‘So, who will take it?’
It was Arioc’s turn to look troubled by the conversation now.
‘Erkindrix will not die. He is too powerful.’
Arioc rolled on to his side away from Moneva. She felt a sense of relief. Moneva knew that Pentas would want her to try to pursue the subject. But she had learned more than enough for one night.
Belwynn and Theron sat contentedly outside his tent, sharing a quiet moment after breakfast.
On previous mornings, they would be packing up by now, orders passed around to make ready to march. But today, Sebastian and Theron had agreed to wait awhile. They were in striking distance of the capital of Kalinth, Heractus—and they were sure that King Jonas and his court were still there. What they weren’t so sure of was the kind of response they were going to get.
Sebastian’s army had swollen to about five thousand fighting men, half of whom were fully trained knights. The rest were squires, men-at-arms, armed labourers and the like.
‘Will they know we are here?’ asked Belwynn.
‘Yes. Jonas will know about Sebastian replacing Galenos, and he’ll have been told by his scouts exactly where we are.’
‘What do you think he’ll do?’
‘Well,’ answered Theron, ‘if I were king and the Grand Master of the Knights led a rebellion against me, I would fight. But then I would also have fought if Ishari had threatened my kingdom. So who knows what a coward like Jonas will do?’
‘A rebellion? Is that what this is?’
Theron shrugged. ‘That depends on your point of view. We can sweeten the words we use, and we will when we speak to him. But essentially, we are trying to take over his government and give it to Sebastian. I don’t think we’re rebels—I think we’re trying to free our country.’
Tycho strolled over towards them, winding his way around the tents and campfires, which were crammed together on the large expanse of moorland.
‘Morning,’ he called.
Theron and Belwynn got to their feet. Theron and Tycho hugged each other.
‘My lady,’ Tycho addressed Belwynn.
‘Lord Tycho,’ she greeted him.
‘Sebastian wants to see you. Seems like a royal army has left Heractus and is heading our way.’
‘How big?’
‘The scout’s in with Sebastian. He’ll tell you what he’s seen.’
Belwynn turned to return to the tent she shared with Elana and Dirk.
‘Come,’ said Theron.
She followed the two knights, who strode the short distance to their leader’s tent. Sebastian hurried all three of them inside, eager to get on with it.
There was no-one else inside except for the scout, a young knight who stood nervously in the far corner of the tent. Belwynn recognised him as Philon, the young, sandy haired knight who had asked for her blessing a few days before. With all eyes on him, the young man went a little red.
‘Right,’ began Sebastian, looking at Philon. ‘Take us through what you have seen.’
‘We were keeping a lookout on a ridge that overlooks the city. We had seen two different groups of soldiers already this morning. Both seemed like scouts for the king. Then the gates of the city opened, and a royal army passed through them. We waited until we thought the whole army was through the gates, then I set off to report it. The others are still there and will send a message with more news when it is clear where the army is headed.’
‘How many?’ asked Theron.
‘We reckoned about the same size as ours, five thousand. Mostly foot soldiers, but some horsemen.’
‘Well I say we get going and head straight for them. That gives us the most options,’ suggested Theron.
Sebastian was frowning. ‘Why send out a force that seems to be inferior to ours? They could have just stayed in the city.’
‘Could be a trap?’ suggested Tycho.
‘Could be,’ said Theron, but he didn’t sound convinced. ‘Could just be a poor decision. They can’t have gathered many more than five thousand in the time we’ve given them. Once we get a bit closer, we can decide what to do. I’d like to go ahead now with Philon, and take a look for myself.’
‘I’ll come with you,’ offered Tycho.
The three knights made a quick exit from the tent.
‘Excuse me, Belwynn,’ said Sebastian. ‘I’ll have to get this army moving.’
Sebastian left the tent and Belwynn could hear him barking out orders. The new Grand Master was getting ready for battle.
