The Eye of Tanglewood Forest (Haymaker Adventures Book 3) Page 23

  “You don’t travel with Raven for as long as I did and not learn a few things. For instance, did you know that this particular room is the one room in the tower you cannot use a teleport in? Look at the walls, they are covered in charms and wards to prevent teleports. I imagine it was Brykith’s way of securing this chamber. These symbols aren’t found anywhere else in the tower, I know, because I checked while I was setting the place on fire.”

  “So that’s why Brykith couldn’t escape like he did last time,” Jason said.

  “Wait, did you just say you lit the tower on fire?” Jonathan asked.

  Ziegler nodded. “Sure did. The stone walls will likely survive, but I wasn’t sure I was going to make it through, so I wanted to take as many of the enemy down with me as I could.” Ziegler looked over his shoulder and shook his head. “In retrospect, it appears I may have been a bit overzealous.”

  “So, how do we get out?” Jonathan asked.

  “Well, honestly, I figured you were dead, since Griff came to find me and all.” Ziegler reached up and scratched the back of his head. “I did notice a water drawing chamber on the next floor down. No idea how long the shaft is, but if it leads to water, it might just be our best bet. Several of the lower levels are constructed with wooden floors, so the stairs aren’t going to work.”

  “It better not be the same underground lake we landed in before,” Jonathan grumbled.

  “Come on, let’s go!” Ziegler said with a clap of his hands. “Last one in is a… roasted goose!”

  “Poor choice of words,” Jason quipped quietly.

  CHAPTER 14

  It took nearly four weeks for the trio to make their way back to Holstead. Rather than retrace their steps to the south, they went east until they found the main road winding north and south through the forest between Sohn and Telward. They camped by the coast as they made their way southward, eventually getting picked up by a rather large cohort of sixty elf soldiers.

  Fortunately, they had been sent by the council, which was now fully aware of Brykith’s doings thanks to Jonathan, Ziegler, and Jason’s efforts. Things sped up after that point, as the cohort was able to escort them to the southern border. Though each of the men were warned that it would be better if they did not return to Tanglewood Forest, they did also receive a handsome sum of four hundred gold pieces each for their efforts. When Ziegler tried to thank the elves, the soldiers handed Ziegler a sealed envelope. Captain Ziegler opened the letter and laughed aloud as he read it.

  It turned out that the gold was from Cayda, not the elves. She had managed to convince the dwarf king that the elf council was too careless to continue possessing migot crystals. The dwarves had taken all of the crystals back to Shuldern, and locked them away safely in a vault. In the letter, Cayda said that half of the gold was for the return of the migot crystals, and the other half was for the group’s discretion.

  They arrived back at the Haymaker cabin to find a large crowd gathered around the home, watching the installation of a pair of enormously expensive elven windows. A woman gasped aloud as Griff brushed up against her skirt, and the crowd parted to let the group through.

  Jonathan smiled nervously to his neighbors and other townsfolk.

  Jason, however, was walking with his head held high, for Mortimer was on the front porch with Pa, admiring the craftsmanship of the windows being installed. Overseeing the installation was Telwenyr, the window maker. The elf smiled at the three and nodded.

  “I see you have made the return journey safely,” Telwenyr said as he pointed to the windows. “How do they look?”

  “Never mind the windows!” Pa said grumpily as he pushed his way past Mortimer and nearly hopped down the front steps to meet his grandsons. He pulled them in close and kissed each of them on their heads. “You’re safe?” he asked in a whisper.

  “We’re back now, Pa,” Jason said. “Back for good.”

  Pa squeezed them tightly and then quickly called out over his shoulder. “Ma, you best come out here!”

  Memaw threw the door open and picked up the front of her skirt so she could run to them. If Pa had hugged them tightly, then her embrace was nearly smothering, but neither of the boys seemed to mind.

  “It’s finished?” she asked softly.

  “We’re done,” Jonathan said.

  Memaw then pushed them back and checked them over. “You’re not hurt, or missing any fingers are you?”

  “I brought them back safely,” Ziegler said as he stepped closer to her.

