A time to fight. Part 1

Bjorn and Korok had put in their fourth long day. Tomorrow more rangers would be coming to join the hunt and they welcomed the thought. Already, Korok had brought in six good sized stags, as many wild boars, hundreds of quail and hare and two more lopers, so big he’d had to drag them behind his horse. He was eager to go back out, for he’d seen a bear, one of the most dangerous but, he declared, delicious creatures a hunter could ever encounter. For his part, Bjorn had filled four racks with sides of bass, packed more than fifty pounds of fresh fillet of trout away in salt and had barrels full of crayfish and pickled fish. There were also the smoked oysters. Bjorn had spotted several bee trees and he planned to bring back honey from each for making a glaze for the smoked meat, which was piling up now. Both men anticipated the best hunt ever and plenty of fine game for the food booths when the games began. Tonight though, they simply wanted to settle in and have a good meal and rest. Tomorrow there would be others to help with tanning the hides and packing away the meat and fish for shipping.1

Just as they started on their dinner, Bradley came crashing through the woods into camp, in his usual manner, knocking everything in his path aside. Bjorn looked up surprised to see the little red elf. “Bradley, what are you doing here? I thought you’d be getting the booths ready by now.”2

“He’s jealous Bjorn”, laughed Korok from the fire place. “He must have heard of my stew and your biscuits”, he said, gesturing with one of the biscuits. 3

But, Bjorn knew something wasn’t right. Bradley didn’t have his usual bright demeanor about him. He was looking, in fact, grim. “Bradley, is something wrong. Is Ana alright?” he asked.4

“No, Bjorn you must come quickly!” Bradley panted. “It’s the yellow men, they’ve come to invade the north-lands,” 5

Now both Bjorn and Korok stopped. “What? The Kensen have returned? Bjorn was on his feet at once. Korok had spilled his dinner as he jumped. He was already gathering up his spears and sword and bow and arrows. 6

“How did they get by the naval armada?” Bjorn wondered as he set about gathering up his weapons. “Bradley, what did you say about Ana?” he asked.7

“The yellow people were in the hills, Bjorn. They came to Rugera’s estate. I heard the leader of them telling Rugera, before he killed him, there were fifty thousand Kensen in the hills.” 8

“Rugera is dead?” Bjorn questioned. “What about Ana?” 9

“Ana and Lashir ran away. I hid them in the woods. They can’t go home, the Kensen are going that way. They are going to ambush the men working on the projects.”10

“Bjorn, we have to get back there now,” called Korok already astride his horse. We’re days from the settlement, we have got to hurry.”11

“I ran all day to get here, Bjorn,” panted Bradley. “I have to go back and warn the rangers and the workers.” He practically leaped about as he spoke.12

“Yes, you go on then Bradley. You’re the only one who can run fast enough to get back and warn them. Go and tell my lead men to get their men ready for a fight. With that many mercenaries on the loose they could all be killed if they aren’t well prepared. 13

Bradley didn’t answer but only ran off in the other direction in a flash he was out of sight. “We may not get back in time Bjorn; you know that, don’t you?” Korok steered his horse about, waiting for Bjorn to join him.14

“Yes, I know. If only Mika was still here.” Bjorn felt the weight grow on his chest at the thought of Mika, but then there was that strange out of body feeling again. And there were words materializing in his mind. “Bjorn, join me out of body for a moment, I have a plan.” There was no mistaking Mika’s voice,” he must be here”, Bjorn thought, stunned. Bjorn let his body slip free of his spirit and felt himself hover above. He could see Korok below him, still anxiously turning his horse in circles, the great stallion gnashing at the bit to leave, but no Mika. 15

“Mika where are you?” Bjorn drifted along, trying to see Mika. Then, he saw a vague outline appear and Mika’s voice again.16

“Bjorn you can be there now, you know how to slip out of your body and I can help you back in when you arrive. We’ll make the trip together. 17

“Yes, but Mika, Korok doesn’t have the knowledge yet. He never had time to learn.” Bjorn said.18

“He can serve better if he doesn’t come along, Bjorn. There is a large Eek hunting party south of here, I’ve seen them, and they would be happy to join in the defense of the north-lands. Tell Korok to join up with them. They have horses and they can make the ride in less than two days.”19

Bjorn wasn’t sure how Mika could be here but he had said that he would be, when Bjorn needed him and he certainly was keeping his word. Instantly he slipped back into his body. “Korok, you have to stay behind.” Bjorn hurried to explain. “Mika is here. He just contacted me. He said there are hunters nearby and that you must fetch them to join in the fight. He and I will go ahead now, and you can catch up with us in two days.” He tried to relate the instructions just as Mika had told him. Mika said there is a Eek hunting party just south of here. You must get them to come and help fight the Kensen.” 20

Bjorn was expecting Korok to have questions or to stall in one way or another, but surprisingly Korok simply nodded and started out. Now, he slipped back into the flow of the web and waited. 21

“I told Korok what to do, so he’d know that you weren’t simply imagining things, Bjorn. I wish I could do more to help, but I cannot.” Mika’s words rang in his mind and Bjorn shook his head. “If you get me back to the reserve it will be the best help I’ll receive from anyone, Mika.” He felt the power welling up inside as Mika’s force joined with his, and then, he was gone.22