Against All Things Ending Part 44

There the desiccated browns of the surrounding terrain made the white spine of gypsum appear unnaturally stark, almost pure; as distinct as chalk. Along the ridge, bits of quartz and mica caught the sun and flashed like implied omens. No doubt dust would have billowed from the strides of the Swordmainnir in any breeze; but the air was as still as a tombstone. Arid heat and haze rather than dust gave the sky a tan hue.

Immediately in front of the company, the handiwork of the Giants dominated the east, a long oval mound towering over the ridge from slope to slope. With sweat and strength and love, Rime Coldspray and her comrades had piled rocks the size of kresh kresh and Cavewights and even mustangs to cover Liand's death with homage. A few of the boulders were as big as huts. In an abstract way, Linden had understood that the Giants were mighty, and that they had labored long. Nevertheless she was taken aback by the scale of the cairn. Liand had been given a barrow suitable for a king. and Cavewights and even mustangs to cover Liand's death with homage. A few of the boulders were as big as huts. In an abstract way, Linden had understood that the Giants were mighty, and that they had labored long. Nevertheless she was taken aback by the scale of the cairn. Liand had been given a barrow suitable for a king.

It seemed more final than his ruined corpse.

Oh, Liand. Through her reluctance and shame, Linden felt her eyes burn with unattainable tears. Nothing could comfort her for the Stonedownor's pa.s.sing. Still she felt that the Giants had done him justice.

"A small gesture only," explained Coldspray as if she were embarra.s.sed. "Being Giants, we had it in our hearts to dig away this stretch of the ridge, and that beyond as well, thus forming a pediment for the cairn. But time pressed against us, and we abandoned our first intent."

"Nonetheless," Mahrtiir stated after a moment, "what you have done is well done. Be a.s.sured that it is well done."

Instead of speaking, Stave bowed in the manner of the Haruchai Haruchai, first to the Ironhand, then to the high mound of stone.

Still Covenant did not react. Creviced memories held him.

On a hilltop some distance to the north, Clyme stood with his back to the company. In the south, Branl also faced away. The two Humbled seemed to disregard their companions; but Linden understood their vigilance. They had not forgotten their many enemies. Joan's attack during the night had demonstrated that even here, tens or scores of leagues from more obvious dangers, the company was not safe. Clyme and Branl did not a.s.sume that the Land's last defenders would be safe anywhere.

"If it is well done," Rime Coldspray said finally, "we are content. I name our grief and honor complete. Now let us consider our course. We cannot remain as we are while the Worm threatens to unmake all that we have known and loved and needed."

Her words may have been addressed to Linden; but Linden stood with her head bowed and did not respond. What could she have said?

"Our foes are easily counted," replied Mahrtiir grimly. "The Timewarden's former mate craves our ruin. Only her madness preserves us from endless caesures caesures. Further we are told that his son ama.s.ses Cavewights to claim both the Ringthane's child and the croyel croyel. Given opportunity, Kastenessen may strike again, as we know to our great cost. Also it is his theurgy which shapes Kevin's Dirt, hampering Earthpower across the Upper Land. And we are told as well that both Sandgorgons and skurj skurj a.s.sail Salva Gildenbourne. Indeed, they may dare the ravage of Andelain, for the a.s.sail Salva Gildenbourne. Indeed, they may dare the ravage of Andelain, for the krill krill no longer defends the heart of the Land's loveliness." no longer defends the heart of the Land's loveliness."

That one detail, at least, had been Covenant's doing, not Linden's. It was all that had enabled the company to capture Jeremiah.

"These are fearsome perils in all sooth," Mahrtiir observed, "terrible and heinous. In addition, however, Esmer endures, compelled to treachery. And we must not forget the Worm itself as it seeks the roots of Melenkurion Melenkurion Skyweir." Skyweir."

