Annon smirked at the comment, glancing at his companion. “Except the Vaettir do not sell it.”
Erasmus waved his hand. “Only makes it worth more.”
“Life is worth more than ducats, Erasmus.”
It was the Preachán’s turn to give him a shrewd smile. “I assure you, master Druidecht, that is not true. Many wars are hazarded on the arithmetic that a life is worth less than thirty ducats. Maybe twenty-five.”
Annon sighed and started down the slope.
Erasmus followed, mumbling softly to himself. “Considering the vastness of those woods, the likelihood of finding your friend Reeder will be considerably narrow. At a rate of two furlongs a day…”
“Do not strain your mind, Erasmus,” Annon said, slightly annoyed at his constant predictions. “I will find him or he will find me much faster than you think.”
“And how will that be achieved?”
“The same way I knew where the ford was in the river we crossed two days ago. The same way I have provided us with sufficient food. It is Druidecht lore. And while my uncle may think that a spirit only has value when it is trapped in a gem…” He trailed off, giving Erasmus a hard stare. “I do not.”
Before long, they had crossed the long grass. Annon let his palms glide over the feathery tips of grass and downy weeds. He inhaled the sweet scent in the air, watching the towering trees sway gently ahead. It was a vision of beauty and grace. Overhead a hawk swooped. Annon watched its seamless plunge.
As they approached the huge shroud of trees, Annon felt the spirits immediately. Their tiny voices chittered to him, recognizing his talisman and position, and came to him in a swarm. For a moment he was confused at the rush and chatter, coming from tiny butterflies and gnats that rushed and whirled around him. They were solicitous, anxious to seek his will and assist him. He was treated with high honor.
Welcome, Druidecht. May we serve you?
I saw him first. Be silent. I will guide and lead you, kind sir.
What good would you be to him? I am the fastest. Shall I carry a message for you?
Never had he encountered such a swarm of spirits in Wayland or the mountains of Alkire. They were friendly, eager, and nearly jostled each other to get this attention.
Be silent, foolish ones. He is weary from his journey.
At the rebuke, the tittering vanished away, cowed into respect by a being of greater power. Annon felt the presence immediately and a sense of thrill at being singled out. It approached him in the form of a mountain cat, lithe and sleek and sinuous. Its tail lashed lazily.
Erasmus clutched his arm. “Annon,” he hissed. “Do you see it?”
The creature approached on padded steps, a soft, purring growl in her throat. You travel far, Druidecht.
Annon inclined his head as it approached. He saw Erasmus trembling. What may I call you, wise spirit? Annon entreated in his mind.
I am Nizeera. I am a guardian of Canton Vaud.
Annon smiled in pleasure. Canton Vaud was the seat of the Druidecht hierarchy. It was much like a king’s court and traveled from land to land, settling disputes and arbitrating between the spirits of Mirrowen and those in the mortal world.
I was unaware that Canton Vaud was in Silvandom. Is the matter truly as grave as that?
The huge cat purred and nuzzled against his arm. It slowly slinked around behind them, pausing to sniff disinterestedly at Erasmus, who stiffened and began twitching uncontrollably.
He is frightened. I like that. The matter is severe. Do you seek to aid in the matter?
Annon reached out to Nizeera in his mind. I seek Reeder.
The coarse fur bristled slightly then fell flat. It finished circling Erasmus, emitting a low growl intended to frighten him more. The long whiskers stroked against the Preachán’s wrist, and he issued a shiver of breath.
“Druidecht?” Erasmus whispered hoarsely.
Nizeera turned back to Annon, fixing him with her gleaming eyes. He stinks of the city, of ale and wine and coin. I do not trust him, but I trust you, Druidecht. You are of the fireblood. I smell it in your hands. I am bound to obey you. The great cat lowered its head respectfully, shocking Annon.
No one serves me, Annon thought. You are not bound to me.
Do not mock my oath, Nizeera said with a growl. It was not given lightly.
He felt its offense rising hard and fast, its eyes glittering, the air chilling suddenly. He nodded in acquiescence, and that seemed to satisfy her.
Lead on, Nizeera.
The great cat turned on its haunches and padded away into the woods of Silvandom, its tail lashing playfully.
Erasmus’s voice was just a faint whisper. “I thought…it was going to eat us.”
Annon looked at him and smiled. “It wasn’t tempted by you, Erasmus. You stink. She is our guide in Silvandom.”
Erasmus gave him a blank look. “You mean it wants us to follow it?”
Annon ignored the question and started off after Nizeera.