Once cleanup, what little of it there was, was finished, and the Skimrs sent ahead, we finally headed out. Our next camp spot was just past the Herd Lord's territory because we'd decided not to break camp on his lands. There was too much uncertainty involved, and chances we would be welcod with those that knew of the Lord's actions and betrayal seed unlikely. It was more likely that we would find ourselves under siege.
The Kelpie that we were escorting had remained patient, even the foals managed to restrain their exuberance. Silently watching as the Inspector conducted his investigation. They had shown little emotion, a steadfastness that seed to belay the skittish nature of horses. Of course, they were an entirely different species, but I'd thought so characteristics would bleed over.
What worried , sowhat, was the foal's behavior. They still seed wary and uncertain, afraid to stray too far from their parents. I wondered how badly they had been abused and mistreated to keep them from behaving like children, children full of energy and life. It re-kindled my anger when I thought about the damage to psyche these innocents must have been subjected too. Even if they had not been physically abused, they had been forced to endure and observe as their parents were.
As we headed out, Blayney fell into formation next to taking the ti to inform that we would arrive at the Herd Lord's settlent around dusk or shortly thereafter. We had anticipated arriving soon after the evening al, but recent events would delay our arrival.
Not by much. The ti of our arrival was only slightly delayed, and weather conditions were still great and would not affect travel, we should still manage to beat the setting sun. Since that was the case, I decided there was no need to move the proposed campsite.
Once Blayney was certain that I was inford about our arrival ti and willing to maintain the existing plans and schedule, he and the other Kelpie galloped ahead to take the lead, they were proficient in blazing a trail for the rest of us to follow in those instances when foliage beca obstinate and thick.
Their endurance and stamina were prodigious, even the foals seed tireless. The Kelpie species were well-suited and adapted for extre distance traveling. The terrain seed of little impact on how they reacted. Straightforward and bull-rushing when things got dense. It made wonder if there might not be a bit of Minotaur stubbornness blended into their genetic makeup.
Any joy and wonder I'd had while enjoying the scenery and nature that we bypassed as we traveled were forgotten. The trip beca more about duty than pleasure. Banter and discussion between all mbers of the group were truncated, often nothing more than suggestions between party mbers on best routes to avoid naturally made obstacles.
The closer we ca to the Herd Lands, the more perplexed I beca. There was no gradual progression from wild and untad lands to those that had been civilized and fard. No gradual increase in buildings and farms. No signs of towns or villages to suggest that we were approaching civilization of any kind, let alone the Herd's settlent. It wasn't until Blayney led us to the top of a small hill and signaled for his family and those of us following him to pause that the landscape changed.
"Herd Haygan," he said as he cast his gaze down upon the lands below.
Moving to join him, I searched the valley, looking for anything familiar, sothing that would identify this land as a community. We had arrived slightly later than we'd anticipated, but the sun had yet to set. The last golden rays bathed the valley in warmth. Fields of grain, wheat, and oats waved gently in the breeze. Kernels golden and bursting with life and vitality ready to be harvested. Fields of clover, hay, and triticale were just beginning to sprout. Late season crops more suited for fall and winter.
A scattering of ponds and a small lake could be seen. The only habitable buildings were located near that body of water. There was a pier that extended into the lake, with an attached warehouse, probably used for processing water crops and fish.
I saw no signs of technology. No Skimrs, farm combines, or fishing vessels. Farming and fishing were done by hand. The Kelpies' ability to shapeshift allowed them to expertly gather fish and crops as needed, magic replacing machinery when necessary.
"There doesn't seem to be many people around," I said interrupting Blayney's surveillance.
"Most are probably in the lake," he explained. "The days are long, and as night approaches, Kelpie families like to gather and refresh themselves by soaking in an underground hot spring. A natural spring that feeds the lake. There are a few workers scattered here and there, a few still in the fields. But don't make the mistake of equating the Herd settlent with Lord Kel's city. The two have very little in common.
