Return of the Ancients

Chapter 11 Behold, Valkeryn

Arn held onto the strange saddle and bounced in time with the jerking gallop of the horse. His back hurt, his thighs were chafed, and his butt cheeks felt like a thousand mules had kicked him. He’d never ridden a horse before, and after this he’d make sure he never did again.

He wanted to reach up and touch his bandaged eyes. They itched terribly, but the pain in the centre of his head had subsided, and he hoped that was a good sign. Blindness was not something he relished, especially in a land where monsters really existed.

The horse swerved suddenly, and he gripped the saddle tighter. Someone else held the reins of his horse — leading him, he expected, back to their homeland. A branch whipped over his head — they were travelling quickly, and he assumed the danger was still close by.

Strange birdcalls, and the hum of insects gave the impression of mid morning. He could feel its warmth on his skin, and was aware of the strange scents of flowering plants, the many Wolfen around him, the horses, and the slight smell of fish that still permeated his jeans pocket.

They slowed a little, and he felt another horse bump up against his. A small hand grabbed hold of his arm, and Eilif asked him gently, ‘How do you travel, Arnoddr-Sigarr? Are you well?’

‘Like I said, just call me Arn. I’m well — but uncomfortable. I don’t usually ride horses. Well, I don’t at all actually. Are we far from your home?’

‘We’ll arrive by high sun. I wish you could behold Valkeryn. The turrets and towers touch the sky, and its mighty granite walls are so polished that they shine golden in the afternoon sunlight. Never have they been breached in all its history. You will like it there.’

‘What happens then? I mean, what happens to me?’ An image of being locked in a cage as some sort of Wolfen carnival freak leapt into Arn’s mind.

‘You are my friend. You will always be safe, Arnoddr… Arn. You may even get to meet the king. He’s nice, but a bit stern. I know he’ll like you.’ There was silence for a moment as if she was thinking. ‘Well, I think he will, anyway.’