The White Arrow
THE WHITE ARROW
THE BOW OF HART SAGA, BOOK 3
by P. H. Solomon
Copyright & Credits
Thank you for purchasing The White Arrow. I hope you will enjoy the story as much as I've enjoyed writing it. Feel free to visit me at http://phsolomon.com for more information about my writing or to sign-up for email alerts of upcoming release, events and more. Once you've finished this book please share how much you liked it with a rating or review.
Published by P. H. Solomon at Amazon Kindle Direct.
The White Arrow is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons on the cover or in the text of the book, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Copyright 2017 by P. H. Solomon
All maps are the property of the author, Copyright 2015 by P. H. Solomon
This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Ebook ISBN: 9781370418152
Cover image licensed/commissioned through/by Chris Rawlins. Special thanks also goes to Chris Rawlins whose artistic vision produced such an excellent cover art.
Credits
This is the end of a long journey that covered several decades so I want to thank all my family and friends for their support and encouragement over the years including my wife and daughter. I also want to thank the many writers I've met in recent years who have been so helpful, generous and encouraging. You've all been amazingly helpful.
I want to especially offer my thanks to my editor, Jessica Barnes, without whom I wouldn't have made it this far. Jessica, you are truly a gem of an editor and you've taught me a great deal through your work.
Other Books by P. H. Solomon:
The Bow of Hart Saga:
Trading Knives (prequel novella)
What Is Needed (prequel novella)
The Bow of Destiny
An Arrow Against the Wind
The White Arrow
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CONTENTS
Title Page
Copyright & Credits
Maps
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Epilogue
About the Author
MAPS OF DENARIA
Northeast Denaria
From the Sigoth Range to Dragon's Maw
Western Auguron
CHAPTER ONE
Events spun out of Magdronu's grasp like a whirlwind. He had gathered more useless wood as Gweld than magic since that incident at his shrine in the mountains. How foolish of him to challenge Eloch's will back at Howart's Cave. Most of these fools would have been out of his way by now were it not for that mistake. Magdronu-as-Gweld dropped wood near the fire and turned to retrieve more for Hastra. He resisted clenching his fists. A careless mistake against Eloch was one thing, a minor event the others deemed a miracle instead of a reaction between powers. But events had turned against him since whatever Withling—Apeth Stellin or someone else—had denied him at his own shrine with Eloch's blessing. Yet there remained the Bow of Hart and hostages on the bluff. If only Corgren could complete a sacrifice to transfer magic. If only there was some signal.
Behind Magdronu, Ralda gasped. Magdronu-as-Gweld wheeled about. Was it a body? He'd felt nothing of a sacrifice. The giant leaned past a sheer corner, his arm outstretched, and Hastra stood just behind him. Hastra spoke, but her words were lost amid the roar of water among boulders and the moaning wind.
Ralda heaved a white body from the water by an arm. Magdronu-as-Gweld gaped at the sight of Limbreth, sodden and limp, as the giant gathered her and set her by the fire at Hastra’s gesticulations. The Grendonese woman shivered, and blood discolored her white leathers on the right side below her ribs. Not a sacrifice. Magdronu-as-Gweld stepped around the fire and displayed his false concern.
"Ralda, grab my blanket but have a care for the fire." Hastra touched Limbreth in several places.
The young woman's eyes rolled in her pale face, and her teeth chattered.
"Withling Hastra, I must go now and try to—to find Athson." Magdronu-as-Gweld wheeled away.
"Not yet and not alone. Let's have the tale from her lest we step into some trap ourselves." Hastra uttered her healing prayer, the words pitched softly and lost in the noise of the nearby river.
Ralda hovered close, ready with the blanket. The dwarves and Danilla gathered beyond the fire and watched, eyes wide.
Magdronu-as-Gweld leaned close. Another hostage lost and no passage of power from either member of that traitorous Hartian family. Possession of the Bow of Hart appeared in jeopardy. He restrained his anger with effort and watched the Withling at work.
Limbreth's trembles eased as Hastra murmured and touched the young woman in various places. The gash bled freely. Hastra covered it with one hand, and Limbreth squeezed it with another, her groan of pain lost in the noise of the river. The blood began to course less after a few moments, and Limbreth lifted her left hand to Hastra's shoulder, her eyes wide but alert to her surroundings.
"Withling, the lights! Did you see them?"
Hastra continued her prayer, and the others murmured among themselves.
Limbreth's jaw worked, and her breathing steadied. "Hurry! Athson and his father fought Corgren. The Bane. It was there too. Stabbed me and shoved me over."
Danilla knelt beside Limbreth, her face intent. "I only know of you, Limbreth but I'm Danilla, Athson's mother. What do you know of them? Are they safe?" The woman's voice wavered with restrained emotions.
Limbreth gasped for air and offered her hand to Danilla who grasped it. "I'm pleased to see you safe. But I know nothing for sure." Limbreth's gaze drifted to the faces of those gathered. "You must hurry and help them if you can." She tried to rise but her body didn't respond.