"Kelpie herds number in the tens of thousands, not the hundreds of thousands or millions you would expect to find in cities. At most, there might be twenty thousand people. That is why just a few are required when a herd split. We are expected to start an offshoot colony by recruiting the spares and extras from other Herds.
The few beco the many as news spread that a new settlent has ford. Younger males and females, disgruntled with the pace of established herds, seek out these new colonies. It is this fresh infusion of blood, ideas, and vitality that has allowed our species to thrive."
"Where should we search for the Herd Lord?" I asked.
"That won't be necessary," Blayney assured .
"Scouts and lookouts have already inford him of our approach. The entire settlent leaders, as well as any curious Kelpie nearby, will gather to et with us by the ti, we approach the Elder hall.
"Herd Lord Haygan will be inside the building, waiting. He won't deign to et with us until welco has been given, or challenge has been offered.
"Protocols are uniform amongst the Herds, standard practices exist for eting all new arrivals. A group of Elders will first greet us, and establish if we co in peace, and if not, what our intentions are. They will know who I am but will be unable to admit they recognize . When we left the Herd, we severed relationships with those we left behind. We are not outcasts. We are simply not of Herd Haygan," he explained.
"You will be ignored, at first," Blayney continued.
"Don't take this as a slight or offense. The Herd and Elders will not 'know' , but they know of . They know I and the rest split from the Herd to begin a new life. And they know that our agreent with Kel fief and Herd Haygan included trade agreents.
"So may wonder at our return. But those Lord Haygan has trusted will know the truth. They will be expecting a challenge. There is no other course of action for us or them.
"There are rules that must be followed for a ritual challenge, rules that constrain both parties. All non-mber Kelpie, male or female, ascended or striplings, are allowed the right to challenge.
"Once the challenge has been made and accepted, discussions and terms can be agreed upon.
"I intend to give challenge in such a way that his actions are made known to all. I will denounce Herd Lord Haygan and detail the events of the past year. That he knowingly sold us into slavery, and that he and his conspired with Lord Kel's son, Thom, to remove any he thought might challenge his position as Herd Lord.
"You and the rest of the group should be safe under the laws of challenge, both during and after. But his corruption is worriso. He should not have forsaken his honor so egregiously as to sell Kelpie into slavery. It is best to expect deceit and trickery. Perhaps a surprise attack or assassination attempt.
"We will enter parlay to determine the conditions and paraters for battle. The discussion will also determine form and function for a successful resolution.
"At that ti, I will make known my intent. I intend to invoke Blood challenge, and let the Herd know that I intend to root out the corruption and claim the Herd for my own. There will be no room for compromise. Haygan or I will not survive this day. One of us will be either dead or severely wounded and cast out," he finished determinedly.
"There is no role for or mine in this challenge?" I asked.
"You may only stand witness to the proceedings. If I fail, you and yours are exempt from retribution. This is a personal challenge, not war. Or at least you should be safe," Blayney said uncertainly showing up for the first ti in his words and facial expression.
"Be ready if I do fall. You will be expected to leave the colony imdiately. They will not extend guest privileges or make you welco. You will be branded with the sa brush as the rest of us. Considered sympathizers and supporters.
"I would ask a favor," he hesitated unsure of how I would respond.
"The children should be safe. Sidhe revere all children. But Herd Lord Haygan has proven to be dishonorable. His people may target you and the children during or after the battle to manipulate or hold hostage those I hold most precious.
"You have given much. Allowing us to regain our freedom. Escorting us here. Demonstrating that not all Seelie are duplicitous and ignoble. And yet, I would ask one further boon.
"Until challenge has been answered and settled. Until you have received guest privileges or are required to remove yourself and those with you from Herd lands. Consider the children your wards. Protect them so they cannot be used as blackmail or leverage against during or after my fight.
"And if I should fall during the challenge, accept them as a part of your Household. Find so way for them to serve until they have Ascended and are capable of standing firm in their own right," he pleaded.
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