Spice & Wolf XIII (DWT) Page 8

“No, no.. not wolves..”

  She lowers an ear to the ground. She’s rather good at judging how many people there are and where they’re going by doing this. Maybe as well as I can as a dog. She realizes it’s not wolves around us, and raises herself up for a look, just as I hear the fighting again. She must hear it too, because she’s staring in the same direction I am.

  It’s the roar of battle; the clashing of weapons. It’s humans.

  “Thieves?”

  Humans fear wild animals, but not as much as their own kind. She’s whispering next to me, but since I’m not growling, she realizes that we’re not in any immediate danger. She quickly gathers our things, and slowly stands up. She quietly points her staff in front of us, and I quickly run toward the noises.

  The moon is hiding behind the clouds tonight, but right now there are beams peeking through them, so I can see well. I am afraid my master won’t be able to find me if we get separated, so I keep turning around to make sure she’s close. In this way, we soon make to the top of a hill so we can see who it is.

  When she gets to me, she gasps in surprise. A building is on fire. Her ears aren’t as good as mine, but she can still hear the panicked voices. An inn is being attacked by thieves.

  “Wh-what’ll we do?”

  It’s a normal reaction. She’s wondering if she should help them. But we don’t know how many people are there, or how strong and powerful their weapons are. She’s kind, but this isn’t a good time for kindness. Unfortunately, I’m not the one making the decisions. The house is still burning, too, and we watch as half of it collapses in on itself, in a shower of sparks.

  “Oh!”

  We see a man run out the main door, escaping the fire. It’s dark and a bit foggy, though, so I can’t see him well. I can only see his robes, and guess that he’s a traveling priest. He seems hurt and frightened, and is moving clumsily. But he’s running, and being chased by another person with a sword. There’s no doubt about it, it’s one of the attackers. They’re not far behind him, and will catch him sooner or later. But just then, another man hops out and grabs the attacker from behind. I hear that man shout, probably more clearly than my master does.

  “Run away quickly! Please!”

  “Enek!”

  My master commands me reflexively. And so I, her glorious knight servant, obey her and run. Soon the man is just in front of me, and the attacker’s pushed the other man to the ground and run him through with his sword. But the attacker is too excited, and has trouble taking to his feet. He’s no match for me anyway.

  The soft grass would conceal my footfalls even if the burning building didn’t, so the attacker has no way of noticing me. He just keeps moving toward the priest, who’s now crawling on the ground and praying as though he’s given up hope. But just as the attacker smiles and moves to lift his sword, he sees a black flash hurtling at him.

  Before he knows it, I sink my teeth into his wrist and force him to drop his sword. My jaws can crush the thigh bones of a goat, and I only relent when I hear the man’s bones break. He stares at me like I’m a beast from hell, and falls to the ground. And I’m no more merciful than a hell-beast: I sink my fangs into his right calf.

  “Help me!!”

  Damn, I didn’t notice in time. There’s another man coming out with a sword. And my master has almost caught up to us. I have to end this quickly.

  “Hey! What happened?!”

  Thankfully, the new man doesn’t know what’s going on. I release my current prey and bolt over to my new target. He drops his sack of prizes down in shock and lifts his sword. It’s a dark night, so he seems to think I’m a wolf. I wasn’t trying to pretend that, but it gives me the advantage. Since he doesn’t know how to react, he steps back. And by the time I’ve reached him, he’s already fainted.

  The inn is a mess. Three people are on the ground, all wearing robes like the priest. I can sense another person on the stairs, and notice that they’re clothed like the other attackers. But he flees back upstairs when he sees my fangs. Too bad for him, I have the advantage while his back is turned, so I give chase and sink my teeth into his calf. He flinches in surprise and crumples down, so I let him go.

  Luckily, he rolls back down the stairs past me and stays down. His right leg and left hand are bent in strange ways, but he isn’t dead. I stare at him scornfully, and the inn is finally calm. Well, aside from the burning. I can tell from the smell that this place doesn’t have long, and I’m worried that there might be other attackers upstairs, but I have to prioritize. I have to keep my master safe.