  Memaw looked at him curiously, narrowing her eyes. “And your men, where are they? Did they just move along toward Lehemat then?”

  Ziegler shook his head and frowned. “They’re gone,” he said soberly.

  “All of them?” Memaw asked. “Even that tall, muscular chimney of a man who tried to smoke in my house?”

  “Yes, Moose too,” Ziegler said.

  Memaw then turned to Jonathan, her smile faded and now twisted into a silent gasp of worry and dread. “What about the young lady?”

  Jonathan shook his head. “She’s gone also,” he replied.

  Memaw pulled him in close and squeezed him tight. “Oh, you poor thing. I’m so sorry,” she whispered in his ear.

  He hugged her back, holding her tight as he could, but not daring to let his sadness come up now in front of all the onlookers.

  “My grandsons have returned!” Pa shouted to the crowd. “They went out to seek their fortune, and lo, they have returned!”

  The crowd clapped and cheered, unaware of what Jonathan and Jason had actually been through.

  “I have a daughter who will be anxious to see you,” Mortimer told Jason as he strode up to him. “Is it true that you paid for these windows?”

  Jason nodded. “It is.”

  “What did you do to earn them?”

  “Uh-uh, that isn’t polite,” Telwenyr spoke up as he joined the small group. “It is improper to inquire as to another person’s private ventures.”

  Mortimer frowned. “He is to be my son-in-law, I have a right to know what kind of life he lives. I will not tolerate a brigand in the family, or a mercenary!”

  “The marriage is already arranged, Mortimer,” Pa said. “It’s a bit late to go back on your word now.”

  Telwenyr cleared his throat. “Seeing that this is a sensitive subject, please allow me to clear it up for everyone present, then.” Telwenyr winked at Jonathan and Jason and then spoke loudly so that all could hear. “This group was hired to help escort shipments to my city. We trade with the dwarves of Shuldern, but are plagued by bandits. They not only helped protect the shipment, but also helped us install better security for our future dealings. For their troubles, and their expertise, I personally paid them with these windows and the dwarves paid them in gold.” Telwenyr leaned in and quietly asked Jonathan how much gold they were carrying, and then he straightened up and smiled as he turned to address Mortimer. “Each of them was paid four hundred gold for their work by the dwarves, and that is on top of the windows from me. Furthermore, I can assure you they were not mercenaries. They protected craftsmen and traders, and they helped to ensure the safety of all elves in the area.”

  “And just how did they do that?” Mortimer asked.

  “You see before you three heroes of your war with the trolls and yet you have to ask me about their experience and level of skill?” Telwenyr asked. “Surely, you understand how honorable and revered these men are, do you not?”

  Mortimer groused and then nodded. “Of course I do, I… oh never mind.” He turned to Jason and stuck out his hand. “It will be good to welcome a son who can provide for himself, and his future family.”

  Jason took his hand and shook it. “With my share of the earnings, I will be able to build a proper house for Annabell, and she will be provided for, all the days of her life. I swear it.”

  Mortimer smiled then and glanced back to Telwenyr. “Well, perhaps I shall put you in charge of reaching out to the elves and negotiating trade rout
es between our peoples as well.”

  Telwenyr bowed graciously. “I would be most honored to discuss arrangements with Jason Haymaker,” he said.

  “Then it’s settled,” Mortimer said. “Now come, son, my daughter will be expecting word of your arrival. Best you give it to her yourself.”

  “The rest of you, thank you for your visit, but if you don’t mind, I should like some time with my grandson, and it is late in the day. I need a bit of rest,” Pa said.

  The crowd started to leave, many of the villagers either commenting on the windows or welcoming the Haymaker brothers back home.

  Telwenyr quickly excused himself, taking his workers with him. Ziegler and Jonathan followed Pa and Memaw into the cabin and were soon enjoying fresh milk and warm rolls with apple butter.

  “You’re right,” Ziegler said after his fourth roll. “Your Memaw definitely makes the best apple butter I have ever tasted.”

  Memaw smiled and promptly placed another roll in front of the large man. “You’re welcome to treat yourself to rolls and apple butter anytime, just so long as you don’t take my grandsons anywhere else.”