The Manethrall paused briefly, then said, "I do not regard such lesser wights as kresh kresh and and skest skest. In themselves, they are mere servants. Nor do I consider turiya turiya Raver. If he does not remain with his victim, she is nothing. Contemplation of Lostson Longwrath I leave to the Swordmainnir, who are better able to comprehend his plight. The Insequent have turned aside. And I do not cite the lurker of the Sarangrave, though we stand nigh unto its demesne. Ancient tales suggest that it is little more than a monstrous appet.i.te devoid of thought or aspiration. Raver. If he does not remain with his victim, she is nothing. Contemplation of Lostson Longwrath I leave to the Swordmainnir, who are better able to comprehend his plight. The Insequent have turned aside. And I do not cite the lurker of the Sarangrave, though we stand nigh unto its demesne. Ancient tales suggest that it is little more than a monstrous appet.i.te devoid of thought or aspiration.

"However, I must speak of moksha moksha Jehannum. Where he toils, and what he strives to gain, are hidden from us. I cannot discount She Who Must Not Be Named. Aroused, the bane may rise still farther, wreaking vast torment. And I must not neglect the purest abomination, dire Fangthane himself, Despiser of Land and life. It is by his will that all other perils and evils have awakened. There can be no reply to the Worm unless Fangthane also is answered." Jehannum. Where he toils, and what he strives to gain, are hidden from us. I cannot discount She Who Must Not Be Named. Aroused, the bane may rise still farther, wreaking vast torment. And I must not neglect the purest abomination, dire Fangthane himself, Despiser of Land and life. It is by his will that all other perils and evils have awakened. There can be no reply to the Worm unless Fangthane also is answered."

Mahrtiir paused again; turned his bandaged face toward each of his companions one by one. Explicitly he did not spare Linden his scrutiny. After giving them a moment to absorb his summation, he asked, "What say you? Is my tale complete?"

The Giants s.h.i.+fted their feet uncomfortably. Some of them looked daunted in spite of their native resilience and courage. Pahni stood like a woman in shock. Bhapa fretted as if he wished to flee. Between them, Covenant mumbled something that sounded like a list of all the trees in the One Forest. But Anele had fallen silent in Galesend's arms, apparently conscious of nothing except orcrest orcrest and dread. and dread.

Linden did not want to speak. She felt beaten down by Mahrtiir's toll of troubles, almost immured, as if his words were stones. When no one else responded, however, she forced herself to say, "One of us ought to at least mention the Elohim Elohim. They're probably all scrambling to save themselves. But Infelice sure as h.e.l.l didn't want us to rescue Jeremiah. Now that we have him, she may be desperate enough to interfere."

Like the Manethrall, Coldspray scanned the company. Having ascertained that no one wished to offer a comment, she nodded once, harshly. "Then we are agreed. The tale is complete, though its unadorned brevity resembles a wound. Now we must make known the counsels of our hearts."

Looking directly at Pahni and Bhapa, she continued, "And here none may keep silent. Every thought and insight and apprehension must be heard." She seemed to think that the Cords might be too diffident or weary to express themselves. "Any word may serve to inspire guidance, but it cannot if it is not uttered."

Like Coldspray, Mahrtiir faced the Cords. "Harken well. The Ironhand's command is also mine. I comprehend the hurt of speaking only to be countered or dismissed. But our straits require this of us. Naught can be gained without risk of hurt."

Bhapa nodded with a nauseated grimace. But Pahni surprised Linden by answering, "The Ardent has said that the Ringthane's need for death is great." She sounded vague, almost stupefied. Nothing flickered in her eyes to indicate that she was aware of her own bitterness. "I see no promise that her need has been sated."

Restore him!

I can't. I would if I could I would if I could.

Mahrtiir's wince was visible in spite of his bandage; but he did not reprimand the girl.

As if in Linden's defense, Frostheart Grueburn said, "The withdrawal of the Insequent is lamentable. Our grief over the Ardent's pa.s.sing is whetted by our inability to seek further explication of his auguries."

