Free Fable: Edge of the World by Christie Golden Page B

fought together, Ben,” the king said grimly, and Ben grew pale. Ben and the king had met at Mourningwood Fort, where the first indication that the hollow men were coming was when one of them disguised itself as a scarecrow—that came to terrifying life. Or undeath, as the case may be.
    “What about … scarecrows?” asked Kalin, unfamiliar with the term.
    “Let’s just say that both Ben and I have run across some hollow men who seemed to know exactly what they were doing,” the king said grimly. “At least some of them had enough of a mind left to steer the ships and direct the attack.” He sighed. “Come on. Let’s get a fire going—we don’t want to be surprised by anything else tonight. Once it’s light, we’ll assess our situation.”
    Few slept that night even though the fires offered warmth and comfort. Morning arrived early, with a heat that was at first welcomed but hinted at a scorching day to come.
    The news was not as good as they had hoped, but not quite as bad as they had feared. Over two hundred soldiers and crew were lost, but considering only five ships were sunk, the loss of life was small. Ben was cheered after locating his friends Russell and Thorpe alive and well, if a bit waterlogged. A few heavy weapons still survived, and enough horses and oxen to move them. And best of all, they had sufficient rations for the time being, including precious fresh water. The morning was spent unloading and inventorying, and the day grew ever hotter.
    The animals—horses, donkeys, and oxen—were led onto land and given water and food. What ammunition, weaponry,and supplies had survived last night’s attack had been prepped for travel on wagons, which would be drawn by the oxen. Shan sought out the king and showed him where they were on the map.
    “We came ashore too far to the west,” he said. “The main port city, Fairwinds, is about seven miles east.”
    The king stroked his chin, thinking. “I rather think we should avoid Fairwinds if we can. Those ships crewed with hollow men most likely sailed from there.”
    Ben and Kalin had come up while they were talking and listened attentively. “Agreed,” said Kalin firmly. “My people only have sketchy maps, but that is the closest port—and the main one. It is likely that it is under the Empress’s control—or else everyone there is dead.”
    “Either way, sounds like a highlight to miss,” said Ben. “What about it, Shan? Can we pick up the Great Trade Road a bit farther north?”
    Shan looked uncomfortable. “It will require a detour of about twenty miles through difficult terrain,” he said. “I do not know if the siege weapons can cross it.”
    “Lovely,” said Ben. “Towns ruled by an evil Empress or dying in the desert.”
    “We will not die,” said Kalin. “But we may need to leave weapons behind if they cannot cross.”
    “Well, I don’t like either choice,” the king said. “But I think the one that gives us the best chance is the desert crossing. I’ve no desire to become a hollow man myself.”
    Everyone was forced to concede he had a valid point. There were several horses that had been intended for riding; now the noble beasts would be pressed into service as mere pack animals, and all of the would-be riders, including the king—hewould not ask of his soldiers what he himself would be unwilling to do—would have to walk. At least until they hit the Great Trade Road.
    The king made a point of shaking the hand of every captain and thanking him or her personally for aid rendered. “Sail for Aurora as soon as you can. When you arrive, get word to Albion that we have arrived safely,” the king said. “I have faith in our victory, but it won’t be for at least several months. Return for us in four. Hopefully, we’ll all be sitting here, playing Keystone while we wait for you.” There were a few chuckles and smiles at the image. He grinned reassuringly. “I will be able to send up some magical activity that you can