“Well, Chieftain Cathan, I require entry to your land.”
His eyes flicked to Morag.
“She spoke of the Forgotten Gods, said that they were out for blood,” Morag said.
Fear glinted across the chieftain’s face and he let go of her, stepping back on the dais behind him. “Forgotten Gods?” he murmured.
“There is a map,” Aloisia said. “It is all the lead we have, and it has brought us here. Myself and my companions.”
Again, Cathan looked at Morag.
“They remain at the border, on their side,” Morag explained. “Four others, she said.”
Cathan gave a sigh. “And I suppose this map has led you to the Vale of Poppies?”
“It has,” she answered.
“These Forgotten Gods…” The chieftain settled on the wooden throne atop the dais, which Aloisia could now see through the smoke. “Describe them to me.”
“Grotesque mockeries of the human form, they move like shadows, inky black and soundless. But they are taking more corporeal forms, leaving tracks, growing in power.”
Cathan leant forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I cannot say this news is not somewhat disturbing. Especially considering strange happenings in the woods of late.”
Morag shifted uneasily at Aloisia’s side.
She glanced between the pair. “What strange happenings?”
“Our people have been attacked by rogue animals. Stags, wolves, bears. Of course, there have been attacks in the past, but they have increased to a worrying level. We dare not leave the safety of our village once the sun sets.”
Aloisia thought to the bear attack, to the stag which had knocked her unconscious. Her fingers instinctively went to her aching ribs. “It’s funny you should say that. My guild has experienced two such attacks whilst on hunts in the Great Hawk Forest.”
The chieftain nodded. “In each one, there has been something off about the animal. A madness in its movements, a darkness in its eyes. Even, on a few occasions, the poor beast was decaying, yet there it stood, trying to kill my people.”
Aloisia frowned. Could they be tied to the Forgotten Gods? They were getting strength from somewhere. Could they be getting it from these animals?
“If these attacks are linked to the Forgotten Gods, which it is too much a coincidence to believe otherwise, then my clan has some small stake in this discovery of yours.” He rose from his throne, pacing along the dais. “I can allow you as far as my lands go. But the Vale of Poppies is not under my jurisdiction.”
“Then who do I need to convince?”
Cathan breathed a laugh. “That would be the Shadow Sisters who care for the vale. Maili Lathurna is their chieftain, and it is anyone’s guess whether she would allow you within her lands. My people dare not set foot too close. Someone like you… I’m not so sure she would take too kindly to your presence.”
“Your help is appreciated all the same.”
“As will yours be, Huntress. I have a duty to protect my people, just as you have a duty to yours. If our problems are connected, then it would make sense for us to co-operate to solve them, no? And, right now, it would seem you have more information than I do. Take this information to Maili, say I sent you, and we shall pray she will not take your head from your shoulders.”
Aloisia touched a tentative hand to her throat. “I have no intention of losing my head this day.”
“Good.” Cathan grinned. “Morag.” He indicated to the ranger. “Bring the huntress’s companions here. Then I would have you escort them through to the vale.”
Morag bowed. “As you will.”
“Wait.” Aloisia grabbed his arm as he turned to go. “Take this.” She pulled a metal bead from her hair, pressing it to his palm. “They will know what you say is true.” At least, Kaja would know.
“Very well.” Morag folded his fingers around the bead and left the hut, vanishing beyond the smoke.
“Take a seat, Huntress,” Cathan said. A servant came forth with a low stool and set it beside the wooden throne. “Let’s talk awhile.” He offered her a horn of ale.
THIRTY
