Yaspar looked down at the soldier and noticed how dirty and bloody he was. He wondered if he must’ve looked the same to Viktor and the others when they found him in the forest the day of the bear attack. He reached down and began gently pulling the armor off the soldier.
∞
It was dusk and Yaspar emerged from the medical tent exhausted from helping soldier after soldier. He took a deep breath as if he hadn’t breathed properly all day.
“Never imagined yourself as a nurse I take it?” Viktor asked, walking up to him.
“Never had this much of an issue with blood before,” Yaspar replied.
Yaspar took a seat on a bench to the side of the entrance to the tent. His hands and forearms were stained red from the blood of others.
“You’re doing a good thing,” Viktor said, taking a seat next to him. “I hope you know that.”
“How does anyone know what’s good anymore? The Gods have cursed this island,” Yaspar replied.
“I don’t know about that.”
“I do, and my wife did. We talked about leaving a few years ago, but leaving the Shroud is suicide.”
“Where would you have gone?”
“Velencia. Or Agura.”
“And life is better on those islands?”
“Anywhere is better than here.”
“You might be right, but things will get better soon.”
“Once you take the throne?”
“Perhaps,” Viktor said with a smile. “We tend to think things are better somewhere else when we really don’t understand the differences between here and there. What do you know of Velencia? Or Agura?”
“Not much,” Yaspar said. “Just what my wife has told me.”
“Is she not from here?”
“No, she was not from here.”
Viktor looked down at the muddy ground and sighed. He forgot for a moment that Yaspar’s wife and daughters are most likely dead. “We still don’t know what happened at Demiscus. I’ve read scrolls of many women and children escaping the massacres. Fleeing to the forest and setting up camps and such. Don’t lose hope just yet.”
Yaspar didn’t respond. Viktor hoped he would. They sat in silence for a minute or so.
“When this is all over,” Viktor started, “we’ll search for your wife and daughters together. Yes?”
Yaspar looked up at him and feigned a light smile. “Whatever you say, milord.”
Nineteen
∞
Fort Asbury was in sight. Alexander couldn’t believe they had finally arrived. Now the hard part, he thought. He looked back at the troops marching behind and noticed a considerable difference in size since they set out from King’s Square those two months ago. Men loyal to Dover had fled earlier that morning as well as a regiment of bowmen. Alexander thought about sending a small division to hunt them down but decided against it to keep his remaining numbers high.
The clouds were dark overheard, threatening a new storm. There were only a few hours of sunlight left as well, making the decision to attack in the morning that much easier.
Alexander sat on his horse on top of a small hill overlooking the black field in front of Fort Asbury. Benvero sat on his horse to Alexander’s right and Adaman on his horst to Alexander’s left. “What’s the final count?” Alexander asked.
“A little over three thousand,” Benvero replied.
Alexander sighed. “The troop advantage is no longer an advantage.”
“Aye, milord,” Adaman said. “My scouts estimate their number to be a little over three thousand as well.”
“How far out is Hampton and the northeastern division?” Alexander asked.
“We haven’t heard from Hampton in a week, milord,” Benvero replied. “I’ll send a dove.”
Alexander looked back at the troops as they made camp. He could see exhaustion on their sunken faces. He looked back at the imposing stone walls of Fort Asbury. “What are the odds this boy would face us in the open field? Do you think he’d be that simple?”
“I can’t rightly say I understand the boy’s generation. I have a boy of my own and his mood and ambitions change by the day,” Benvero said.
“Milord, I don’t think it would be too radical an idea to believe he’d face us outright,” Adaman said. “He wants to make a name for himself and what better way than to kill a king in combat that is fair and witnessed.”
“Is that what you’d do? Line up your army and have at it? You are the only one among us close to the boy’s age,” Alexander said.
“If he’s how they say he is, I’d bet his pride and arrogance could get the better of him,” Adaman replied with a smile.
“Well, then,” Alexander said, “set it up. The two of you issue the challenge at dawn.”
“Very well, milord,” Benvero and Adaman said in unison.
A courier ran up to Alexader’s horse as Benvero and Adaman rode away. He was holding a scroll. “News from the northeast?” Alexander asked, taking the scroll.
“Aye, milord,” the courier replied.
Alexander broke the seal and read the contents to himself.
It is with deep regret that I have decided to not march on Fort Asbury. I wish you luck in your campaign.
General Hampton, Northeastern Division
Alexander bit his bottom lip so hard it started to bleed. He crumbled up the scroll and tossed it aside.
“Do you wish to send a response, milord?” the courier asked.
“No,” Alexander sighed, “not today.”
∞
Alexander sat at a small table in his tent. He stared at a blank piece of parchment in front of him. He had dipped his quill in ink a few times without writing anything down. His head pained him so much that he felt as if his brain was bleeding from the inside of his skull.
He began to write.
From my mother I learned morals and how to control my temper. At least that is what she hoped I learn from her. Her insanity drove my father to suicide forcing my brother to take the throne much younger than he should have. This was a burden on all of us.
From my father I learned manly character and wisdom. He was a good man and I regret what I’ve become because of him.
