Post by Elonwe on Sept 29, 2006 15:19:36 GMT -5
People really seemed to like the story here, so I'm posting a little more. I can use all the feedback I can get on this novel. 
If you haven't read the prologue and would like to, Click Here
The year 2995 of the Third Age
On the first third and fifth days of the week, it was archery. On the second and fourth days, it was horsemanship. On the sixth day, it was wilderness survival and healing. The last day was supposed to be a free day; but Corick would usually go hunting, or watch the healer. For him, these were the best things in life.
Corick knew that he was training for the most difficult and most dangerous profession in Ronin, and that he was the youngest boy even considering it. However, he was certain that he could pass the test. He was twelve, almost thirteen, and just old enough to take the commencement tests. He vowed that he would be ready to be a dragon hunter.
Every boy and girl in Ronin studied and strove to learn a specific skill that would be his or her lifelong profession. But, only those who pass their commencement tests may become apprentices; And only apprentices may become masters. What’s more, failing the test twice disqualifies the child from ever entering his or her chosen guild.
The test to be a dragon hunter was the most difficult. First: he must fulfill all the requirements to be a hunter in horsemanship, archery, foraging, wilderness survival, healing, and field dressing an animal to be taken home and eaten. Corick could do these easily enough.
But there was separate test to be a dragon hunter. The bows were larger and more difficult to draw. The candidate rides bareback, guiding his mount by leg pressure. They walk, trot, and gallop at one end of the arena by the river while the rider fires his bow at five targets on the other end of the arena by the cliff. He could only miss the target once.
Corick, like most boys, was given a horse when he turned nine, a beautiful black foal who had been born the night before Corick’s birthday. His sire was known for his great speed, and his dam for her gentle gait. Corick named the foal Nightwind and trained him entirely himself. There was no question who his mount would be.
“Corick! Hey Corick! Come on! Come out and look!” Lasley called, banging on their door.
Corick dropped his saddle oil and raced for the door. His mother gave him a stern glance as he flew by her.
“I’ll clean it up in a minute mom!” He called, slamming the door behind himself.
“Is this what I think it is?” He asked as they made their way toward the mob of people gathering around the old ceremonial ground.
“YES! The tests are starting! Hurry and sign up.”
“Aren’t you going to?” Corick asked, and Lasley’s smile faded.
“I’m still a couple months too young, remember? But it’s only three more years, and it’ll give me more time to practice. I’m not sure if I’m ready yet anyway.” Lasley ran his fingers through his thick red hair and shrugged. Corick could tell he was lying, but knew better than to say anything else.
“C’mon, let’s push these bozos out of the way and get you signed up.” Lasley said.
After much elbowing and stepping on toes and nearly getting into a fight or two, they were close enough to see the parchments. The Preator had posted a separate sheet for each guild along the cliff wall. Each sheet had a number of boxes in which the candidate would make his or her mark. Once all the boxes were full, that was it. No one else could take that test.
There were six boxes on the sheet for the dragon hunter’s test, and one had already been filled.
“Who is it?” Lasley asked, not recognizing the mark.
The symbol was a ‘b’ character, with the symbol for the end of a thought superimposed over it as if to say, “My words are final.”
“Braun.” He told Lasley.
“Braun? The chief hunter’s son?”
“That’s right.” His reputation certainly preceded him.
Corick hesitated to put his mark next to that one. Braun was eighteen years old, tall, strong, and one of the lead hunters. If Braun made a perfect score in the test, then Corick would have to also, or he would forever feel inferior.
“Don’t worry, Corick, it’s not a competition after all.” And then, as if he’d been reading Corick’s mind. “Just imagine if you get a perfect score and he fails. Wouldn’t that be a laugh?”
Corick laughed nervously, but relaxed enough to make his mark.
“Wow Corick, you’re really going to try it? “Asked a high, irritating voice behind them.
Hannah, the Preator’s spoiled ten-year-old daughter was there. Her dirty blonde hair was in complete disorder, as if she had never combed it in her life. Corick didn’t mind her so much, but she seemed to hate Lasley, and the feeling was mutual. Corick wondered why she was always trying to follow them around. Maybe she liked to annoy people.
“Of course he is! And what are you doing here anyway. You’re only ten; you can’t sign up for any of these.” Lasley was saying haughtily.
“Then I might as well ask you the same thing.” Hannah smirked. Lasley turned bright red at this and was about to say something when she went on.