It took over an hour before the army was ready to go. Horses’ hooves were checked and rechecked; the giant warhorses bred by the knights were the crucial component of their army, and gave them a clear advantage over the king’s forces. Weapons were sharpened; squires helped knights into their mail armour, tightening and adjusting straps until everything was perfect. Once they were on the move, battle might come at any time, and they needed to be ready.
In contrast, it had taken Belwynn, Elana and Dirk only a few minutes to get ready. They were used, now, to packing up their possessions into a sack and moving on. At last, the army got going. It was organised into several fighting units, each one made up of knights, squires, and usually some men-at-arms or other infantry. All combatants travelled on horseback. Belwynn and the others travelled with the baggage towards the back of the army, along with any other hangers on who were not preparing to fight. Evander had offered to accompany them, but Belwynn knew that he belonged with Theron, so she declined.
They headed in an easterly direction. After an hour, Theron came trotting down the line to find her.
‘The army’s heading in our direction. Philon was right, they’ve got about the same numbers as us.’
‘But are they as good fighters?’
‘Few of them are as well trained or equipped as a Knight of Kalinth. But some of them will be from noble households and will be our equals. Of course, we have a lot of untrained fighters with us as well as knights; but then I suspect that will be the same for them as well.’
‘What’s the plan?’
‘I’ve told Sebastian I think we should keep going as fast as possible. We’re all mounted, and it’s not far. The terrain around the city is flat. If we catch them quickly they will not have time to find a defensive position that could cause our horses problems.’
‘They’ll have less time to retreat back to the city too?’
‘Yes, exactly. We need to capitalise on this. I think it’s an opportunity for a quick victory over Jonas. That’s what we need. Not a civil war.’
Theron was excited and speaking fast. His nervous energy was contagious. But Belwynn also noted how focused he was on his objectives. It reminded her more of her brother, Soren, than most of the soldiers she had met before. Men like Clarin, who in her experience was typical, tended to be easy going, almost childlike in their approach. Theron was different—more of a general than a soldier.
Theron returned to the front of the army and the pace picked up noticeably for the rest of the morning. The baggage train fell behind, unable to keep up with the mounted soldiers.
Approaching midday, they caught up with the soldiers. Word passed down that the enemy was in sight.
Belwynn pulled to the side of the column and looked ahead, but she couldn’t see the royal army from her position. She shared the nervous anticipation of everyone else as they waited. Then, more orders came. The soldiers were being lined up in formation. From being a long column on the march, Belwynn watched as the army slowly transformed itself into battle formation. They faced the enemy in a semi-circular or arc shape, the cavalry on each end of the formation pushed furthest forwards, as if they were the pincers of a crab ready to snap.
The baggage train, made up of horse drawn carriages that carried the supplies, was positioned behind the army. Belwynn, Elana and Dirk were asked to carry water bottles over to the soldiers. Belwynn took hers to a group of mounted knights on the left wing of the army.
‘Thank you, my lady,’ th
e first knight said graciously, taking a glug of water, and then passing it on to a comrade. Belwynn still found it rather strange that she had become so well known—most of these knights had been in the Great Hall of the High Tower on the night when she had sung of Stephen and the Green Dragon.
‘Can you see the enemy?’ she asked.
‘Over there, my lady,’ said one of the knights, pointing eastwards in the direction they were facing. ‘If your eyesight is good you can make them out.’
Belwynn looked in the direction indicated. Seeing nothing, she moved forward a few feet. She was nearly ready to give up when she finally saw a smudge on the horizon. It was moving slightly and she realised it was a long row of infantry assembling. To each side, she could see smaller groups of soldiers—presumably cavalry forces positioned on the wings. It was the first time she had been on a battlefield, and it held a grim fascination. So much so, that she didn’t realise her name was being called until Theron was nearly on top of her.
‘Lady Belwynn!’ he shouted again, sounding exasperated.
He pulled up his mount. Behind him came Evander, also mounted, who was leading a spare mount.
