again - be it just a hay stack. There was little to nothing she could offer in return and there would be too many questions. Instead they stuck to the forest and made a roundabout way to the east until they came upon the road the lead on east. It was obviously well-travelled with tracks of horses and oxen, and the marks of boots and cart wheels. Yet it was not paved with stone. The Romans had never built here. It had always been the edge of their domain.
They resumed their routine of keeping a stone throw or more off the road so that travellers that they saw more often now would not easily spot them. At night they sought a sheltered place and Joana would light a small fire with dry leaves and twigs for tinder. Then after eating her ration for the night she would cower in the dim, flickering light and set to work on the leather bracers. It was awkward since the only tool she had was a dagger and a carving knife that had been with the rations. Still, bit by bit she shaved off parts that were too large for her, readjusted them, cut new holes for the straps fitting them for her slender arms. Vucara watched her intently from the shadows.
Once in a light mood she said: "They used to say you need a man's strength and eye for this." Vucara raised her head attentively cocking her ears. Joana smiled to herself. In moments like this the wolf reminded her of the dogs that lay by the fire at home - had lain, she corrected herself. "Father wouldn't have it. He said to the tanner that his daughter would make up tenfold for those short comings with talent and skill. I guess, I didn't disappoint them."
"Is that the second skin you humans wear to protect you from hurt?"
Joana was concentrating on her work again and didn't look up. "It's not like what the Romans used to make. Now they had real skill. But it'll hold off a stray cut and soften a blow. Father would make iron studs or plates for them. That was before he began building on the king's stronghold." She paused reminiscing. Then with a new smile her gaze found Vucara. "Who knows, maybe I'll make one of these for you one day."
It took nearly four more days through sparse forest and more and more open country to reach the town that Joana had been looking for. During the morning of the fourth day Joana had to find that there was no avoiding the travellers - merchants and farmers and herders - any longer. Sticking to the forest would mean never to reach the town. Here, under an overcast sky, there came again the moment when she had to bid her friend farewell. A wolf would never be welcome in human lands.
"You travel on a dangerous road", Vucara said gravely. "But you need not fear for me."
Vucara stood still awhile seeming to be deep in thought. Then she shook herself and said: "Put a leash on me. Is that not how humans keep their dogs close?"
Joana hesitated. Such an offer from a wolf ... was unheard of.
"How will that change anything", she asked doubtfully.
"All is not what it seems, especially to those willing to believe what they see", the wolf responded with an air of mystery. "Trust me."
Obediently Joana began to rummage through her sack. There was no rope. Eventually, she removed her belt and slung it around the beast's neck. What remained was a length of leather little more than an ell. But it was sufficient for her to hold onto when the wolf was very close. Again without waiting for further questions Vucara trotted out into the open road. Turning around she managed a remarkably dog-like bark. Joana hurried to catch up with her.
They walked in the open now. The country was flat and it occurred to Joana that she had hardly ever been so far away from the mountains that could not see their peaks line the horizon. Far from the places she knew Joana felt exposed after the long days of cover behind dark foliage. Still, the miracle happened. Nobody stopped them. There was the occasional strange glance but those, she realised were as much because of her companion as herself and her strange attire. Men on the road would greet her with a curt "G'day, lad". The wolf seemed to smile when Joana told her this.
"Do you now see what I meant? It is impossible for them to see a girl with short hair, armed and dressed as you are, accompanied by a wolf. So they see a boy with a large dog. Use this to your advantage."
Thus they walked on and Joana began to stride like she had seen their hunters do in Kremitz hefting the spear and sack over her shoulder. She was now also wearing the adjusted bracers over her forearms. To the greetings she would reply with a casual nod for she was still worried her voice would give her away. And when there was nobody around she would practice speaking in a manly voice until she felt silly for doing it even in front of Vucara and stopped.
By around midday they had crossed the fields and pastures and passed many a low, long farm house. Now they had reached the stone and wood fortification that surrounded some hundred or more houses. A guard stood by the open wooden gate looking bored. He was wearing a helm much like Joana herself but was girded with a sword. A large long shield leant next to him against the base of the rampart. Idly he watched the girl's halting steps until she was sure he would simple let her walk past him. When she head nearly come abreast with him the man suddenly straightened up and pointed the spear in her direction.
"Hold it, lad", he growled with only a note of drowsiness, "where do you think you're going?"
Joana's heart was beating in her throat, yet she did her best to put boldness in her voice when she replied: "Into town, to the inn, if it's not closed."
"'Course it's not closed." The man spat. "Who are you and what's your business in Tramir?"
A name? Joana thought wildly fingering for her ring. She had never considered a name, especially not a man's name. But she could not possibly give her game away now. She glanced around desperately for a hint before her gaze stuck to the spear in her hand.
"Holmger. Son of-" There was Vucara. "-Sarolf. I seek a man at the inn that they call the Rat and Cat."
The guard was not easily satisfied. In fact, she felt him eyeing her suspiciously. "Who might that be you're looking for? And what's you business with 'im?"
Was a town guard somebody to fear? If he asked questions of all travellers he might have even encountered the man.
"They call him Grimrun. I seek him in a ... family matter. Do you know him? Is he in town?"
The man's brow creased. Then he shook his head with a shrug. "Nah. Never 'eard of one like that." And after another assessing look: "Go on then. But a word of warning: be careful with that spear, Holmger, son of Sarolf. Every man is held accountable for his deeds while in Tramir. G'day."
She could feel his gaze following her as she made her way down the road between the first houses. Further on the streets became a bustle of workers and peddlers, carts and horses and other animals. She breathed a sigh of relief when they finally lost sight of him.
Here the air was filled with the sights and sounds and smells of many people living together. Shouting of merchants, laughing of women, crying of babies, barking of dogs, the clinking of a blacksmith's hammer. Smells of cooked food, smoke, sweat and some other less pleasant smells. Vucara followed her visibly daunted with her tail between her hind legs. Joana on the other hand felt excited. The many people around her were making her nearly dizzy.
It took only a few inquiries to locate their destination. Then after walking down a side street of packed dirt the girl and the wolf were standing outside the long, angled, high-roofed building that people called the Rat and Cat.
... to be continued ...
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