  I run back down the stairs, but I am blocked at the entrance. The priest who escaped is coming back in. The bearded and robed man is bleeding, and looks like a mess, but it isn’t just because of his injuries.

  “Oh, ugh.. what happened..”

  From their robes, the three others are friends of his. I pass him as he enters and spot my master outside, who immediately runs up to me and hugs me.

  “Oh, thank goodness you’re alright!”

  Here I am, concerned first and foremost with her safety, but she’s already more worried about the others. I look behind my master, and see that the man who was run through already has a white cloth draped over his face.

  “Are the thieves dead?”

  When she realizes that I’m unhurt, she finally releases me. I can only respond with a bark, but the man responds for me, no longer stumbling around like a ghost.

  “There were three of them..”

  “You mean there’s still another one?”

  He shakes his head and points to the third one at the bottom of the stairs. I hope my master knows it was bravery that solved this. I look up at her, but the man speaks.

  “Oh.. thank God I’m still alive..”

  I saved you, human! Bless my master! I’ll bark at you if you don’t, because she should be hugging my neck right now!

  The bearded man calls himself Joseph Ozenstein. He is the bishop of a church that is three days away. I regret having saved someone of no use to the world, but my master doesn’t feel the same way. Despite her issues with the Church, she kneels in front of the man. Oh, master, what am I to do with you?

  “Please look up. Angels sent by the Lord need not prostrate themselves.”

  Had he dared to act high and mighty, a certain knight’s fangs would have been in his calf as well. But he didn’t, so my lips never curled back. Instead, Joseph, a man several times older than my master, thanked her profusely.

  “No, no.. Enek is the one to thank.”

  “Oh-hoh, so your name’s Enek? You have my thanks.”

  His waist is wounded more severely than we thought. My master tries to stop his bleeding, but she isn’t skilled enough to treat him. Joseph is in pain, so his thanks must be sincere. He even wears a comforting smile. A knight should accept such gratitude.

  “But God’s test really is.. too difficult this time..”

  Only Joseph and the other young man have survived, though that young man is severely wounded and unconscious. My master has tried to treat him, but only God knows if he’ll make it in the end.

  “Did all the other people in the inn..?”

  My master is tying the thieves up to the fence.

  “Ah, no, this safe house was empty. We were only to spend the night here, but those thieves were lying in wait for travelers.. such horrible people, they’re surely pagan.”

  “You mean because they have those strange gemstones shaped like arrowheads?”

  “Oh, you saw them too? Yes. They’re worn by the sorcerers who lived in the eastern mountains. They caught us as we slept.. and killed the mercenaries I hired. They were clever and brave men, but not as skilled as their attackers..”

  I’ve noticed that too; two of the three people lying near the door are clothed like Joseph is, but have a smell more like mine. They’re born fighters.

  “But.. my trip can’t end here.. I must..”

  Joseph is struggling, and begins coughing. Not a good sign. I’m
whimpering slightly in response, but my master doesn’t hear it. She wears a pained expression, though, clearly wanting to help him.

  “Where were you heading?”

  Oh, master! We haven’t the time to bother with other’s business! We’re supposed to be off to Gustav to make your dreams come true! These kinds of deadly mid-journey encounters are common, so don’t give up your dream to help what can’t be helped!

  I’m just standing there, thinking thoughts like this, looking back and forth at the two of them.

  “I’m.. so sorry.. I was going to..”

  If he finishes that sentence, we’re doomed. And I can do nothing to stop him. I can simply stand there anxiously as he slowly speaks.

  “Gustav.”

  “Eh?”

  My ears perk up, and when I turned to my master I can see she’s also surprised.

  “You’ve heard of it? There’s a disease there.. and their prayers haven’t been answered.. they’re alone in such sad darkness..”

  “Yes, we’ve heard. We’re heading there too.”