“Anyway, my daddy says that if you’re stupid you’d better keep quiet, that way at least people might think you’re just thoughtful.”
“Huh?”
“Obviously I’m not here to sign for a test. I just wanted to see if Corick would really go through with it, especially when he saw that Braun signed up too.”
“Who said I wouldn’t?” Corick asked, getting a little suspicious.
“Oh, just some people. You know: 'If it’s a good chance to make a bet there’s a good chance a bet will be made.'” Hannah grinned mischievously.
“Let’s get out of here.” Corick grumbled to Lasley. “I hope whoever bet against me lost a lot of money.”
“Aww, don’t worry so much. They’ll be betting even more on the test, but you’ll show them all.”
The testing was really more of a party on the grandest scale. Ten days of food, dancing, singing, gifts, games, and especially shopping.
The candidates for looming, quilting, smithing, couture, and many others would prepare high quality products for years to prove themselves. Then they would sell them during the ten-day festival. Many adults wait to do all of their shopping at the festival knowing the quality would be the best. However, the most exciting things begin to happen on the fourth day, if there is a dragon hunter candidate.
The dragon hunters from every town come to judge the boy who would become one of them. They determine whether a boy is fit to become a dragon hunter.
Corick’s mind reeled at the thought. In just a few days that would be him. He wouldn’t be bound to this valley, he would be able to explore new areas, face dangers untold, fight for honor and glory, and, perhaps, win the favor of a beautiful maiden. Well… maybe.
A group of girls on their way to the kitchens were whispering and pointing at Corick. He waved at them, wondering if his face was dirty or something, and they began to giggle hysterically.
“Why do they do that?” He asked Lasley.
“I dunno. Maybe all that hair weighing down their heads keeps them from thinking properly.”
“Hmm, maybe if I want to get married someday, I’ll have to find a bald woman.”
They both laughed at this.
“Hey, let’s go see if that’s Braun in the arena.” Corick suggested, seeing a rider kicking up dust across the river.
“Great idea. Just a minute.” Lasley went into the Kitchen and ran out a minute later with the cook in hot pursuit.
“I don’t want to see you in here again today! You can wait until this evening just like everybody else!” She was scolding him, shaking a wooden spoon threateningly.
“Thanks for the sample!” He called back. When he got back to Corick, he revealed a pilfered bag of raspberry tarts.
“Okay, now we’re ready.” He said, grinning slyly.
They ran up the river and across the northern bridge to the Stallions’ stables. The mares' stable was at the southern end of the arena because the wind always blows from the north in the valley. It wouldn’t do to have the stallions always smelling the mares, especially when they’re in season.
Nightwind immediately knew that Corick was coming and whinnied for some attention. Corick went to him and gave him a raspberry tart.
“He’s out there all right.” Lasley called from the fence.
Sure enough, Braun was practicing his aim at trot. Pacing the arena, aiming at three popinjays set in the field. But Corick could see that he was having trouble. He was sitting the trot tensely, holding his bow tightly with a stiff arm.
“Hey Corick,” Lasley said around a mouthful of tart, “I was thinking. You know, if you’re going to be like an adult in a few days, we should go out and have some fun now while we can. Maybe we could go on some kind of adventure or something. You’ll be so busy with dragon hunter business later you won’t have the chance anymore.”
“Well what did you have in mind?”
“You know how we’re always hearing about the waterfall in the north? I don't mean Blood Falls. I mean the bigger one way north where the valley ends. Maybe we could find that, camp there a night, and come back the next day. We should be back in time, you know. If we start tomorrow morning, early.”
Corick felt a surge of curiosity and excitement. He had always wanted to see the Northern Falls. They were supposed to be very far away, beyond the furthest houses, beyond the orchards and farms.
“I don’t know. I’m not sure how far away the falls are, and I don’t think we’d be allowed. We’re supposed to be helping out around here. And we’d miss tomorrow night’s feast.”
“Well, I don’t like the idea of missing the feast, but we’d be at the one tonight; and we don’t have to tell anyone where we’re going, we probably won’t even be missed until we’re already back. We don’t have to take Nightwind, someone would be sure to miss him. We could take Chestnut, and bring a basket so we could tell people we’re just going to get some fruits for a special pie or something; that would get us as far as the orchards at least.”