Tordug advanced and knelt beside Limbreth and Hastra. "You're in no condition to go yet. We'll find them. Tell us more."
Limbreth shook her head where she lay, and a sudden sob burst from her throat. "Couldn't fight it off. Didn't see much. I don't know much." She focused her gaze to Hastra as the Withling ended her prayer and lifted her blood-covered hand from Limbreth's side. "Spark—did you see him? All the colors. I didn't think he was real, but he—he fought the Bane and leaped after me. Light like a rainbow surrounded me, and the wind carried me—so strong, it blew me sideways. Stronger than that storm in the
mountains. Remember? But Spark, he was there, really there."
Magdronu-as-Gweld stood. "What? That imaginary dog again. She must've seen things when she was injured."
Tordug gazed between Hastra, Magdronu-as-Gweld, and Limbreth in turn. "Who is this Spark?"
Magdronu-as-Gweld heaved an exasperated sigh. That guardian of Eloch's at work again. "It's a dog Athson's seen since he was a child. But it's not real. Instead of talking about mind-tricks, we need to go find Athson and the bow."
Makwi's voice rumbled over the noise of the river. "Athson mentioned that name in the mountains when his head was injured. I thought it was nonsense. He mentioned something about being helped then."
Tordug motioned to Limbreth. "She's seen something."
Limbreth tried to sit up while nodding vigorously. "It's true. He saved me when I failed against the Bane! Hastra, you know about it, don't you?"
The Withling braced herself and attempted to gain her feet. Danilla scrambled to Hastra's aid, and the Withling stood with the help. She patted Danilla's hands. "Thank you, dear. Spark is real and has been more active of late. It's a guardian who has aided Athson since he was a child."
"Really? We're standing around talking about this imaginary dog while we need to help Athson? I'm going." Magdronu-as Gweld whirled about. He’d heard enough. He suppressed the heat of his anger. Easy, now. He needed this disguise yet, it seemed.
"He's right about helping Athson." Hastra stooped toward Limbreth. "Can you tell us more? No? Tordug, I suggest you and Makwi accompany Gweld."
Magdronu-as-Gweld paused and spoke to Makwi. "Get your things but hurry. It's a long climb on the trail. I fear we're too late already."
Danilla released Hastra and went for her things. "I'm going too. That's my son and husband up there."
Hastra shrugged at a questioning glance from Tordug. "Uh, Ralda, can you stay and stand guard?" She extended her hand, palm down and flicked further along the defile. "Let Limbreth change, though." She turned back to Limbreth. "Let's get you dry and steady on your feet first. What was needed was given for you, but narrower than the eye of a needle. There is much to come for you, I think."
Magdronu-as-Gweld scrambled back along the defile ahead of the others. Let the laggards come at their own pace. He needed to see what had happened. Atop the crevice, Magdronu closed his eyes. 'Corgren!' He waited, but there was no answer. Not good.
As the others arrived, he strode away. No one just escaped from him. Eloch played many strings, it seemed. Magdronu-as-Gweld shook his head with a scowl the others could not see from behind him. He'd misplayed his hand several times to let this much spin out of his grasp. That whirlwind not the least. He quickened his pace. Time to see what remained in his grasp.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Limbreth shivered by the fire, her limbs weak, as Hastra unfastened her leather armor to change into another set of clothing. Ralda climbed higher in the cleft and stood guard with his back to them. She needed to thank him, thank them all. "Hastra, thank you for saving me. You've even brought my pack. How did you know to be here?"
Hastra pulled spare clothing from Limbreth's pack. "What was needed was given. Eloch led me to this spot, though I was surprised we caught such a fish as you." She patted Limbreth's pack. "You've Danilla to thank for bringing this. We found your weapons discarded in Howart's Cave and brought them too."
"I—I didn't expect to see those again or my other belongings." Limbreth touched the swords, and tears formed in her eyes. "I hoped Athson would catch us, but—but I tried to escape. But the Bane, its touch froze my thoughts and my limbs—except for my arm. You brought Danilla out of Rok?" She rubbed her left arm.
"Here, let's get you out of the rest of that armor and dry it as fast as we can. The others will be waiting on us or coming back with news. I'll tell you my tale as I remember it." Hastra helped Limbreth out of her things and recounted what she remembered of her capture and captivity in Rok as well as her escape and the whirlwind. "But that wasn't a regular storm. I suspect it came from Magdronu's magic, though I don't know where he was or why it occurred."
Limbreth fumbled out of her leathers and into her spare clothing while Hastra laid her things by the fire to dry some. She closed her eyes, and the Bane loomed from her memory, the dagger falling. Her breath came in short gasps. Open your eyes and don't think about that. When Limbreth opened her eyes, she saw her blood-stained leather armor and the rent in its right side. She stood on unsteady feet with Hastra's help and finished dressing, but her boots were soaked. She wrapped her fur cloak from the dwarves around her shoulders, and her chill subsided. "Good thing I wasn't wearing this. I doubt I'll be able to move soon. The others may return before I'm ready."
