The Dark Disciple (The Daybreak Saga Book 2)

by Dan Neil

  Myrddin nodded. “Keia has many friends and family in Genievon. Many bonds are not easily broken, and one’s home is not easy to leave behind forever. Plus, she does not yet trust herself to lead.”

  “Perhaps, then, she may never require our services at all?”

  “That is a possibility, though I do not see it as likely.”

  Pierre paced and pondered this.

  “Suppose, then, wizard, I took your payment, and the girl’s need for an army never materialized—what, then, would I do with said payment?” he asked.

  “Keep it.”

  “Keep payment for work undone?”

  Myrddin nodded. “It is entirely up to Keia whether she ever requires you or not. If the day ever comes when she does, I’d prefer you to be ready.”

  “When the day comes, I will be—perhaps then would be a better time. Future obligations—debts to be paid at any time—could interfere with other contracts with people who knew the details of the work they needed done.”

  “We do not know the when—”

  “Do you know the who?”

  Myrddin tucked his hands into the sleeves of his robe. “Of that, there is a clearer picture: The Church of Ashuram in the north, as well as Nialarix—and likely King Symon.”

  One of Pierre’s eyebrows raised. “Likely? You don’t know for sure?”

  Myrddin’s eyes fell sadly for a moment as he spoke. “I raised the king since he was a boy. He won’t relinquish his power for anything or anyone—not at this point. If he feels Lady Rhiannon is threatening his reign, he will retaliate.”

  “I see. And is that the scope of the enemies she faces?”

  A deep frown came over the wizard’s face. “I’m afraid not. Enemies wait around every corner. I cannot name all those who will oppose her.”

  Pierre turned his back to them. “I see. I’m assuming that since you can’t tell me who in totality we’ll be fighting, nor when we will be fighting, that neither can you tell me where these supposed battles may take place?”

  “No, I’m afraid not.”

  “Hmm.” Pierre gave a slight nod. “You’ve got guts, wizard; I’ll give you that. However, this—I’ve never heard of a job like this. Ordinarily, the one hiring has some indication of where and when we will be going, what we will be doing, and who we will be taking action against. It’s rather unusual.”

  “These are unusual times, are they not?”

  Axl frowned. Just like every other time.

  After a sharp inhale, Pierre said in a low, stern voice, “I suppose they are. Not so unusual, though, that I’d bet the lives of my guild members on a fledgling rebellion against two of the most powerful forces on the continent—and a third most ancient and cruel. I am sorry, wizard, but you will not find the ally you seek here at this time.”

  Myrddin nodded, almost as if expecting this answer sooner or later. “I understand. Thank you for having us.”

  Axl shook his head. We can’t just walk away like this.

  Turning back for a moment, Pierre met the wizard’s eyes. “It was my pleasure. I do wish you luck on your travels, wizard. And beware of the king’s wrath—he doesn’t take kindly to treason.”

  “No, he does not. I wish you luck as well. Perhaps when the time is right, I will return.”

  The wizard flicked his wrist and opened a portal. Axl stared at it.

  This guy was the only one who was actually considering it—the only one we had a shot with. We can’t just leave now.

  His hands clenched into fists. He turned and said, “Wait!”

  Myrddin turned faster than Pierre, shocked to hear Axl’s intervention. The leader of the Spellcasters’ Guild still had his back turned but stopped to listen.

  The words were erupting from Axl’s lips. “I can’t tell you Keia will be some incredible mage or an amazing general. I can’t tell you whether the fight before her is winnable. You said you wanted to do work that matters. I’m—I’m not going to lie to you. You probably know all about how shite a person I am; so, I’m not going to pretend I know what’s right. But I can tell you that if there is one person who does know what the right thing is, one person worth following in this whole, fucked up world, it’s her. If you really want to make the world a better place and make a difference—well, so does she. Keia has the heart of a hero.”

  Pierre turned and met Axl’s eyes. The guild leader seemed impressed with whatever he saw, stifling another chuckle. “Quite an impassioned speech. Do come back when she’s ready.”