After a moment, Onyx Stonemage added, "Nor are we able to ask aid of the ur-viles and Waynhim. Doubtless their lore is great. Certainly we have witnessed their strange puissance. While Esmer lives, however, we are deprived of our gift of tongues. It may be that Linden Giantfriend remains able to call upon them. But if so, we would not comprehend their counsel."

More sternly, the Ironhand stated, "It is bootless to dwell upon queries which cannot or will not be answered. We must consider deeds which are within our compa.s.s."

"Then, Ironhand," said Cabledarm, "let us begin by discarding deeds which are not within our compa.s.s." Her tone suggested a dour jest, although her expression was somber. "Neither the Sandgorgons nor the skurj skurj merit concern. Our mere strength and swords cannot defeat such creatures." merit concern. Our mere strength and swords cannot defeat such creatures."

Halewhole Bluntfist agreed. "And let us discard also the Worm itself, and She Who Must Not Be Named, and Fangthane Despiser. Doubtless such evils must be answered. There again, however, strength and swords will achieve no worthy effect. Those who wield wild magic and Earthpower"-she glanced at Galt-"aye, and Loric's eldritch krill krill must devise our course. We cannot." must devise our course. We cannot."

Linden swallowed an empty protest. Clearly Bluntfist and the others were still counting on her; and they were wrong. Yet she could frame no real objection. The Giants were being practical: their reasoning made sense.

Coldspray considered her comrades briefly. Then she admitted, "Nor do we suffice against Esmer mere mere-son. There we must place our trust in the ur-viles and Waynhim. As for the Elohim Elohim, their plight is beyond our ken. Thus our deliberation is simplified. We need contemplate only the Timewarden's former mate-their son and his army of Cavewights-and mad Kastenessen."

Only? Linden thought. Only? Only? But before she could find her voice, Mahrtiir put in sharply, "And also the Ringthane's son and the But before she could find her voice, Mahrtiir put in sharply, "And also the Ringthane's son and the croyel croyel. That burden has not been relieved by Liand's death."

"Aye," Rime Coldspray a.s.sented. "I hear you, Manethrall. Nonetheless his plight is a matter of theurgy. While Linden Giantfriend remains thwarted by the croyel croyel, and Covenant Timewarden is absent, we can do naught to ease the boy."

"Aye," grumbled Mahrtiir in turn, conceding the Ironhand's point.

Linden gnawed her lip and tried to guess what conclusion the Giants and the Ramen would reach.

"Thus," Coldspray said again. "The Timewarden's former mate. Their son. Kastenessen." She looked around at her comrades once more. "Upon another occasion, I will require your condolences for such concision. For the present-" Then she faced the two Haruchai Haruchai. "Master. Stave. You have not spoken. Do you consent to the nature of our counsels? Is there aught which we must add or discard ere we continue?"

A glance like a knife pa.s.sed between the Humbled and the former Master, although their miens were impa.s.sive; and a spatter of tension ran down Linden's spine. She could not see beneath the surface of either man, but she felt- As if to the air rather than to Coldspray or Stave, Galt said, "I will speak when your deliberations are done."

"And I will answer you," promised Stave.

Without explanation, he s.h.i.+fted his gaze to the Ironhand.

"I would urge," he told her, "that some forewarning must be conveyed to the Masters in Revelstone. Yet I cannot conceive how my desire may be accomplished. If the word of an Elohim Elohim is to be believed, scant days remain to us, and even a rider Ranyhyn-mounted must have more than a few to gain Lord's Keep." is to be believed, scant days remain to us, and even a rider Ranyhyn-mounted must have more than a few to gain Lord's Keep."

He shrugged delicately. "Thus my wishes for my kindred come to naught." With an air of formality, he concluded, "Ironhand of the Swordmainnir, I am content with your counsels."

Rime Coldspray replied with a nod as grave as a bow. Then she said to everyone, "Now we must further simplify our course. To my mind, the choice has become one of urgency. Which of the three perils that we have selected poses the most severe or immediate threat?"

