Shades of the Past_ Book Six of the Morcyth Saga - Brian S. Pratt [27]
Sometime after the end of the War of Barrowman’s Field, Black Hawk disbanded his men and was never heard from again.
“Many thought he had died,” Uther says, winding the tale to a close.
“But now he’s back,” James says.
“That’s right,” agrees Jorry. “But what that’s going to mean is anyone’s guess.”
“Thanks,” James tells them as he moves to rejoin Illan at the fore.
“Sure,” replies Uther.
Coming abreast of Illan, he glances over to his friend aghast at the things they just told him. He knows Illan must have heard all that was said, he definitely was close enough to have overheard the conversation.
“Did you do all those things?” James asks him.
He rides in silence for a minute before replying. “Yes, to a point,” he finally says. “We did destroy towns and villages, sow fields with salt and other acts of destruction. But the wanton deaths of innocents? No, we never did that. Unfortunately, in the fog of war, innocents were killed and for that I shall always feel remorse. But we did what we had to do.”
James digests that for a moment then asks, “Why didn’t you resume your role as Black Hawk when the Empire first attacked last summer?”
Illan glances to him and then says, “I’m getting old. Sure, I thought about it but my Alaina counseled me against it. Said it would bring back too many bad things. But I couldn’t simply stand by and do nothing so I went south to see what I could do.”
“I left home before the fall of the City of Light. I hated to leave my Alaina, we both knew it was unlikely we would ever see each other again. She understood and sent me with her best wishes. My son offered to accompany me but I told him to stay and take care of his family.” He pauses and then says with a catch in his voice, “It seems that’s all I have left now.”
They ride in silence for awhile before he gets his emotions under control and is able to continue. “By the time I reached the City, the Empire had already encircled it and I thought it would take months before it fell. Then the following morning to my disbelief, it was over. I worked my way to Lythylla and joined with Miller and his band, seemed like the logical thing to do at the time. The rest you know.”
He always knew there was something about Illan. Always an air of command about him and in a crisis always knew what to do and took charge. Now it all makes sense. “After we rescue your son, what do you plan to do? Now that Black Hawk has returned.”
“Nothing has changed,” he says. “I’m still your man and will stand by you till the end.”
“Thank you for that,” James tells him.
Illan simply nods in reply.
By this time, Seastar appears ahead in the road. The sun now just dropping below the horizon, the lights of town begin to wink into life. “Where do you think we’ll find him?”
“My son will be in the jail,” he says. Then adds, “I hope.”
“No, I mean Lord Faetherton,” clarifies James.
“Who knows?” he says. “Though I don’t plan to leave until I deal with him.” He glances to James and is relieved to see him nod agreement.
Entering the outskirts, they make their way between the buildings, finally coming into an area lit by an oil streetlamp. When Illan rides into the light, his armor blazes forth and gasps are heard from those nearby on the street.
“Black Hawk!” “He’s returned!” and other exclamations are heard in an increasing number as more and more people gather round.
“Sir!” a middle aged man exclaims as he comes from a nearby tavern.
Illan pauses in the street and turns toward the man. “We ride,” he says. “Brook’s Hollow at dawn. Spread the word.”
With a whoop, the man turns and races down the street.
As they progress through town, that scene replays three more times. Each time all Illan says is, “We ride, Brook’s Hollow at dawn, spread the word.” The crowd gathering around them grows as they progress further into town.
When the press of people becomes too great, Illan brings them to a halt. At that, the street grows quiet. “Please return