Free Ravensoul by James Barclay Page B

that turned towards him were anxious but cleared on sight of him. He betrayed no fear, nodding at those who bowed their heads to him though he wanted no more than to close his eyes and have it all be over.
    Word of his arrival spread like oil over sword steel and a hush descended on the Caeyin.
    ‘Even when they are quiet, they make noise enough to shatter bark,’ said Auum.
    His Tai kept their silence, moving fluidly at his sides. He was glad of their attentions. Fine additions to the calling though none could ever truly replace those he had lost. He would forever mourn Evunn and Duele. At least their souls had made the journey to rest with the elders.
    Rebraal was awaiting them on the stage. With a trembling hand Auum acknowledged the applause that broke out.
    ‘Why do they applaud?’ he asked, taking Rebraal’s arm and leading him to a dark corner at the back of the stage.
    ‘The great Auum is among them,’ said Rebraal a broad smile on his face. ‘Reluctantly. Why would they not?’
    ‘None of them knows me.’
    ‘There is nothing anyone hates more than unfounded modesty,’ said Rebraal. ‘Your reputation has no need of embellishment.’
    Auum faced him. ‘All my work, I do for Yniss. These people are Tual’s people and Tual kneels before Yniss. That is enough.’
    ‘The world has changed since you first ran in the rainforest,’ said Rebraal. ‘Then, people feared the TaiGethen because they did not understand your purpose or your methods. Now, while they are still wary of you, they revere you also. They love you. It is you who protects them from harm.’
    ‘Not this time,’ said Auum. ‘That is why we are here. Shorth remains silent. Yniss cannot help us.’
    ‘He will always watch over us.’
    ‘Only if he is able.’ Auum gazed out over the crowd from the shadows. It had become obvious to most that he had no intention of speaking and the hubbub of conversation was growing once more. ‘So tell me, Lord of the Al-Arynaar, how soon can we leave Calaius?’
    ‘I’m just . . .’ began Rebraal, then he chuckled. ‘All right, point taken. Preparations are going as well as they can. There is scepticism and resistance as you can imagine but we are getting through to most of the people who matter. Ships are assembling. We have pledges from three hundred and we hope for more every day.’
    ‘That is nowhere near enough.’
    ‘I cannot produce ocean going vessels out of thin air. We should give thanks for the huge trade we have developed with Balaia or we’d be in a worse state.’
    ‘I know.’ Auum nodded. He felt weary. Like a two-day fever at its height. ‘You have the administrators of Ysundeneth working?’
    ‘They have some of the Ynissul amongst them,’ said Rebraal. ‘They understand.’
    ‘So few remain,’ said Auum. ‘Too many chose to die, thinking we were forever safe.’
    ‘You didn’t.’
    Auum felt no satisfaction. ‘Elves are never safe from harm. What is it, Rebraal?’
    ‘What do you mean?’
    ‘You are twitching away like a stranger bitten by a taipan. Speak your mind.’
    ‘We’re just running away. Can we really not beat them?’ The words came in a rush when they started. ‘We have lived here so long. We have beauty and we have peace. We have the rainforest. So much to lose.’
    Auum shook his head, feeling every year he had breathed the air. ‘They are too strong. Even for us, and we have worked so hard to keep ourselves hidden and to build our strengths. They are relentless. A menace without conscience. Without mercy.’
    He closed his eyes against the memories.
    ‘You faced them.’ Rebraal breathed in sharply. ‘Didn’t you?’
    Auum blinked and opened his eyes onto the young elf’s steady gaze. ‘And I ran. It is easy for you who were born here to believe this your home for all time. I’ve lived through too much history ever to get comfortable. I have watched too many friends die.’
    ‘At least you have the blood to grant you all those