Corick gave in. Even if the Northern Falls were too far away, he would still have some sort of adventure, knowing Lasley.
Corick went to bed early that night. He woke early the next morning, excited for the adventure, and began packing some necessities.
“Is that you, sweetie?” His mother called from her bedroom.
“Yeah, I’m just going out for a while with Lasley. I might stay with him tonight.”
“Well, whatever you boys are up to, be sure to be nice to Hannah. She feels left out of it all so let her tag along.”
“Aw, but mom-“
“I mean it Corick, she’s still just a little girl even if she’s not that much younger than you.”
Corick mumbled something unintelligible and walked out. Lasley met him by the southern bridge with Chestnut, a young but even-tempered filly usually used for training inexperienced riders. Corick took the lead rope and tied it to the halter for makeshift reins. He mounted bareback easily and helped Lasley up.
“We need to go to the kitchens for an apple basket.” He whispered, trying not to wake anyone else up.
They rode north to the kitchens at a walk. Lasley hopped off and stole into the kitchen quietly.
“What are you doing?”
It was Hannah. She had come around the corner of the kitchen munching on an apple and stood there ready to interrogate.
Corick betrayed himself with his surprised expression.
“Wh- What are you doing?”
“No I asked you first.” She said stubbornly, taking the last bite of her apple and feeding the core to Chestnut.
“Well, if you have to know, Lasley and I were going to the orchards to pick some apples.”
Hannah laughed loudly making Corick grimace and look around for anyone else.
“There are plenty of apples! We have barrels and barrels of them! I’ll get you some if you want.” She wasn’t trying to be obnoxious, Corick realized. She believed his story, or seemed to, and was trying to help him.
“Well, we just wanted to get really good ones, you know, a whole basketful of tree-top apples for a special pie.” He was starting to feel guilty for his lie.
“Oh! Let me come with you! I love apples! Can I pick some too? Oh, please let me come.”
Lasley emerged from the kitchen and stopped suddenly, frozen in place, when he saw Hannah. He looked at her for a while with his mouth hanging open, and then looked at Corick wondering what to do.
“Hannah wants to come pick apples with us.” Corick said. “I think we should bring her.” He gave her a knowing look, hoping to win some confidence and cooperation.
“But Corick…” Lasley almost whimpered with disappointment.
“It’s all right; I think we can trust her.”
Both Hannah and Lasley raised their eyebrows at him.
“Hannah… Lasley and I want to go exploring while we’re up there. Since you’re the Preator’s daughter, someone might come looking for you and we might get in trouble. So I was thinking that we can all go for the apples, but you can come back here afterwards.
“Since you usually know where Lasley and I are, people will think that since you don’t notice we’re gone, we’re still around here somewhere. And if someone says “I wonder where Corick and Lasley are?” You can say: “I just saw them earlier.” Or something like that... Could you do that for me?” He gave her a winning smile that he hoped conveyed trust and secrecy and a little mischief.
She looked at him for a moment, and smiled back.
“Okay, yeah. I’ll do that.”
“Great!” He held out his hand for her and helped her up behind him.
Lasley mounted last and the three of them made their way north.Corick walked Chestnut through all the houses, still trying not to draw attention. The few people who were up and about didn’t seem to notice anything unusual about three kids riding towards the orchard with a basket.
After about an hour, they were passing the Manhouse, the Governmental center of Ronin. It did not look particularly elaborate, but it was a strong structure, made a hundred years ago at least and with great love. The outside wood was stained and treated against rain. The inside had long ago gone the silvery grey color of old wood; but it was elaborately decorated with tapestries and weapons. The skulls of all the dragons Ronin had ever slain were mounted among the rafters.
On the other side of the river, Blood Falls roared dully out of sight. It sounded like distant ever-present thunder and sprayed a constant cloud of mist into the little ravine that it had formed over thousands of years to conceal itself. Corick marveled at it. Above those falls was the site of the first dragon hunt. The tale was history and legend rolled into one.
Apparently, when their ancestors first moved here a dragon attacked them in the middle of the night. They chased the beast as far as the river and slew it through its eye. The blood from the wound filled the river, making it run red.
They passed the Manhouse and arrived at the first orchard: Cherries.
Oh, how Corick loved cherries! These weren’t the bright red ones that would stain your fingers and mouth and let everyone know what you’d been up to. These were golden cherries. Their tone blended to red on the side that got more sun. They were large and their juice was clear and sweet. The children grabbed handfuls as they passed under the heavy branches and feasted as they rode northward.