Involuntarily Linden shook her head. She did not mean to interfere with Coldspray's leaders.h.i.+p, or with Mahrtiir's; but she answered without thinking.

"Urgency isn't the problem. They're all urgent," Jeremiah more than anything else. "The problem is finding them. I can't even guess where Joan is. But Esmer and the Ardent told us that Roger is in Mount Thunder." Somewhere among the Wightwarrens. "And Kastenessen has to be there, too, since he's drawing on the bane to power Kevin's Dirt. Locating them sounds impossible, but it probably isn't. If we get close enough, we won't have to find either of them. They'll find us."

Abruptly she stopped. This was not what she wanted. She had good reason to avoid more responsibility. And she doubted that the Humbled would respect any choices except their own.

In dismay, she argued against herself. "At least we know where Jeremiah is."

We need to help him somehow. Please.

After a quick consultation with her comrades, the Ironhand mused, "The distance is not insurmountable. The remaining portion of the Ardent's largesse may be stretched to sustain a trek of several days. Yet qualms disturb me. I fear the suddenness with which Covenant Timewarden's former mate is able to strike. And within the Wightwarrens of Mount Thunder, of which we have heard tales, we will traverse pa.s.sages and confusions unknown to us, yet intimately familiar to the Cavewights. Doubtless the Timewarden's son and his forces will offer battle at a time and place where every circ.u.mstance is unfavorable to us."

Linden said nothing.

"Also," continued the Ironhand, "I am reluctant to turn my back upon the intent of the Ardent. Aye, he did not name his purpose. Yet the great cost of his service has won my regard. I cannot conclude that our presence here is without value."

"By your reasoning, then, Ironhand," Mahrtiir concluded harshly, "we are returned to our starting place. We cannot choose a path toward any point of our compa.s.s. In my heart remains the belief that what has transpired here"-he pointed at Liand's cairn-"must serve as our lodestone. Yet its import eludes me." In frustration, he muttered a Ramen curse. "Therefore I can offer no further counsel."

Abruptly Bhapa took a step forward. "Perhaps-" he began, then stopped, staring as though his own thoughts shocked him.

"Speak, Cord," the Manethrall commanded at once.

Please, Linden repeated, if only to herself. Somebody think of something.

Bhapa appeared to fumble for words. "Earlier." He swallowed hard. "When Cord Pahni returned to us." He glanced, flinching, at Linden, then forced himself to meet Mahrtiir's eyeless scrutiny. "The Ringthane asked why we did not summon the Ranyhyn to ease Pahni's sorrow. I replied"-again he swallowed-"with disrespect, hearing no esteem for the Ranyhyn in her. Yet now-"

Once more, he faltered.

The Manethrall waited. Carefully Rime Coldspray prompted, "Yet now-"

A flush spread like shame across the Cord's face. In a rush, he said, "If we summon the Ranyhyn, and entrust ourselves to their wisdom, perhaps they will consent to select our path.

"They are the Ranyhyn Ranyhyn," he insisted as if his companions had objected. "Though they have ever allowed both the Ramen and their riders to choose their roads, they share insights which surpa.s.s us. Perhaps they can discern the whereabouts of the Timewarden's former mate. Or they may recognize the Ardent's purpose. They may elect to resume the journey which he was unable to complete.

"Surely any destination deemed condign by the Ranyhyn is preferable to our present bafflement."

There Mahrtiir silenced Bhapa. "Enough, Cord," the Manethrall said, unexpectedly mild in spite of his palpable excitement. "This is unforeseen counsel. I now comprehend your hesitation in speaking of it. Ramen do not presume to such thoughts. Before the Ringthane's coming, however, no Raman had presumed to ride the Ranyhyn. Yet when that occasion presented itself, they made plain their approval. I do not doubt that they will approve once more."

His eagerness stirred the company. The Giants lifted their heads as though they had caught the scent of hope.