  With that, Pierre Montfrey and his guards exited the courtyard and sealed the door behind them. Axl’s mouth hung open. Myrddin was smiling.

  The young woman who showed them inside asked, “Will you two be needing a way out?”

  In a notably lighter tone, the wizard replied, “No, that will not be necessary.”

  He cast another portal. This time, Axl shuffled through, his shoulders slumped in defeat.

  I tried. At least I tried.

  Axl sighed and met the wizard’s eyes. “All right, gramps. Where to, next?”

  Myrddin let out a deep breath and sat down. “I’d actually like to take a break, if you don’t mind.”

  Axl shrugged and sat beside the wizard. Myrddin pointed his wand and grabbed a few branches off the nearby trees, arranging them in a few rolls of kindling. He then started a fire and began roasting some spell meat.

  A coy smile crept over Myrddin’s face as he said, “You seem a bit down—partner.”

  Axl stared at the fire. “He seemed more receptive than the others.”

  “Yes, he did hear us out, at least.”

  After releasing a deep sigh, Axl said, “I just wish one person would see what we see, you know?”

  “It can certainly be frustrating.”

  Myrddin handed Axl dinner, once it was cooked, and they devoured it. When they were finished, the wizard said, “Now, there are a few matters we must discuss.”

  Axl was immediately suspicious. What the hell does he want to talk about?

  “Oh? Actually letting me in on things?”

  Myrddin’s eyes sparked to life. “Something like that. I must say that I rather liked your speech.”

  Axl stared at the ground. “Yeah, I’d have liked it too, if it had worked.”

  The wizard replied, “You certainly convinced me.”

  “You’re not the one I was trying to convince.”

  “No, not that. You convinced me of where your loyalties lie.”

  Raising his head to meet Myrddin’s eyes, Axl said, “What the fuck does that mean? You were still doubting me?”

  Eyes glowing with amusement, the wizard said, “You have a history of self-serving behavior.”

  Axl opened his mouth to respond but thought better of it.

  Yeah, he’s right on that one.

  The wizard continued, “It was enough for me, and it will satisfy the Order, as well. Axl Evander—I, Myrddin, founder of Inheritance Order, would like to formally invite you to join our ranks. Joining our order means striving to serve Lady Rhiannon in any way she sees fit.”

  Axl’s eyes gradually widened as Myrddin spoke. He didn’t believe it at first. There was no way that the Inheritance Order wanted a criminal like him in their ranks—no way.

  Silence hung over them as Axl waited for Myrddin to reveal he was joking, or for him to laugh. Instead, the wizard awaited an answer.

  Axl coughed. “Wha-wait, really?”

  “Yes, really.”

  “I’m—what? I’m not a good person, Myrddin. Shouldn’t someone better do this?”

  The wizard shrugged. “As you know, we are not exactly in a position to turn any willing soul away. And besides—I have used the Order as a means to atone for a great many sins accrued over a long life. I believe you can do the same.”

  “This is cra
zy. This is crazy, right? I mean, I’m—I’m a smuggler. An arms dealer.”

  Myrddin met his eyes. “You were. Now you could be more.”

  Axl’s eyes once more fell to the ground, rubbing his cheek in disbelief. A short while ago, he’d accepted death; now, he was more alive than ever, with a second chance.

  He smiled. “I accept your offer. I swear, I will never smuggle spells or steal again. That life is behind me. From this point forward, I’ll be whoever Keia needs me to be.”

  Amusement still shone on Myrddin’s face. “That is a rather noble thought.”

  “Thank you. I must say, it feels good to be on the right path for the first time—to know that life is behind me.”

  Bobbing his head, the wizard said, “Well, perhaps not entirely yet. The Order has historically had problems with acquiring and transporting supplies to prepare for the coming war. Given your unique skillset…”

  The wizard gestured, as if Axl should already know the next words. His eyes narrowed. Oh, this motherfucker.

  Axl finished his sentence. “You need me to steal shite for the Order and get it where it needs to be.”