‘What are you doing here?’ he asked. ‘I’ve been looking for you everywhere. I thought you would be with the baggage.’
‘I was, but they asked us to give out water.’
‘Who did?’ demanded Theron, sounding angry.
‘Oh, Theron! No one in particular. What is it?’
‘Sorry. I just got worried,’ he said, dismounting. ‘We’re going to try to talk to the leaders of the royal army under a truce flag. I would like you to come with us.’
‘Me?’ asked Belwynn. ‘What good will I be? You don’t want me to sing again, do you?’
Theron forced a smile out. ‘Well, that would be lovely, but no.’
He helped Belwynn into the saddle of the spare horse. Evander then had to clamber off his horse, and help Theron get back up, because of the weight of mail the knight was wearing. Belwynn shook her head in disbelief, wondering what the rest of the army made of the spectacle; they were surely all staring at them by now.
‘You’ve become very popular with the knights, Belwynn,’ said Theron. ‘We need that because, after all, we’re asking them to fight against the king they’ve sworn oaths to defend. You can help to persuade them that they’re doing the right thing. Evander, do you have it?’
‘Yes, my lord,’ answered the young man brightly. From his saddlebag, he drew out a lavish cloth of gold. Theron took it from him before presenting it to Belwynn.
Taking it, she could see that it was a robe made of silk, with the yarn wrapped in strips of gold. It was a magnificent piece of clothing.
‘You can’t be serious? You want me to wear this? Now?’
‘It’s one of the most precious items belonging to the Order. I know you think it’s ridiculous and in one sense you’re right. But it would mean a lot to the men to see you wear it. Things like this matter when you’re about to go into battle.’
‘Well, I can hardly say ‘no’ to that, can I?’
Belwynn put her arms into the robe. The right side of the robe was wider than the other and Theron and Evander helped her to wrap it around her chest, pulling it tight before tying it up at the back. A cheer could be heard on the battlefield. Theron looked her up and down, a big smile appearing on his face.
‘You look amazing,’ said Evander, going a little red but grinning nonetheless.
‘Come on then,’ said Theron. ‘Let’s try to talk some sense into these people.’
Theron trotted forwards and Belwynn and Evander followed on. Waiting for them was Sebastian and his squire, Alpin, who held a white flag of truce on a long pole. Sebastian stared at Belwynn for a moment, then nodded, but said nothing.
‘Are you ready, uncle?’ asked Theron.
‘Yes. Let’s just hope they’ve got someone sensible in charge.’
‘Will Jonas not be there?’ Belwynn asked.
‘Very doubtful,’ said Theron, ‘but not impossible.’
Sebastian led them on. As they got closer, Belwynn could make out the royal forces ranged against them more clearly.
‘Who are they?’ she asked Theron, indicating a group wearing red cloaks who had been positioned near the centre of the infantry line.
‘They’re the city guard of Heractus, used to defend the walls and the castle. They’re reasonably well equipped, but not trained for pitched battles. Most of the rest of them are individual noblemen and their retinues. A bit like us, they’ll be a mix of soldiers and extra men pressed into service. The best fighters will probably be mounted.’
‘To counter your cavalry?’
‘Yes, but they simply don’t have the numbers for it. We are the cavalry of Kalinth, after all.’
Sebastian raised his arm and they stopped, approximately half way between the two armies. Then they waited. It was a bit unnerving for Belwynn, but she supposed that if the enemy ignored the flag of truce and tried to attack, they should be able to turn around and ride back to their own lines without fear of being caught.
‘There,’ said Evander, pointing.
A small group of riders could be seen making their way towards them. As they got closer Belwynn could count four in all.
‘Can you see who’s there?’ asked Sebastian.
‘Not quite,’ answered Theron, waiting. ‘I think that’s—yes, it’s Diodorus. Count of Korenandi. Looks like he’s in charge. He’s not an idiot.’
‘It could have been a lot worse,’ agreed Sebastian.