From my grandfather I learned what it takes to lead men. They don’t know what they want until you tell them, he’d say. This is only half-true. Men want to be inspired first and then led. Cultivating inspiration is among the most difficult tasks of a military leader and I may have unjustly murdered a man who was quite skilled at it.
From my brother, the king before me, I observed a resolute focus on what must be done when the world is against you. He refused to seek out the glory in things that shouldn’t matter much. His love of labor and hard work annoyed to me to no end, but I understand now how much wiser he was than I. He was always ready to listen to those who had anything to propose for the betterment of the underclass. He was too honorable, and I hated him for it. Not many were against him while he was alive, but he handled them with grace. It was a terrible thing what I did, taking the throne. Every moment since that night has been a struggle and if I could reverse its course, I would. I have lived in shame these fourteen years and deserve mercy from no man or god.
I go into battle tomorrow and may not survive the day. I am leaving this letter behind so that I will not be remembered as such a beast. I had ambition and greed may have gotten the better of me, but I succumbed to the same vices as every other man of our age.
Alexander, first of his name, King of the Humans and Tresladore
Twenty
∞
Night had come upon them and a gentle rain patted the tops of their heads and shoulders. Viktor stood next to his advisors above the fort gates. He noticed the Firebringer was emanating heat and a bright red color. It was if the sword knew an important battle was due.
A few bowmen were looking out at the flickering lights behind the trees in the distance. The lights could only mean one thing, and everyone knew it.
“Well,
they’re here,” Josiah said with a long sigh.
“Aye,” Kelond said with a smile.
“Think they’ll wait till morning?” Viktor asked.
“If he be wise,” Gideonis replied.
“One of our scouts discovered the king’s numbers have reduced significantly over the last three weeks,” Josiah added. “He reported back this afternoon.”
“Any reason why?” Viktor asked.
“Marchin’ in the cold season is what I’d guess,” Kelond said. “The man’s a fool for thinkin’ he could get all the way down ‘ere with all his men.”
“Did the scout have an estimate?” Gideonis asked.
“He said three or four thousand,” Josiah said, smiling at Viktor.
Viktor looked back at the rest of the fort and watched his men mill about. They had gained a tremendous amount of confidence the day before. He knew they were ready to end the war and return to what was left of their families. “The armies are even, then?”
“Yes, milord,” Josiah said, still feeling funny about what he should call his best friend.
“And how much food and water do we have?” Viktor asked Kelond.
“Enough for maybe a week or so,” Kelond replied.
“What are you considering, milord?” Gideonis asked.
“Whether it be wise to wait out a siege or get to it,” Viktor answered.
“Are you wanting to take away our only advantage?” Josiah challenged.
“It’s only an advantage for another week. Aren’t you ready for this to come to an end?” Viktor replied.
“We’ve done everything right up to this point. I feel this is foolhardy,” Josiah snapped back.
Viktor looked at Kelond and Gideonis who kept their opinions on the matter to themselves up to this point. “And do you agree?”
“I’m ready for it to be over with, milord,” Kelond said, “but I can’t say what’s wiser.”
“I believe you’re right, milord, but perhaps waiting them out may secure an unforeseen advantage,” Gideonis said.
“Explain,” Viktor said.
“Perhaps a few days is all his men need to decide that fighting us isn’t wise,” the druid replied. “Perhaps they flee and there are less men for us to kill in the end.”
“Aye, what the druid said,” Kelond said. “But I do want to add that I’ll follow ya into battle anytime ya call.”
∞
Viktor stood at the end of Erwin’s bed and watched him sleep. Marianna was asleep in a chair as well. His thoughts were heavy, so heavy he wanted to get them out. He began to speak in a whispered tone so not to wake either of them. “The dilemma we have is that I am no ordinary rebel that deserves to be disciplined by him. I’m the rightful heir and he is a usurper. My rise to the throne should be heralded for generations and I’m having issues finding the nobility and heroism in simply defending these walls. I should fight him in the open field where all is even and if I’m destined to take the throne I will emerge victorious. It really is that simple.”
“You’re right,” Erwin choked out, catching Viktor by surprise.
“Erwin, you’re back!” he exclaimed, waking Marianna.
“The Gods, old and new, are on your side,” Erwin whispered. “Fight him honorably and the throne will be yours.”
“Sir Erwin,” Marianna whispered, rubbing his forehead, “I’m so glad you’re alive.”
“Many men will die,” Viktor said, “on both sides.”
“It’s war. Men die,” Erwin replied, looking at Marianna. “Sweet girl, have you attempted any more magic?”
“Not since yesterday.”
“Continue your education and don’t fear the advanced spells. They’re reserved for men and women your age, not elders,” Erwin said with a smile.
“Let’s not worry about that now,” Marianna said.
Erwin erupted into a coughing fit and blood spewed across the sheets and onto Viktor’s tabard. Marianna tried to hold him steady while he coughed and Viktor rushed around to the other side of the bed to hold him as well. He fell back and nearly choked on some blood that he didn’t quite cough out.
“Erwin, stay with us,” Viktor said, turning Erwin on his side and patting his back.