  “We can call you a ‘logistics expert’ if it makes you feel any better.”

  Axl snorted, mostly in surprise. “You know what, gramps, it kind of does.”

  “Excellent. Of course, given your capabilities in combat, we’ll likely also use you as a warrior. In fact, that may be all we require for the foreseeable future. Is this acceptable?”

  Axl nodded. “At least this time, I’ll be fighting for a good reason.”

  The wizard stood. “Very good. Now, then—I’m afraid I have other business to attend to.”

  “What? You’re just leaving me here?”

  Readying his wand, Myrddin replied, “You’ll be safe.”

  “I thought there was work to do!”

  “There is, and I do wish there were time to get you started. Unfortunately, time is short, and I have a meeting to attend,” the wizard said.

  Narrowing his eyes, Axl asked, “A meeting? Why am I not coming with?”

  “This one I must attend alone.”

  Axl’s forehead scrunched up in thought. “You’re not meeting a potential ally.”

  Myrddin’s face turned dark. “No, most likely not.”

  “Who, then? If you don’t want to talk about it…”

  “It’s fine. I’m going to meet with a former student of mine who strayed from her path.”

  Axl crossed his arms. “Using the Order’s time for personal business, eh?”

  “Oh, you’ve barely been a member for five minutes. I have some seniority on you, you know.”

  Axl nodded. “I get it, old man. You blame yourself. Now you can’t move on until you know for sure.”

  Myrddin’s eyes were rife with sorrow. “I know there is light in her still. That light she had—I remember it, even now. It cannot be buried under the person she’s become, whoever that is.”

  “Have you heard anything about who she might have become?”

  The wizard’s eyes trailed off to the horizon, staring with a distant gleam. His shoulders slumped as he said, “Several things.”

  Axl raised his hands. “Well, I can’t exactly stop you, I guess. I really hope you know what you’re doing—but it sounds like Keia probably needs your help more than her.”

  Myrddin tugged at his beard as he considered this. “Yes, you’re probably right.”

  Axl gave a half-smile. There was no convincing the wizard off his course.

  “Travel safe, gramps.”

  “Yes. I will be in contact with you shortly.”

  With that, Myrddin left Axl by the fire. The former leader of Arcane Veil leaned back, stretching his back out.

  Inheritance Order…

  He laughed, slowly at first, then faster.

  Maybe this is how I can pay her back for everything I put her through.

  Axl closed his eyes and took in another gulp of the fresh air as night settled. Perhaps there was hope for an outlaw like him after all.

  Chapter 38

  Preparation

  Day 12 of the Season of Life, 1020 YAR

  After a long day’s march, Scipion’s army finally arrived at the River Leiesna. Bottleneck Pass was now a short journey east. The soldiers were permitted to take a break before the march resumed.

  Many were nervous. Others steeled themselves, familiar with war. A few stayed silent. Scipion wondered what they were thinking as they crammed as much enjoyment out of their break as possible.

  The march resumed, but the impending battle hung over everyone’s heads. Even the Valkhars were stoic as they marched along the river toward Bottleneck Pass.

  As soon as we get there, I’ll have the land surveyed as well as possible. I’ll have to tell Echo to recall all scouts—except a forward party looking for Anton’s forces, of course.

  Matalo, true to his word, abstained from drink during the journey and was more serious than usual. Scipion liked the intensity; he hoped it influenced the other soldiers. Zel Ilear had a calm but steeled air about her as she led the cavalry. Zel Daved kept one hand on the hilt of his sword as he walked, while Zel Yano carried his sword on his shoulder, sheath and all.

  Scipion’s heart skipped a beat as he looked back and saw the multitudes of soldiers following him. If I’ve made a mistake, they’ll all die because of me.

  Scipion purged such thoughts from his mind as the day went on; he had done his research. There was no need to second-guess his plan. The mages went about their work and ensured a fast pace of travel as Echo kept informing the Scorpion Knight of enemy movements nearby.