When they emerged from the cherry orchard, they came to a field of grapes. Corick finally had the nerve to bring Chestnut up to a swift trot.
Hannah, who was not as good at riding, held Corick around the waist to keep her balance.
“I think the next orchard is Plum trees.” Lasley said.
Sure enough, soon they were passing through the small dark leaves of plum trees. Corick was careful to Have Chestnut walk and trot at intervals, to keep her from tiring too much.
After the Plum trees, they came to fields of berries. They passed through a field of blueberries and huckleberries. Then a large strawberry field followed by raspberries and blackberries.
They had been riding for a few hours, and Corick was starting to wonder if Hannah would be able to make it back on her own. He had never been this far into the orchards and hadn’t realized that the apples would be this far away. He was also starting to need a break; and he was sure the others were getting sore.
“We’ll take a break in the next orchard even if it’s not the apples.” He announced.
“Good, I’m beginning to wonder if all this bouncing is going to do permanent damage.” Lasley moaned.
“Oh, it’s not so bad. If you’d ride more often you wouldn’t even notice it.”
“Or does living with sheep make you a softie?” Hannah laughed.
“Honestly, I don’t know how you guys do it! And don’t pretend you’re not sore too, Hannah, I see you squirming around.”
The next orchard was apples. They made their way down to the river and rested under a tree while Corick let Chestnut take a drink. It was still early morning and the dew was heavy on the ground so none of them dared sit.
“Hey what’s that?” Lasley asked, pointing into the tree. There was something hanging from the tree, shaped like an enormous pinecone, but looked like it had been made of fine paper.
“I think that’s an old bees’ nest.” Corick said.
“Really? I wonder what it looks like inside.” Hannah murmured.
“I think it’s been abandoned, or all the bees have died. Look, there aren’t any bees.” Lasley observed.
“Yeah, strange.”
“I’ll knock it down so we can look at it.” Lasley announced, and proceeded to pick up a fallen apple.
“No wait! I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Corick said, feeling unnerved.
“Don’t be silly; it’s dead; what could happen?”
“Well, maybe they re-use their nests, like some birds. What if they went somewhere, migrated, and they’ll come back next year.”
“Nonsense! Whoever heard of bees migrating?” He threw the apple and put a good-sized dent in the hive. He threw a second and knocked a hole in it.
Then it happened.
In a matter of moments, the bees surrounded them, attached to them, stung them. Their furious humming was all around.
“Quick!” Corick shouted, and mounted Chestnut. He yanked Hannah up behind him, and Lasley didn’t need help this time.
They galloped south for a while, burning and stinging where the bees had gotten them.
Corick stopped near the river and prepared some mud. He plastered the mud over Hannah’s stings and tried to quiet her crying. He gave some mud to Lasley, but wouldn’t talk to him.
“Come on! I didn’t know, honestly!” He was saying.” If I’d known that the bees were still in there I wouldn’t have done it.”
Corick smeared mud over his stings. Hannah was trying to stifle her whimpers.
“I want to go home now.” She sniffed.
“I know, but we have to keep still and let the mud dry so we can take out the stings.”
She nodded bravely and was quiet.
“Please don’t stay mad at me, Corick. I’m sorry, really, I didn’t think…” Lasley continued.
“Well why not! Why didn’t you think? You couldn’t just leave it alone, could you? Now look at us! Look at Hannah! She’s got a bee sting on her eyelid! And me! On my hand! On my finger, Lasley! I draw my bow with that finger! Do you know what that could mean to me?” Corick choked up at last. His voice quavered and his lip began to tremble. Tears filled his eyes, but he looked away.
Lasley understood at last. Even if it didn’t pain him very much during the test, a little swelling in the wrong place could cost Corick three more years, and one of two chances at his greatest desire. Corick deserved to be mad at him.
They pulled out the stings and rode back in silence. Corick dropped Lasley off at his house and rode on with Hannah. Everyone was bustling about, enjoying the party, and if anyone noticed their dirty condition or little welts, no one said anything.
“Thank you, Corick.” Hannah whispered to him just before hopping down at her house. She waved goodbye and disappeared through the door.
Corick took Chestnut back to the stable and checked her all over to make sure she didn’t have any stings before giving her some oats and leaving.