"We'll do what we can here and get there soon enough." Hastra offered Limbreth food and finished setting her things out to dry. She then produced her Withling book and thumbed through it.
Limbreth chewed the ration as she lay on her side by the fire and stared. How had she lived? It must have been Spark. Athson must've sent him to help. "Hastra, what is Spark? Is he some spirit?"
Hastra paused with her book. "A guardian from Eloch, I should think. But why the form of a dog, I don't know. Since he's been with Athson so long, I can only guess that Eloch has had a deeper purpose to guard Athson all this time." The Withling peered over her book at Limbreth. "And now you, it seems. I need to ask Athson more questions about Spark, but I think there was some foreknowledge that this guardian would be needed against such as the Bane, since it is beyond physical might alone to defeat." She pointed a finger at Limbreth. "But you are a different matter. It saved you for a reason, and you should consider that, since I asked you to guard Athson too."
Limbreth swallowed the last of her ration of dwarven travel-meat. "I should have done more, but I couldn't with the Bane. I guess Spark takes care of Athson, and he wasn't with me when they captured me in the cave. But at least I'm here now. I'll do what I can for Athson regardless. I'm glad he came for me and his father. I hope they're both alive." Surely they had made it. Athson had the Bow of Hart and his blessed sword. Ath could have broken free of his chain. Maybe they had met the others by now and were coming back.
"You did your best with what you had. From what you say, that death-grip came in handy with the Bane."
"More than once, it seems. But it wasn't enough."
"No, I suspect dispelling the Bane will take more than swords and such. Now, let me see if I can figure out who else is helping us." Hastra thumbed through her book as she held it out of the breeze.
Limbreth closed her eyes again. The terror of falling brought her heart thumping into her throat.
The wind threw her sideways. Pain seared her side. The helpless certainty of death seized her. Color surrounded her and slowed her fall until she splashed like a skipped stone into the water. She gasped at the frigid rush and struggled to stay afloat with her wound. She slammed into a rock with a grunt. Stunned, she almost sank under the river. But the current yanked her around the rock, and she bounced off others as cold drained her awareness. A hand appeared from the sheer rock side of the river. Was it real? She lifted her left hand with effort and caught the hand.
Limbreth opened her eyes. She still lived by some miracle. She took deep breaths and slowed her heart. And her friends still lived. Hastra's observation returned. It was for a purpose that they were all alive. But why? The Bow of Hart and helping Athson were the only reasons she settled on that made sense. A thought arrived with Limbreth's conclusion: Be ready. She moved her boots and other wet gear closer to the fire.
Hastra muttered to herself as she read her book. Her eyes flicked to Limbreth's movement. "Careful you don't burn them." She returned to her reading.
"I just want to help now that I'm free of Corgren and the Bane." Limbreth touched the bloody gouge in her leather top. So much blood lost; no wonder she was so weak. She lay down by the fire again. When she closed her eyes, the Bane loomed over her. She gasped, opened her eyes, and lay trembling.
Hastra touched her face. "Eloch bless your rest. Ralda is guarding the ravine, so we're as safe as possible for the moment."
Limbreth relaxed after a moment. She needed rest after her trek to the Funnel. She rubbed her wrists. The binding rope still chafed her wrists, if her mind. She caught her breath and lay still.
A sudden thought seized her mind. She scrambled to her feet and almost fell into the fire. Cursed weakness! "Athson, he'll think I'm dead!" She should be. "I hope they find him fast, or he'll think he lost me too."
"They will find him and have news of what happened. But rest before you fall over."
"I wish they were back." Limbreth sat again.
The Withling touched her face. "You need to sleep and rest.”
Limbreth lay beside the fire again and rolled onto her side. Ralda's broad back filled the upper end of the ravine where he stood watch. The giant had saved her. She needed to thank him. Beside her, Hastra muttered at her Withling book. "What has your attention?" Weariness dragged at Limbreth, but her need for news of Athson left her wakeful at Hastra's restless musings.
The Withling peered at Limbreth, her head cocked sideways. "Yes, I think you should know these things."
Limbreth raised herself on an elbow. "Know what?"
"Athson, the Bow of Hart, and the arrow to come. What is written in the Book of Prophecies from my order."
Limbreth sat all the way up. "Arrow? He mentioned that."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Athson scrabbled at loose stone. His head ached and spun, even lying down. Not the head injury again. But sweat drenched his brow, and Spark lay nearby at a fire that danced. Athson groaned and thrust a blanket from his body. He burned and shivered at the same time. How did that happen? He got to his hands and knees on hard rock, and his head spun anew. Darkness surrounded the fire, but his groan echoed. A cave? He held his head. What had happened? There was the Funnel and his scramble through the storm afterward.
The trapper. Athson lifted his head. Where was he?