“Leave me be,” Erwin said. “It’s my time.”
Viktor turned him back gently and looked into his eyes. “You have many years left,” Viktor said, smiling.
Erwin grabbed the bloody bottom of Viktor’s tabard and tried to pull him in close. “Promise me you’ll be a just king.”
“Yes, of course,” Viktor said, eyes darting back and forth between Erwin and Marianna.
“Promise me you’ll do right by the underclass.”
“Yes, of course.”
“Promise me you’ll…”
Viktor and Marianna watched the light in Erwin’s eyes fade as he choked out his last breath.
Twenty-One
∞
“So, assassin, what do you think?” Viktor asked with a smile, walking up to Yaspar who was picking up broken arrow shafts.
Yaspar was uncertain what Viktor was asking at first. What do I think about what? It took him a minute to figure it out and when he did, he didn’t want to rush an answer. “Are we on the eve of battle, milord?”
“Appears that way,” Viktor said. “And it looks as though it’ll be a muddy one based on those clouds.”
They both looked up and felt the heaviness of the clouds above them. They couldn’t see the moons or a single star and their faces felt moist to the touch. It was already colder than normal, so adding rain to the mix was only going to further complicate things.
“Is there a station you want me to man?” Yaspar asked.
“No stations for this battle,” Viktor replied, blowing into his hands.
“We’re not defending the keep, then?”
“We’re defending it, just not from within the walls.”
“You mean to face the king’s army in the open field?”
Viktor smiled. Yaspar was confused. Why would he want to forfeit his only advantage? “Milord, forgive me, but do you think that’s wise?”
Viktor looked around at the men sharpening swords, repairing shields, cooking around a fire, preparing their horses. “The kingdom must be won…and hiding behind stone strikes me as cowardly. These men deserve better than that.”
“Deserve better than what?”
“Would you rather die on a field of battle or from an arrow that strikes you while hiding?”
“I’d rather not die at all,” Yaspar said with a smile, “but I understand what you’re saying.”
“Well, then,” Viktor said, picking up a few broken arrow shafts, “what do you think? Will you fight with us?”
Yaspar looked around at the men preparing for battle. He wasn’t confident in what the outcome would be, but he admired Viktor’s persistence and confidence. Perhaps fighting alongside him was the right thing to do. He did promise to help him find his wife and daughters after all, if they were alive that is. “Aye, milord, I’ll fight with you. Can I have two short swords?” Viktor smiled and patted him on the shoulder.
∞
Yaspar climbed a ladder leading to a platform atop the front gates. He spotted a bowman looking out at the flickering lights in the distance. He leaned against the wall and watched the lights and dark lines of smoke rise into the night sky. How he hoped to face Alexander in battle the next day. He’s too much a coward to be in the thick of it, he thought.
He looked down at the two short swords Josiah handed him a few minutes ago. They were made of iron, a metal he rarely used in his trade. He was more prone to kill his targets with daggers made of blackrock. Yet, he was happy to be armed again. He smiled at the fact that the man he came to kill now trusted him enough to hand him a weapon. He pulled them from his belt and clanged the blades together, sharpening them on one another for a moment. He was ready to fight the battle tonight if the opportunity arose.
Twenty-Two
∞
The rain did come, and it was colder than anyone could have expected. The sun had only been up for a few minutes, but Viktor’s forces were already in position outside the front gates of Fort Asbury. The rain beat down on his men so hard that it sounded as though their armor was being pelted by rocks.
Alexander’s men came into view atop a hill leading into the forest. They looked ragged and exhausted even from three hundred yards out. They marched down the decline slowly and out of order. “This battle is already won,” Josiah remarked.
“Don’t get ahead of ya’self, boyo,” Kelond said. “They’ll come ‘round once the fightin’ starts. No man wants to die.”
“He’s right,” Viktor said. “We can be confident, but not arrogant.”
Marianna looked over at Josiah and smiled. He smiled back as they were both thinking the same thing. Viktor was becoming a king before their eyes.
They watched as Alexander’s men filed into place about two hundred yards out. The armies were nearly even in number and neither side had a distinct advantage weapons-wise. It would be sword against sword, spear against spear, mace against hammer, claw – in the case of Gideonis and his druids – against dagger. There were only two small advantages Viktor was aware of; the Firebringer and Marianna’s ability to cast tier one barriers.
“Do we charge or wait?” Gideonis asked. “You humans are odd when it comes to organized combat.”
“He’ll send a few generals to the middle of the field and we’ll go from there,” Viktor said.
“You’re comin’ with us, milady,” Kelond said to Marianna. “The memory of the last open field meetin’ is still fresh on my mind.”
Marianna, knowing he said this because of ability to cast barrier spells, smiled and nodded her head.
Three men on horseback came into view and began riding toward them. “Looks like it’s time to go,” Josiah said. “Viktor, you’re staying back.”
“Who are you to tell me what to do?” Viktor barked back.
“If ya come with us and are murdered this whole thing will have been for nothin’,” Kelond added. “I agree with ya friend.”
The Warrior Prince (The Tragedy of King Viktor Book 2) Page 8