He walked home, keeping to the shadows, collapsed on his bed and wept.
If you haven't read the prologue and would like to, Click Here
Chapter One
The year 2995 of the Third Age
On the first third and fifth days of the week, it was archery. On the second and fourth days, it was horsemanship. On the sixth day, it was wilderness survival and healing. The last day was supposed to be a free day; but Corick would usually go hunting, or watch the healer. For him, these were the best things in life.
Corick knew that he was training for the most difficult and most dangerous profession in Ronin, and that he was the youngest boy even considering it. However, he was certain that he could pass the test. He was twelve, almost thirteen, and just old enough to take the commencement tests. He vowed that he would be ready to be a dragon hunter.
Every boy and girl in Ronin studied and strove to learn a specific skill that would be his or her lifelong profession. But, only those who pass their commencement tests may become apprentices; And only apprentices may become masters. What’s more, failing the test twice disqualifies the child from ever entering his or her chosen guild.
The test to be a dragon hunter was the most difficult. First: he must fulfill all the requirements to be a hunter in horsemanship, archery, foraging, wilderness survival, healing, and field dressing an animal to be taken home and eaten. Corick could do these easily enough.
But there was separate test to be a dragon hunter. The bows were larger and more difficult to draw. The candidate rides bareback, guiding his mount by leg pressure. They walk, trot, and gallop at one end of the arena by the river while the rider fires his bow at five targets on the other end of the arena by the cliff. He could only miss the target once.
Corick, like most boys, was given a horse when he turned nine, a beautiful black foal who had been born the night before Corick’s birthday. His sire was known for his great speed, and his dam for her gentle gait. Corick named the foal Nightwind and trained him entirely himself. There was no question who his mount would be.
“Corick! Hey Corick! Come on! Come out and look!” Lasley called, banging on their door.
Corick dropped his saddle oil and raced for the door. His mother gave him a stern glance as he flew by her.
“I’ll clean it up in a minute mom!” He called, slamming the door behind himself.
“Is this what I think it is?” He asked as they made their way toward the mob of people gathering around the old ceremonial ground.
“YES! The tests are starting! Hurry and sign up.”
“Aren’t you going to?” Corick asked, and Lasley’s smile faded.
“I’m still a couple months too young, remember? But it’s only three more years, and it’ll give me more time to practice. I’m not sure if I’m ready yet anyway.” Lasley ran his fingers through his thick red hair and shrugged. Corick could tell he was lying, but knew better than to say anything else.
“C’mon, let’s push these bozos out of the way and get you signed up.” Lasley said.
After much elbowing and stepping on toes and nearly getting into a fight or two, they were close enough to see the parchments. The Preator had posted a separate sheet for each guild along the cliff wall. Each sheet had a number of boxes in which the candidate would make his or her mark. Once all the boxes were full, that was it. No one else could take that test.
There were six boxes on the sheet for the dragon hunter’s test, and one had already been filled.
“Who is it?” Lasley asked, not recognizing the mark.
The symbol was a ‘b’ character, with the symbol for the end of a thought superimposed over it as if to say, “My words are final.”
“Braun.” He told Lasley.
“Braun? The chief hunter’s son?”
“That’s right.” His reputation certainly preceded him.
Corick hesitated to put his mark next to that one. Braun was eighteen years old, tall, strong, and one of the lead hunters. If Braun made a perfect score in the test, then Corick would have to also, or he would forever feel inferior.
“Don’t worry, Corick, it’s not a competition after all.” And then, as if he’d been reading Corick’s mind. “Just imagine if you get a perfect score and he fails. Wouldn’t that be a laugh?”
Corick laughed nervously, but relaxed enough to make his mark.
“Wow Corick, you’re really going to try it? “Asked a high, irritating voice behind them.
Hannah, the Preator’s spoiled ten-year-old daughter was there. Her dirty blonde hair was in complete disorder, as if she had never combed it in her life. Corick didn’t mind her so much, but she seemed to hate Lasley, and the feeling was mutual. Corick wondered why she was always trying to follow them around. Maybe she liked to annoy people.
“Of course he is! And what are you doing here anyway. You’re only ten; you can’t sign up for any of these.” Lasley was saying haughtily.
“Then I might as well ask you the same thing.” Hannah smirked. Lasley turned bright red at this and was about to say something when she went on.