The four riders continued to approach before one of them raised a hand, indicating that the other three should wait where they were. It was a gesture which emphasised his authority and lack of fear in approaching the knights alone. He moved his horse on a few paces before stopping in front of them.
‘Diodorus,’ acknowledged Sebastian.
‘Sebastian. Theron.’
Diodorus looked at Belwynn and appeared to be about to say something, but then seemed to think better of it. He was a big man, with huge shoulders, a thick neck and a large head. His hair was shaved short and Belwynn thought he had something of a sad, or at least world weary, expression.
‘I presume King Jonas has made you general of this army?’ asked Sebastian.
‘That’s right. And I understand that you have taken control of the Order of the Knights of Kalinth. But what is your army doing here?’
‘The Order has come to restore strength to our country. Kalinth must stand up to Ishari. I am here to make sure it does.’
‘By starting a war with your king?’
‘Come on, Diodorus,’ interjected Theron. ‘We could go on like this all day, but it isn’t the time or place. We’ve come to speak to you to avoid bloodshed.’
Diodorus shrugged. ‘I’m listening.’
‘You must have had an idea about what you were trying to achieve with this force of yours—but you’ve ended up in the open, facing our army which has a cavalry force far superior to yours, and is capable of inflicting heavy losses. You must also know that it was never our intention to spill Kalinthian blood.’
Diodorus turned behind him to look at the other three riders before turning back. When he spoke again it was in a low, quiet voice.
‘Jonas ordered me to go and destroy your army. Of course, we tried to reason with him, but he got hysterical, wouldn’t listen. Started throwing wild accusations at everyone. So, I obeyed his orders. But I’m not stupid, Theron. I know I’m in a heavily compromised position. And I would be happy to avoid a battle if possible.’
‘If possible?’ repeated Sebastian.
‘I’ve been asked to defend my king. If I don’t fight you, what will you do with him?’
‘I swear a knight’s oath,’ began Sebastian, ‘that if you surrender now, no-one in your army will be harmed, no-one in Heractus will be harmed, I will not harm Jonas, and he will remain king. What I will do is wrest control over the government of his kingdom, and restore some
direction and dignity to it. I admire your loyalty to your king, Diodorus. Believe me—I have tried my best to be loyal to him too. But that must be weighed against loyalty to Kalinth and its people.’
‘Alright, Sebastian,’ Diodorus said quietly. ‘I regard you as an honourable man. I will take your word.’
‘However,’ added Theron, ‘if you do surrender you must ensure that everyone in your army disperses immediately, that none of them will be allowed to return to the city, and if any try to return, our offer of protection will be withdrawn and they will be killed.’
Diodorus seemed taken aback at first, but then nodded. His gaze turned to Belwynn again, a puzzled look, as if he wondered who she was and what she was doing here. She looked away, embarrassed by her presence and her golden robe.
‘There’s one more thing,’ said Diodorus. ‘If I surrender you must also make an oath to protect me. Many men will call me traitor, and want me dead after today.’
‘I offer you my protection,’ confirmed Sebastian.
‘Then it is agreed,’ said Diodorus. ‘I will order my army to disperse.’
He turned his horse around and began to return to his three companions.
‘But don’t disappear,’ called Theron. ‘We’ll need your help to get into the city.’
Diodorus looked back, a pained expression on his face.
‘Very well,’ he said finally.
‘No battle after all,’ commented Sebastian as they began to make their way back to their own lines. ‘So far, so good.’
Belwynn turned around to look at the retreating figure of Count Diodorus, and wondered how many lives the melancholy looking man had saved today.
15
In the Presence of Royalty
THE MEN OF KELLAND MANNED the Emperor’s Keep for another day.
From its walls, Farred watched the Drobax climb the steep sides of the crag—tiny figures inching their way up to meet the spears of Baldwin’s men. On the other crag, he could see the Mace flying, as the men of Gotbeck took their turn to defend the path up to the Duke’s Keep.
The Weapon Takers Saga Box Set Page 53
