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“The witch would know,” one of the warriors called out.
Varrick turned such an evil glare on the warrior that all the other warriors moved away from him.
Fia took a step away from her husband to speak. “I will say this as often as necessary—I am no witch. I am a healer, and I am familiar with life in the forest. There would be only two reasons why the hounds would have attacked. They were either hungry or they were commanded to do so.”
Corwin said what the other warriors wondered. “The God of Death commanded them since his hell hounds dragged the men off. He did not want his presence revealed.”
Another warrior eagerly offered more of an explanation. “The two men were the God of Death’s cohorts and were about to betray him, so he sent his hell hounds for them.”
“Aye! Aye!” most of the warriors cried out, agreeing.
“The God of Death stalks here, stalks the clan!” another warrior shouted.
“Lady Fia proved she is a witch when she commanded the hounds,” another voice chimed in.
“The witch is the only one with the power to help us. Make her help us, my lord!” a warrior called out, and the other warriors joined in, agreeing.
“ENOUGH!” Varrick roared and the warriors turned silent instantly. “Do you need reminding that I command this clan?”
There was not one head that did not shake in response.
“Do you think I cannot protect this clan?” Varrick demanded.
The warriors were slow in shaking their heads.
Speak up. Tell them what you sense.
Fia turned to her husband as he was about to continue. “May I speak, my lord?”
Several warriors bobbed their heads, though they quickly stilled them when Varrick shot an evil look their way. This was for him to deal with not his wife and yet he reminded himself, yet again, that this was the very reason he had wed Fia and brought her here.
“You may speak, wife,” Varrick said.
Fia looked at each man as she spoke as if addressing each one individually. “The animals and birds have fled from this area and the trees and earth slumber more deeply than usual for winter. That tells me that fear has driven the animals and birds away and forces the trees and earth to sleep deeply to avoid it. Fear rules here and it rules you now, making you fear that Lord Varrick cannot protect you from it. But Lord Varrick shows no such fear. He is powerful and able to fight it. You must trust him as you always have, for he will protect you even against the God of Death himself.”
The warriors cheered, praising Lord Varrick, smiles spreading across every face there.
Varrick kept his expression stoic, though shocked by his wife’s unexpected praise. His men sang his praises more so out of relief, but her praise sounded more genuine. Why would she do that? Did she actually believe it?
Varrick raised his hand to hush his warriors. “Lady Fia and I will remain in the shelter for a few more days to see what more she can discover. All of you will remain on the outskirts of this area for one more day and then be replaced by another group of warriors so that no chance is taken that one group is exposed to the evil too long.”
Another round of cheers sang out.
“But if needed, as you were today, you will not hesitate to obey me as you did today. Though you must keep in mind what could happen to you when you enter here and just as we enter battle fearlessly that is how you must enter this area… without fear.”
A battle roar filled the air, announcing they were ready to do battle for Lord Varrick.
“Leave here now and do not return unless I order you to do so,” Varrick commanded, and the men bobbed their heads respectfully and rushed off.
Corwin remained, knowing Varrick would want to speak with him.
“Send word to Argus about this and make sure he prepares the warriors for a different type of battle,” Varrick ordered.
“You will keep me informed throughout the day?” Corwin asked.
“Aye, I will keep you apprised.”
Corwin nodded, then looked at Fia. “I am grateful, my lady. The warriors now at least know there is something to fight against… fear.”