  “What?”

  He cries in surprise, then closes his eyes in prayer. My tail is already wagging in anticipation.

  “Then this is the will of God.. that’s a relief. Then might I, a servant of God, make a small request of you?”

  My eyes turn from Joseph to my master. She’s wearing such a serious look it’s clear she’s also anticipating a great order. Right now, even if I could say a word to stop her, it wouldn’t matter.

  “Please..”

  He closes his eyes and remains silent for a time, before opening them and finishing his sentence.

  “Will you take us to Gustav?”

  My master firmly nods and holds his hand. Unable to do anything else, I simply watch the inn as it burns.

  * * *

  “I see, you’re heading to Gustav to become a tailor..”

  “Yes, since I heard the news from traveling merchants.”

  “But it takes a lot of courage to go there now.. hey, what am I saying? You’re certainly brave enough.”

  Joseph sits on his horse, with the other young man in the wagon behind him. We hardly have any choice, so we put the other bodies in the wagon as well.

  “No, I’m actually quite terrified.. but I still want to try..”

  My master speaks embarrassedly, but it seems she’s being honest.

  “Then becoming a tailor is your dream, is it? It does take risks to achieve one’s dreams, so there’s no need to be embarrassed.”

  He smiles gently, and my master looks up at him. My boredom is at its limits.

  “We were heading there for similar reasons. When the disease started spreading, even the servants of God were caught in the disaster. Everyone began losing their faith. I’m hoping to shine some light on those people shivering in the darkness.”

  “I see..”

  “When I left the Church, I was ready to face the worst, but I never thought I would have to face it before I even made it to Gustav..”

  He’s not sad, he’s still smiling. That smile leaves a good impression on me. I can still remember that he never begged or feared for his life, even when it was almost ended. He simply prayed. I’m not fond of the Church, but I do like people who try to be responsible and do the best at their jobs. Joseph might not be so bad.

  “I may be a bishop, but I’ve got nothing special to give you in return. All I can really give you is my respect and admiration.”

  “Th-there’s no need..”

  My master nervously rejects his offer, but Joseph smiles for her to stop and continues in a strong tone.

  “I was nearly killed by those pagans. You saved my life despite the danger, and now you’re heading to those who are despairing in the dark and need God’s light. You’re quite admirable. I’d at least like to repay your brave friend’s valor.”

  “Enek?”

  I’m surprised too. I look up, and he’s smiling at me. How strange.. I thought only my master smiled at animals.

  “God created everything in the world to be equal, so I like to name plants, cherish animals, and glorify bravery wherever I see it.”

  I look at my master, who likewise looks at me. We both turn to look at Joseph, and hear the injured bishop continue happily.

  “When we get to Gustav, I’m going to confer upon Enek, this brave servant of the Lord, the title of Knight of the Church, using my name, Joseph Ozenstein, under the glory of God.”

  I don’t understand what he means, but if he wants to call me a knight then I don’t mind. My master, however, is quite shocked.

  “Of course, I’d still like to thank you, too, Norah.”

  With that, Joseph suddenly turns his face forward, and we all spot a town in the moonlight. It must be Gustav. It seems we’re fortunate, and won’t have to spend the night outdoors. Joseph didn’t even have to spend the night in that safe house, given how close it was to our destination. Damn. What a sad coincidence. I’m not the only one thinking that either, Joseph and my master stare at each other silently, with forced smiles.

  Gustav is a big place surrounded by stone walls. Not as big as Ruvinheigen, but big enough for people to get worried if the gates open at midnight. But that’s the least of their problems right now. When the bishop reports his name, the guards react nervously. Things have been tough for them lately. We can hear a clamor behind the gates, like there’s a riot on the other side that’s even more raucous than a siege.

  My master is easily intimidated, and she curls her body inwardly when she hears the sound. If the town longs for the guidance of the bishop, his savior will surely be more than welcome. But her worries are written plainly on her face. When the sound of the town’s horn suddenly blasts through the air, she’s finally overcome by fear. Joseph, too, is trying to act tough, and coughs while scratching his face. My master finally interjects.