“Anyway, my daddy says that if you’re stupid you’d better keep quiet, that way at least people might think you’re just thoughtful.”
“Huh?”
“Obviously I’m not here to sign for a test. I just wanted to see if Corick would really go through with it, especially when he saw that Braun signed up too.”
“Who said I wouldn’t?” Corick asked, getting a little suspicious.
“Oh, just some people. You know: 'If it’s a good chance to make a bet there’s a good chance a bet will be made.'” Hannah grinned mischievously.
“Let’s get out of here.” Corick grumbled to Lasley. “I hope whoever bet against me lost a lot of money.”
“Aww, don’t worry so much. They’ll be betting even more on the test, but you’ll show them all.”
The testing was really more of a party on the grandest scale. Ten days of food, dancing, singing, gifts, games, and especially shopping.
The candidates for looming, quilting, smithing, couture, and many others would prepare high quality products for years to prove themselves. Then they would sell them during the ten-day festival. Many adults wait to do all of their shopping at the festival knowing the quality would be the best. However, the most exciting things begin to happen on the fourth day, if there is a dragon hunter candidate.
The dragon hunters from every town come to judge the boy who would become one of them. They determine whether a boy is fit to become a dragon hunter.
Corick’s mind reeled at the thought. In just a few days that would be him. He wouldn’t be bound to this valley, he would be able to explore new areas, face dangers untold, fight for honor and glory, and, perhaps, win the favor of a beautiful maiden. Well… maybe.
A group of girls on their way to the kitchens were whispering and pointing at Corick. He waved at them, wondering if his face was dirty or something, and they began to giggle hysterically.
“Why do they do that?” He asked Lasley.
“I dunno. Maybe all that hair weighing down their heads keeps them from thinking properly.”
“Hmm, maybe if I want to get married someday, I’ll have to find a bald woman.”
They both laughed at this.
“Hey, let’s go see if that’s Braun in the arena.” Corick suggested, seeing a rider kicking up dust across the river.
“Great idea. Just a minute.” Lasley went into the Kitchen and ran out a minute later with the cook in hot pursuit.
“I don’t want to see you in here again today! You can wait until this evening just like everybody else!” She was scolding him, shaking a wooden spoon threateningly.
“Thanks for the sample!” He called back. When he got back to Corick, he revealed a pilfered bag of raspberry tarts.
“Okay, now we’re ready.” He said, grinning slyly.
They ran up the river and across the northern bridge to the Stallions’ stables. The mares' stable was at the southern end of the arena because the wind always blows from the north in the valley. It wouldn’t do to have the stallions always smelling the mares, especially when they’re in season.
Nightwind immediately knew that Corick was coming and whinnied for some attention. Corick went to him and gave him a raspberry tart.
“He’s out there all right.” Lasley called from the fence.
Sure enough, Braun was practicing his aim at trot. Pacing the arena, aiming at three popinjays set in the field. But Corick could see that he was having trouble. He was sitting the trot tensely, holding his bow tightly with a stiff arm.
“Hey Corick,” Lasley said around a mouthful of tart, “I was thinking. You know, if you’re going to be like an adult in a few days, we should go out and have some fun now while we can. Maybe we could go on some kind of adventure or something. You’ll be so busy with dragon hunter business later you won’t have the chance anymore.”
“Well what did you have in mind?”
“You know how we’re always hearing about the waterfall in the north? I don't mean Blood Falls. I mean the bigger one way north where the valley ends. Maybe we could find that, camp there a night, and come back the next day. We should be back in time, you know. If we start tomorrow morning, early.”
Corick felt a surge of curiosity and excitement. He had always wanted to see the Northern Falls. They were supposed to be very far away, beyond the furthest houses, beyond the orchards and farms.
“I don’t know. I’m not sure how far away the falls are, and I don’t think we’d be allowed. We’re supposed to be helping out around here. And we’d miss tomorrow night’s feast.”
“Well, I don’t like the idea of missing the feast, but we’d be at the one tonight; and we don’t have to tell anyone where we’re going, we probably won’t even be missed until we’re already back. We don’t have to take Nightwind, someone would be sure to miss him. We could take Chestnut, and bring a basket so we could tell people we’re just going to get some fruits for a special pie or something; that would get us as far as the orchards at least.”
Corick gave in. Even if the Northern Falls were too far away, he would still have some sort of adventure, knowing Lasley.