Hyn! Linden thought. Hynyn. Naharahn and Bhanoryl and Mh.o.r.n.ym and the others. In their spa.r.s.e horserite, Hyn and Hynyn had found a way to share their concerns without manipulating her choices. And they were responsible for persuading Stave to alter his allegiance despite the combined indignation of the Masters. Her many mistakes had taught her to trust them.

Suddenly she missed Hyn with all her heart: the mare's proud carriage and fleet-ness, the affection in her soft eyes, the certainty of every step. Hyn would know- With a clarion note in his voice, Mahrtiir asked, "What say you, Ironhand of the Swordmainnir? Lacking other wisdom, we are baffled. And I conceive that Liand's steadfastness came as near as any human may to the fidelity of the Ranyhyn. If we determine to abide by their guidance, his openness and valor will indeed be made our lodestone."

Again Rime Coldspray spoke quietly with her comrades. When she was ready to answer, her eyes shone.

"The Swordmainnir," she announced, "are content in all sooth. Our knowledge of the Ranyhyn is scant. Yet we have witnessed their glory and service. To our sight, they resemble the wonder and mystery of Andelain made flesh. And we have seen the reverence in which they are held by all whose experience of them exceeds our own. When Galt has revealed the will of the Humbled, we will gladly hear the call which summons such horses-aye, and gladly be led by them."

As she spoke, Bhapa squared his shoulders. His shame was transformed: it became a glow of pride that Linden had never seen in him before. And Pahni's expressionless stare lost some of its dullness. The prospect of seeing the Ranyhyn again seemed to ameliorate her deep exhaustion and grief.

But Linden's own antic.i.p.ation faded almost immediately. She had forgotten Galt's promise to speak-and she feared what he might say.

Brusquely Stave told Galt, "The time has come. Your silence is both unjust and hurtful. You demean companions who have entrusted their lives to your honor and service."

His tone doused the rising spirits of the Ramen. A frown gathered on Coldspray's brow, and Halewhole Bluntfist looked like a woman about to take umbrage. Latebirth betrayed a small wince of surprise.

To Stave, Galt nodded. "I will do so." Then he turned his head to address the company.

"In the Unbeliever's absence from himself," he said as if his words were without portent, "we approve your wish to rely upon the Ranyhyn. Knowing them of old through our memories of the Bloodguard, we do not doubt that they will guide us well."

Nothing in his tone betrayed the nature of his intentions as he added, "When they have come, and have given their consent to your desires, I will slay the croyel croyel."

At once, a jolt like the touch of a caesure caesure struck the company. Bhapa cried out in protest, and Mahrtiir's garrote seemed to leap of its own accord into his hands. "Stone and Sea!" roared Coldspray. "Are you mad, struck the company. Bhapa cried out in protest, and Mahrtiir's garrote seemed to leap of its own accord into his hands. "Stone and Sea!" roared Coldspray. "Are you mad, Haruchai Haruchai?" Two other Giants reached for their swords, but did not draw them.

Stillness clogged the air, making it difficult to breathe. Instinctively Linden sprang toward Jeremiah, drawing obsidian like panic from the Staff of Law. Flame gusted into the sky, as stark and black as the Staff itself: a blare of darkness against the heavens. But she did not see it. She saw only Galt's impa.s.sive mien, and the fraught gnas.h.i.+ng of the croyel croyel's fangs, and the ferocity in its acid eyes.

Mahrtiir and the Ironhand called Linden's name simultaneously. A stunned turmoil gripped the rest of the company. Galt's fist tightened on the krill krill. He gripped Jeremiah's shoulder harder; studied Linden like a man who never blinked. But Stave reached past her power to set his hand like a barrier between her and Galt.

"Withhold, Chosen," he said sharply. "I will implore you if I must. He is Haruchai Haruchai, a Master, one of the Humbled. If he chooses death, your power cannot stop his hand."

"Must," Anele echoed almost inaudibly. "Cannot."

Spreading midnight fire like sheet-lightning over the ridgecrest, Linden whirled to confront Covenant.