  “Of course,” Ziegler said as he took the roll in hand.

  “I mean it,” Memaw said as she wagged a bony finger at the man. “Not ever again. Jason is soon to be wed, and it isn’t proper for a new husband to be whisked off to dangerous places for months at a time. And Jonathan here, well he needs to finish growing up. Besides, we need help around the house, and…”

  Ziegler nodded. “You have my word,” he said. “I shall not come calling for them again.”

  Pa stepped in then and gave Memaw a reassuring hug. He whispered something that Jonathan couldn’t quite hear, and then Memaw went to the back of the house and disappeared into her room. A few moments later, Jonathan could hear soft crying.

  Pa wrung his hands and offered a weak smile to Ziegler. “Captain, truly, you are always welcome here. I am sorry for your men.”

  “Me too,” Ziegler said with a sullen nod.

  “I had best go and see to her,” Pa said as he stuck a thumb over his shoulder. “She’s happy to have you all back, make no mistake about that, but she has been worried sick these last many weeks. She spent much of the time staring out from the front porch, and whispering prayers. Now that you are back, she’s a bit overwhelmed.”

  Ziegler nodded and smiled softly. “It’s all right, you don’t have to explain it to me.”

  “No,” Pa said with a single shake of his head. “I suppose I don’t.” He reached over the table and the two shook hands. “Thank you for bringing them back.” Pa then turned and went into the room as well, closing the door behind himself.

  Jonathan stared at his half-eaten roll, thinking that if not for Miranda, he and his brother would not have come back. He had told Ziegler about the strange rescue, but the three of them had agreed not to speak of it any further with others outside the group. As far as the rest of the world was concerned, Miranda had perished in Shuldern, overcome by the magnificent spell she had cast to save their lives from the band of trolls.

  “Where will you go now?” Jonathan asked Ziegler.

  The big man leaned back in his chair and then stretched his neck. “Oh, I don’t know.”

  “Not back to your duties then?” Jonathan asked. “I thought you had a limited time before you had to return?”

  Ziegler nodded. “I’m in a good place now,” he said. “I think I might do well sailing away from this peninsula. Find a peaceful place to settle down. Maybe I’ll take up sheep herding and farming,” he said with a wink.

  “You can do that here,” Jonathan said. “I’m sure Pa and Memaw would take you on without hesitation. They’d be happy for the help.”

  Ziegler shook his head. “No, I think I need a change of scenery. Things out here will only remind me of everyone else.”

  “Running to another place won’t make you forget them,” Jonathan said quickly.

  Ziegler smiled. “You’re quick for one so young,” he said as he took another bite of his roll. He chewed it and washed it down with some milk and then shook his head while he wiped his mouth on his sleeve. “I don’t want to forget them, I just don’t want to see the places they used to live. I don’t want their voices to be silenced from my memories, but I don’t need them to yell either. So, I’ll go out and find a place where I can try to honor them by living the best I can.”

  Jonathan nodded. He understood Ziegler’s reasoning.

  “What about you?” Ziegler asked. “Where will you go?”

  Jonathan screwed up his face and drew his brow into a knot. “What makes you think I won’t stay here?”

  Ziegler laughed and stood from the table. “You’re not the only one who’s quick on the uptake. I can see it in your eyes.” He looked around the room and sighed. “I’d give anything to see Moose get his hide chewed by your Memaw for smoking in here again.”

  Jonathan nodded. Not so long ago, they had all been standing in this very cabin. Having already survived the Murkle Quags, Jonathan couldn’t have guessed so few of their group would return.

  “Well, tell your brother farewell for me,” Ziegler said as he went toward the door.

  Jonathan stood up. “You aren’t going to stay for the wedding?” he asked. “I’m sure it will be just a few days from now.”

  Ziegler smiled and shook his head. “I make it a point of not attending weddings anymore,” he said. “Such events bring up ghosts for me that are much more difficult to face than the tattoos along my body.” His eyes welled with tears and he had to look away for a moment to recompose himself. After a bit he cleared his throat and smiled once more. “I am leaving the bride a present though.” He pointed to his backpack sitting near his chair at the table.