  “Uh, um..”

  “Yes?”

  “I have a request..”

  Joseph’s face now looks like the shepherd, and my master the lost sheep.

  “What is it?”

  People from the Church often hide their black hearts behind such a mask, but my master doesn’t care.

  “Will you tell them we’re your followers?”

  “Ah..”

  Joseph blinks and nods. He’s clever enough to know what she means. As the gates open, he bends down to softly talk into her ear.

  “I’m glad you’re following God’s teachings so humbly. Modesty and courage rarely mix like this. Very well, I’ll honor your request, but neither God nor I will forget who lead who.”

  As the gates open, we’re blinded by the light of the torches. I wonder if Joseph will be able to handle the situation, but he nods at me even as my tail is wagging. I suppose everyone has their expectations.

  “Well, let’s go in.”

  He smiles and talks like a kid as the gates open. Inside, people are already waiting, obviously having rushed so quickly to the gates they didn’t even put on decent clothes. Most of them still have messy hair and watch us nervously. A few of the girls are trying to tidy their hair.

  Two guards with spears approach us. One of them is wearing nice clothes, but he’s just a kid. His eyes are puffy, clearly having just woken up. Still, he’s walking straight and properly, exuding authority like he’s the leader here. Given his demeanor, I feel like he’s worthy of respect. He doesn’t want to make a bad impression. It’s a heavy burden to be in his position, especially at his age. He’s clearly unprepared for it, but disease always claims the old first so he’s stuck with it.

  “My name is Terry Ron Gustav Kerrick. I’m the head of the Council of Gustav. In the name of the Lord, we welcome you.”

  What a young voice. Even Joseph seems to be thinking what I am, and is even more polite in answering than he was with us.

  “Please forgive me for not arriving sooner. I know your town has been craving the guidance of God’s holy light, but remember that God has never abandoned you. I may
be weak, but He is not, so do not despair. God’s light is forever with your town.”

  He spoke in a bright voice, so everyone heard every word. All was silent as he finished. Then, like a wave washing over the crowd, their voices rang out in a roar. It was like they were celebrating the end of a war.

  “Your trip must have been a hard one, bishop. Please rest well tonight.”

  As Kerrick, the one with the long title, approaches the bishop, he finally realizes that something’s wrong.

  “Bishop, you’re..”

  “Please tend to the one behind me first.”

  Kerrick finally notices the bodies in the wagon, and his girlish face contorts.

  “Doctors! We need doctors!”

  The celebration ends as he shouts. Everyone suddenly understands why he arrived so late at night. It’s not like they don’t know how common thieves attack people at night. Even I’ve been attacked while I tended flocks of sheep.

  Nervous hands slowly lower the bishop from his horse as he calmly explains what happened. The people looking at the bodies in the carriage seem to be those who have fighting experience, and quickly instruct those around them on what to do.

  Joseph honors my master’s earlier request, and Kerrick thanks her shortly after that. I can’t say that I’m happy, since I was the one who did all the work. But at least Joseph won’t forget the truth. And my master knows better too, and touches my head in understanding before stepping ahead, as though to say “just let it go.”

  Seeing how bad things are, if my master tells them how we saved the bishop she’ll pretty much become a tailor right away. It’s a shame she’s too modest to do that, though I have to admit her modesty is impressive. I look up at her impatiently, and she seems confused.

  “What is it?”

  I can’t talk, so I can’t do it for her. Besides, even if I’m her servant, I don’t like the thought of having to do her job for her, so I look away. Joseph is being taken away. Suddenly I feel my master’s hand on my head again.

  “You’re wondering when they’ll start the feast to thank us?”

  How rude! I bark in protest. My master can be so evil sometimes. Did I really look like that’s what I wanted? I’m hurt, so she hugs me to apologize.