"Stop him!" she cried in a voice as dark as her flame. "You've told them and told them! You've supported me ever since I brought you back!" And Esmer had healed Jeremiah's crumpled toy. Surely that implied some possibility of salvation for her son? "Don't let him do this!" him!" she cried in a voice as dark as her flame. "You've told them and told them! You've supported me ever since I brought you back!" And Esmer had healed Jeremiah's crumpled toy. Surely that implied some possibility of salvation for her son? "Don't let him do this!"

Covenant stood unsteadily between Bhapa and Pahni. He did not so much as glance at Linden. Lost in memories, he looked as forlorn as a disturbed grave. The muscles of his jaw knotted and released, knotted and released, like the struggle of his mute heart.

"Linden Avery." Stave was almost shouting. "Quench your fire. The Unbeliever cannot reply. Were he able to do so, I do not doubt that he would forbid the Humbled. But he cannot. And such stained Earthpower is surely a beacon to every lorewise being who seeks our harm.

"I have said that I will answer Galt. I will do so. But you must end this dire display."

At last, Linden's mind seemed to catch up with her actions; her desperation. In spite of the fury pounding in her ears-fury or despair-she understood Stave. Covenant could not respond: not as he was. And she had never meant to oppose any Haruchai Haruchai with Earthpower or wild magic. Stave's people were the Land's friends, if they were not hers. with Earthpower or wild magic. Stave's people were the Land's friends, if they were not hers.

-your power cannot stop his hand.

Trembling as if she were feverish or freezing, Linden panted, "All right. All right. Answer him. Do it now."

Every sinew in her body shuddered as she forced herself to swallow her frenzy and her Staff's fire.

Momentary relief spattered among the Giants, the Ramen. Then it was gone. Even Anele's blind gaze seemed to follow her as she faced Galt again. Only Jeremiah showed no sign that he was aware of his peril: only Jeremiah and Covenant.

"Speak, Galt," Stave demanded. "Account for your intent so that your companions may comprehend it. Then hear my reply."

"I will do so," Galt repeated. "Betimes others have concealed their purposes. But we are the Humbled, and Masters, and Haruchai Haruchai. We scorn such conduct."

To Linden, his every word sounded as heavy as the beat of a dirge.

"Our reasons are many," he began. "Least among them is that I will not bear this monstrous being upon the back of Bhanoryl, or upon that of any Ranyhyn. All Haruchai Haruchai honor the Ranyhyn. I will not impose the evil of the honor the Ranyhyn. I will not impose the evil of the croyel croyel upon them." upon them."

Immediately Mahrtiir retorted, "You impose nothing, Master." His scorn was as harsh as Galt's. His garrote he held taut between his fists. "The Ranyhyn will bear you and the boy and the monster, or they will not. Their choices are not yours to make."

Galt ignored the Manethrall. More to the Giants than to Stave, the Ramen, or Linden, he said, "A weightier reason is that my present task fetters me. Against the a.s.sault which slew the Stonedownor, I could not act without risking the croyel croyel's release. I will not again suffer this waste of my strength when every strength is needed."

As steady as a boulder, Stave replied, "If your impatience surpa.s.ses your flawed restraint, cede the krill krill to me. I will bear the burden in your stead." to me. I will bear the burden in your stead."

Stave also Galt ignored. "A still greater argument," he continued like the thud of funereal drums, "is that the boy's plight cannot be redeemed. That has been demonstrated beyond question. It has been amply witnessed."

No, Linden insisted. No No. But the Humbled did not heed her silent protest.

"Linden Avery's mad quest for her son has met its irreparable doom. Lacking any good cause, we have endured many bitter hazards in her name, and have gained naught but an increase of sorrow. Now our need for the croyel croyel's death exceeds the value of the boy's life. The Unbeliever has commanded us to honor Linden Avery's wishes. In his present state, we cannot. We must serve according to our avowed Mastery."