  He would appear and say, “The other team has returned. Anton Day rushes south ever faster.” Or he would remark, “He stopped to raid a village for food but did not bother to kill all the commoners. He is in a hurry, it seems.”

  Scipion welcomed all of this news. Everything was converging.

  By the time evening fell, the Oathsworn arrived at Bottleneck Pass with time to spare—days to spare, if the scouts were to be believed. This was good to know, and Scipion sent out patrols and allowed his soldiers to rest for the night before they got to work fortifying their position.

  The next day Mathieu directed his mages in lifting stones from the earth to assemble a fortification, leaving a narrow entrance in the center. They built the walls some fifteen feet high, with raised platforms for the archers. Scipion was impressed by the mages’ ability to craft defensive works on such short notice.

  The Valkhars gathered wood from the forest lining the River Leiesna. The mages lifted the wood back to camp. They then sharpened the logs and planted them into the ground. Scipion directed them to leave a narrow opening.

  All of this will help mitigate their numbers.

  Scipion was pleasantly surprised at the short amount of time it all took. After their work was done, the mages were sent to the trees to lie in wait for Anton’s arrival. As night fell, several more scouts arrived and told Echo of Anton Day’s arrival within two days.

  Two days. Scipion pondered the news as he met with Echo.

  Echo shifted in his seat. “It’s not a lot of time, I know.”

  “It’s more than I expected. We’ve never had a lot of time, have we?”

  “I suppose not.”

  Scipion leaned back. “How quickly can we recall all your scouts in the field?”

  “Three days at most—the bulk of them could be home before Anton for sure if I sent out the order to ride through the night.”

  “Good. Send that order, then. I have a feeling we’ll need as many of them as we can get. We can send out cavalry patrols—screens to make sure we know when Anton’s close,” Scipion said.

  Echo nodded. “That may be wiser than traditional foot scouting in this case.”

  �
��Agreed. We shouldn’t put lives at risk. Every scout down is a soldier lost.”

  “I’ll see to it that they’re given the orders. Hopefully, they’ll be able to rest before the battle.”

  Scipion hoped so, too, but wasn’t hopeful. “If we have time. Most of your soldiers are archers, if I recall?”

  “Yes.”

  Nodding, he said, “That’s perfect. As long as our line holds, they won’t have to fight in close quarters. We’ll have them pinned. If all goes according to plan, it should be just like target practice.”

  Echo gave a curt half-grin and said, “Very good. Anything else, commander?”

  “No, I think that’ll be all. Thank you.”

  As Echo left, Zel Ilear entered. “Hope the plan hasn’t changed too much. My riders like nothing more than hunting down other riders.”

  Scipion smiled. “No, nothing has changed as of yet. You’ll still be drawing away their cavalry and driving them off the field. Once they’re gone, you’ll pin the enemies down from behind. Trap them against our walls.”

  Sitting and leaning back, she asked, “You know what kind of horses they’re on?”

  “Any they can find. It’s Anton’s group; far as I know, he was harvesting in the west, if that tells you anything.”

  Zel Ilear smiled. “That’s more than enough. Means they’re probably using Bafana breeds, eh?”

  “I’d imagine so.”

  “Good. If that’s true, that’s good. They’re bigger horses than the Northern Plains breed—like Soul and Eritar.”

  Scipion’s eyebrow rose. “You seem happy about their horses being larger.”

  Her eyes burning with passion, the Valkhar replied, “Of course. Northern plains horses are lighter and more nimble. We can draw them away, tire them out, and then fall upon their riders. May even be able to get us a couple bruisers out of it if they don’t spook and run.”

  A smile took over his lips. “I’m reassured by your confidence. Once they are defeated, it’ll be a simple matter to flank the enemy. You’ll be the dagger in Anton Day’s heart—or at least the heart of his army.”

  “Where will you be?”

  Rubbing his chin, Scipion said, “I have not decided my own role yet—I’ll either be joining you in the cavalry or amongst the heavy infantry on the front lines of the fortifications. Fear not—if I join the cavalry, I’ll not step on your command.”