Corick went to bed early that night. He woke early the next morning, excited for the adventure, and began packing some necessities.
“Is that you, sweetie?” His mother called from her bedroom.
“Yeah, I’m just going out for a while with Lasley. I might stay with him tonight.”
“Well, whatever you boys are up to, be sure to be nice to Hannah. She feels left out of it all so let her tag along.”
“Aw, but mom-“
“I mean it Corick, she’s still just a little girl even if she’s not that much younger than you.”
Corick mumbled something unintelligible and walked out. Lasley met him by the southern bridge with Chestnut, a young but even-tempered filly usually used for training inexperienced riders. Corick took the lead rope and tied it to the halter for makeshift reins. He mounted bareback easily and helped Lasley up.
“We need to go to the kitchens for an apple basket.” He whispered, trying not to wake anyone else up.
They rode north to the kitchens at a walk. Lasley hopped off and stole into the kitchen quietly.
“What are you doing?”
It was Hannah. She had come around the corner of the kitchen munching on an apple and stood there ready to interrogate.
Corick betrayed himself with his surprised expression.
“Wh- What are you doing?”
“No I asked you first.” She said stubbornly, taking the last bite of her apple and feeding the core to Chestnut.
“Well, if you have to know, Lasley and I were going to the orchards to pick some apples.”
Hannah laughed loudly making Corick grimace and look around for anyone else.
“There are plenty of apples! We have barrels and barrels of them! I’ll get you some if you want.” She wasn’t trying to be obnoxious, Corick realized. She believed his story, or seemed to, and was trying to help him.
“Well, we just wanted to get really good ones, you know, a whole basketful of tree-top apples for a special pie.” He was starting to feel guilty for his lie.
“Oh! Let me come with you! I love apples! Can I pick some too? Oh, please let me come.”
Lasley emerged from the kitchen and stopped suddenly, frozen in place, when he saw Hannah. He looked at her for a while with his mouth hanging open, and then looked at Corick wondering what to do.
“Hannah wants to come pick apples with us.” Corick said. “I think we should bring her.” He gave her a knowing look, hoping to win some confidence and cooperation.
“But Corick…” Lasley almost whimpered with disappointment.
“It’s all right; I think we can trust her.”
Both Hannah and Lasley raised their eyebrows at him.
“Hannah… Lasley and I want to go exploring while we’re up there. Since you’re the Preator’s daughter, someone might come looking for you and we might get in trouble. So I was thinking that we can all go for the apples, but you can come back here afterwards.
“Since you usually know where Lasley and I are, people will think that since you don’t notice we’re gone, we’re still around here somewhere. And if someone says “I wonder where Corick and Lasley are?” You can say: “I just saw them earlier.” Or something like that... Could you do that for me?” He gave her a winning smile that he hoped conveyed trust and secrecy and a little mischief.
She looked at him for a moment, and smiled back.
“Okay, yeah. I’ll do that.”
“Great!” He held out his hand for her and helped her up behind him.
Lasley mounted last and the three of them made their way north.Corick walked Chestnut through all the houses, still trying not to draw attention. The few people who were up and about didn’t seem to notice anything unusual about three kids riding towards the orchard with a basket.
After about an hour, they were passing the Manhouse, the Governmental center of Ronin. It did not look particularly elaborate, but it was a strong structure, made a hundred years ago at least and with great love. The outside wood was stained and treated against rain. The inside had long ago gone the silvery grey color of old wood; but it was elaborately decorated with tapestries and weapons. The skulls of all the dragons Ronin had ever slain were mounted among the rafters.
On the other side of the river, Blood Falls roared dully out of sight. It sounded like distant ever-present thunder and sprayed a constant cloud of mist into the little ravine that it had formed over thousands of years to conceal itself. Corick marveled at it. Above those falls was the site of the first dragon hunt. The tale was history and legend rolled into one.
Apparently, when their ancestors first moved here a dragon attacked them in the middle of the night. They chased the beast as far as the river and slew it through its eye. The blood from the wound filled the river, making it run red.
They passed the Manhouse and arrived at the first orchard: Cherries.
Oh, how Corick loved cherries! These weren’t the bright red ones that would stain your fingers and mouth and let everyone know what you’d been up to. These were golden cherries. Their tone blended to red on the side that got more sun. They were large and their juice was clear and sweet. The children grabbed handfuls as they passed under the heavy branches and feasted as they rode northward.
