Siren's Song Chapter 13

1

During the night swollen clouds rolled in. It was hard to breath, as though the air was heavy and hot as the group rode south early that morning. The animals stayed out of sight, already sensing the approaching storm. Birds flew restlessly between the trees, shaking the branches as they landed. The smell of damp air mingled with dry grass. Siren rode Rage up next to Crispin. She laid her hand on his arm to get his attention. He slowed Rumor down to kept pace with her. “I am sorry about last night.” Angel had opted to scavenge through the grass instead of riding with her. 2

Crispin glanced sideways at her and then nodded his head. A few drops a rain pelted down around them, cooling their fevered skin. They passed through the last of the grasslands without incident. The rain continued to fall giving the land a much-needed drink, but leaving the company drenched and chilled with cloaks pulled closely around them conversation proved to be useless. Belle led the way walking, splashing through puddles, as the ground became saturated. Progress was slow.3

They came to the tree line below the Cliffs and took a short rest under the dense boughs of a Laurel. Shivering they bunched together conserving heat while they ate bread and some cheese.4

Crispin hunched forward attracting everyone’s attention. “We have come to Windhill Cliffs. The way now is treacherous. The wind blows steadily throughout. We will take the horses as far as we can but we will not be riding them. The ground is covered with loose rocks and the rocks could serious injure one or all of them. Take what you can in your packs incase something were to happen and you get separated from you horse. Any questions?”5

Older Went leaned forwarded catching Crispin’s eye. “How long will it take to get through?” He ran a gnarled hand through his thinning hair. 6

“It should take us one week maybe two. If the rains don’t let up it will be slow going. The ground will not soak up most of this, so lets just hope it stops soon. Any one else?”7

“What are the dangers lurking in there?” Darion asked apprehensively.8

Forthroan took that question, “I have traveled this way many times coming from Old Oak and I have never came up against anything other then a hungry wolf. But it is said that there lives spiders of enormous size and venomous. But, I suspect that there isn’t any. Only an old myth to scare the children at night.”9

Around them the rain continued to fall relentlessly in the silence that followed.10

“If there are no other questions, let’s get on with this.” Cripsin said as he rose to his feet.11

“One more question if you please, Captain sir.” Siren piped up. “How, if we come across these so-called spiders, are we to defeat them?”12

All eyes were on him as they waited for Crispin to answer her. Finally he shrugged and said, “That I do not know lovely lady. Do you know of any way to destroy the spiders, witch?” He looked at Cinzia.13

Cinzia shook her head and pushed the muddy ground with her boot. After a brief moment she stood and walked out into the downpour. Concerned Siren stood and followed.14

She found Cinzia a short distance from the others. She was facing the front of the Cliffs staring out in the distance, arms crossed protectively over her chest. Siren pulled her cloak closer and wandered over to her. For a moment she stood next to her and watched the rain splattering on the barren land. Moon like craters dimpled the dust. Around the path that lead into the dangerous cliffs grew ragged plants of sage, looking like an old man with tufts of hair growing around his ears. Boulders stuck up along the hill. The forest behind them was quiet except for the sounds of the men and horses. The smell of damp earth permeated the air.15

“What have you seen, Cinzia?” Siren finally asked softly.16

Without looking at Siren, Cinzia replied, “I have seen nothing useful.”17

“But you have seen something.” Siren pushed. 18

Hesitantly Cinzia replied, “Yes, I have seen something. Images mostly, nothing concrete.” She shrugged and walked further towards the Cliffs. 19

Siren caught up to her and grabbed her arm to get her attention. “If you think it will help us then tell me.” She pleaded.20

“I see nothing that will help us when we head onto that path.”21