Die for the Flame by William Gehler Read Free Book Online

from here, inside the forest. It’s dark under the trees, but your eyes get used to it after a while.”
    “Let’s take a look at the Maggan,” Clarian suggested.
    “Not on this patrol. Besides, it will be dark soon, and that is when they arise.”
    “Why bring me here if not to show me the enemy? And why do you concern yourself with me anyway? I am just a warrior like so many others.”
    “The Flamekeeper has given me orders. That is all I can say. We will camp here tonight.”
    “I want to see the Maggan!”
    “Not now, Clarian.”
    “We need to know their numbers and how soon they could march out.”
    “Not tonight.”
    The patrol camped without a fire behind a ridge. The horses were picketed close by.
    Clarian gazed at the forest with curiosity. He had questions that needed answers. He sensed that the Karran soldiers feared the Maggan. Why? What was in the forest that could provoke such anxiety? And why not creep into the forest to observe the enemy and determine their readiness?
    Lillan appeared next to Clarian as he tossed his blanket on the grass.
    “They can see in the dark as well as we see in daylight.”
    “I’ve heard that.”
    “The road leads directly to their camp where they are mustering their army. It’s very dark under the great trees, even during the day. Not much light filters down through the canopy. Only a few scouts volunteer to go into the forest. Most won’t go. They’re afraid.”
    “I’m not afraid.”
    “We’ll see.”
    Clarian grinned at her and turned to spread out his blanket as she moved away. He wrapped up but lay with his eyes open, unable to sleep. The camp was soon quiet.
     
    Clarian slipped out of his blanket, led his horse out, and walked quietly to the entrance of the forest. He mounted and within moments, he was in a gloom that made it difficult to see at all. It was so dim that it was difficult to see at all. He moved his horse along at a quick but quiet pace following the faint road. It wasn’t long before he saw light from campfires in the enemy encampment. He tethered his horse and proceeded on foot, careful to make no noise. He kept in mind that the Maggan could see well in the dark, and he made sure he was screened by the undergrowth beneath the giant trees.
    Night had now fallen, making it darker than dark. No starlight or moonlight could penetrate the forest from overhead. The forest floor was strewn with rotting leaves, deadening his footsteps so that he passed almost silently. The wet undergrowth exuded a fetid odor. The road ran uphill on a slight grade and curved around massive black trees trunks.
    It wasn’t long before he had a clear view of the campfires through the trees ahead. He stopped to listen: wood being chopped, laughter, and dogs barking. He stalked along the road’s edge toward the camp. The sounds grew louder, and then through the trees, light spilled out from a vast clearing. A great many cook fires were blazing.
    Clarian could see the dancing shadows from the fires lighting the trees up to the canopy above, and he could now make out the moving figures in the camp. There were tents—hundreds of them—and campfires everywhere. Dark figures Clarian assumed were soldiers moved from tent to fire and back. Many appeared to be seated. Occasionally, a loud voice could be heard giving orders.
     
    Clarian moved silently and slowly, from tree to tree. There was light foliage between the trees, mostly young saplings poking up, but no heavy underbrush dragging against his clothes or twigs snapping. He pressed up against each tree, almost hugging it. Several huge trees were blocking his way, so he moved to his right. He glided forward and eased in among several saplings that shielded him from the camp. He was about five hundred paces from the nearest campfire. He could make out stacks of weapons, bows, spears, shields, and swords lined up. The camp appeared busy. He wondered what they could be doing that late in the evening.
    Clarian suddenly