When they emerged from the cherry orchard, they came to a field of grapes. Corick finally had the nerve to bring Chestnut up to a swift trot.
Hannah, who was not as good at riding, held Corick around the waist to keep her balance.
“I think the next orchard is Plum trees.” Lasley said.
Sure enough, soon they were passing through the small dark leaves of plum trees. Corick was careful to Have Chestnut walk and trot at intervals, to keep her from tiring too much.
After the Plum trees, they came to fields of berries. They passed through a field of blueberries and huckleberries. Then a large strawberry field followed by raspberries and blackberries.
They had been riding for a few hours, and Corick was starting to wonder if Hannah would be able to make it back on her own. He had never been this far into the orchards and hadn’t realized that the apples would be this far away. He was also starting to need a break; and he was sure the others were getting sore.
“We’ll take a break in the next orchard even if it’s not the apples.” He announced.
“Good, I’m beginning to wonder if all this bouncing is going to do permanent damage.” Lasley moaned.
“Oh, it’s not so bad. If you’d ride more often you wouldn’t even notice it.”
“Or does living with sheep make you a softie?” Hannah laughed.
“Honestly, I don’t know how you guys do it! And don’t pretend you’re not sore too, Hannah, I see you squirming around.”
The next orchard was apples. They made their way down to the river and rested under a tree while Corick let Chestnut take a drink. It was still early morning and the dew was heavy on the ground so none of them dared sit.
“Hey what’s that?” Lasley asked, pointing into the tree. There was something hanging from the tree, shaped like an enormous pinecone, but looked like it had been made of fine paper.
“I think that’s an old bees’ nest.” Corick said.
“Really? I wonder what it looks like inside.” Hannah murmured.
“I think it’s been abandoned, or all the bees have died. Look, there aren’t any bees.” Lasley observed.
“Yeah, strange.”
“I’ll knock it down so we can look at it.” Lasley announced, and proceeded to pick up a fallen apple.
“No wait! I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Corick said, feeling unnerved.
“Don’t be silly; it’s dead; what could happen?”
“Well, maybe they re-use their nests, like some birds. What if they went somewhere, migrated, and they’ll come back next year.”
“Nonsense! Whoever heard of bees migrating?” He threw the apple and put a good-sized dent in the hive. He threw a second and knocked a hole in it.
Then it happened.
In a matter of moments, the bees surrounded them, attached to them, stung them. Their furious humming was all around.
“Quick!” Corick shouted, and mounted Chestnut. He yanked Hannah up behind him, and Lasley didn’t need help this time.
They galloped south for a while, burning and stinging where the bees had gotten them.
Corick stopped near the river and prepared some mud. He plastered the mud over Hannah’s stings and tried to quiet her crying. He gave some mud to Lasley, but wouldn’t talk to him.
“Come on! I didn’t know, honestly!” He was saying.” If I’d known that the bees were still in there I wouldn’t have done it.”
Corick smeared mud over his stings. Hannah was trying to stifle her whimpers.
“I want to go home now.” She sniffed.
“I know, but we have to keep still and let the mud dry so we can take out the stings.”
She nodded bravely and was quiet.
“Please don’t stay mad at me, Corick. I’m sorry, really, I didn’t think…” Lasley continued.
“Well why not! Why didn’t you think? You couldn’t just leave it alone, could you? Now look at us! Look at Hannah! She’s got a bee sting on her eyelid! And me! On my hand! On my finger, Lasley! I draw my bow with that finger! Do you know what that could mean to me?” Corick choked up at last. His voice quavered and his lip began to tremble. Tears filled his eyes, but he looked away.
Lasley understood at last. Even if it didn’t pain him very much during the test, a little swelling in the wrong place could cost Corick three more years, and one of two chances at his greatest desire. Corick deserved to be mad at him.
They pulled out the stings and rode back in silence. Corick dropped Lasley off at his house and rode on with Hannah. Everyone was bustling about, enjoying the party, and if anyone noticed their dirty condition or little welts, no one said anything.
“Thank you, Corick.” Hannah whispered to him just before hopping down at her house. She waved goodbye and disappeared through the door.
Corick took Chestnut back to the stable and checked her all over to make sure she didn’t have any stings before giving her some oats and leaving.
He walked home, keeping to the shadows, collapsed on his bed and wept.