  Jonathan looked at it and saw that Ziegler’s gold coins were in the bag. “You don’t need to leave that, we all have enough. Take your gold with you, Jason isn’t expecting a gift.”

  Ziegler shook his head. “It isn’t for Jason. It’s for his bride. I’m sure she suffered during Jason’s absence at least as much as your Memaw, likely a fair bit more I would think. Besides, I have what I need. I’ll be all right.”

  Jonathan walked to Ziegler and held out his hand. “It was good to meet you,” he said.

  Ziegler stared at the outstretched hand and then pulled Jonathan close for a hug instead. “You take care of yourself, Jonathan Haymaker. Don’t rush too quickly to grow up. You have enough gold now to do whatever you wish.” He pushed Jonathan away and held the young archer by the shoulders. “Promise that you will at least consider a life safer than that of a soldier. You have fought enough for many lifetimes already, and you have saved more people than anyone I know.”

  “I promise,” Jonathan said.

  Ziegler nodded. “I’ll hold you to that, and so will your Memaw.”

  Jonathan smiled sheepishly and glanced over his shoulder. “Yeah, I wouldn’t want to upset her,” he said, thinking of the time she had berated Moose and made the big man cower to her gaze and stern words.

  “Nor I, Jonathan, nor would I,” Ziegler said. The big man then turned and went out the door.

  Jonathan stared at the closed door for a while, and then retired to his bed. It wasn’t dark yet, but he suddenly found himself exhausted from the totality of it all. He slept peacefully and didn’t wake until late the following morning. The next few days were a blur. Jonathan and Jason built a home for Griff on the side of the cabin, while Pa tried to convince Memaw that the cavedog wasn’t going to eat them all in their sleep. It didn’t help when Griff helped himself to a large ewe, but eventually the animal learned that he should not eat or harass the sheep and instead hunted rabbits and foxes for his meals, and Jonathan would give him the table scraps as well.

  Soon, Jason’s wedding was held in the town square, a lively event that drew each of Holstead’s citizens. Dancing and feasting continued on until the following morning, when everyone finally staggered back to their homes. True to his w
ord, Ziegler didn’t attend, though Jonathan and Jason had hoped he would change his mind. Mortimer nearly fainted when Annabell opened her present from Ziegler, for now Jason and Annabell were the richest family in Holstead. At first, Mortimer was envious, but his greed soon turned to pride as he began extolling the wisdom and greatness of his son-in-law and how happy Annabell was.

  After the festivities, the happy couple moved into their newly built home on the opposite side of Holstead from Memaw and Pa’s place. That was when everything hit Jonathan. He returned home with Memaw and Pa that day to find that he was never again going to sleep in the same room as his brother. Life was changing now, as it always does, and a large part of himself was changing along with it.

  The next few weeks droned on as Jonathan went about his chores. Jason spent a portion of his fortune to hire a few extra hands to help around the house, but it wasn’t the same. There were no more games of centers, no more chasing after lost sheep with his brother, and no more campfire jokes with him either. The hired workers weren’t bad company by any means, but it wasn’t the life Jonathan had expected after returning home. Jason used his wealth and connections to establish trade with the elves of Tyrwyn through Telwenyr’s help, and soon Holstead was bustling with more activity than Jonathan had ever seen before.

  The weeks went by as though they were each a month, and then winter came and the months passed as though they were only a week long. Soon it was spring, and the days kept rolling on as Jonathan went through the motions of his life at home. When the anniversary of their return from Tanglewood Forest came, Jonathan went out to a secluded grove of trees and set up targets to practice his bow skills. Griff went with him, as the animal always did, and spent the day lazily snoozing under a great oak.

  Jonathan had all but forgotten that Reshem had promised to return after Brykith had been stopped. The young archer already knew what had become of Miranda, though he still didn’t entirely understand how such a thing was possible, and so much time had passed since speaking with Reshem in Sierryn, that Jonathan had almost forgotten about the man entirely. All of that changed when Jonathan walked toward the target to retrieve his arrows for the last time as the sun was beginning to set for the day.