A Kingdom Under Siege

by Jeffrey L. Kohanek

  Cassie looked at Ivy with a raised brow. “Does it ever bother you when he talks this way?”

  Ivy’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

  “Never mind.”

  Everson’s eyes brightened. “I’ve got it!”

  “What exactly do you have?” Ivy asked.

  “I know how we can test this new rune. Follow me.”

  He walked toward the open side of the stable yard and followed a trail of tracks that ran around the building.

  “That’s what we will use.”

  “Our snowman?” Ivy said.

  The thing Everson had indicated was made of snow, wide at the base and narrow at the top. It had sticks for arms, buttons for eyes, and a carrot for a nose.

  “Why did you make a man from snow?” Cassie asked as she stared at the odd-looking creation.

  “Because it’s fun.” Ivy sidled close to Everson and hooked her arm in his.

  “You haven’t built a snowman before?” Everson asked.

  “No,” Cassie shook he head. “I never even experienced snow before this winter, remember?”

  “Oh. Yeah.” Everson tugged Ivy forward and the two walked toward the snowman. “Growing up in Cinti Mor, we used to build one every winter. Quinn would often name them, as if each had its own personality.”

  “I used to do the same in Selbin,” Ivy added. “Except for naming them. I never thought to do that.”

  They stopped in front of it, all three looking at the misshapen man made from snow. Everson produced a charcoal stick from his pocket and began to draw a symbol on the snowman. When finished, he handed the coal to Cassie.

  “Draw your new rune right here.” He tapped a blank spot above his rune.

  Cassie did so, closing her eyes twice as she recalled the symbol. Getting it wrong would be disaster, but at least it would be outside where little harm would follow. She stood back and handed the coal to Everson.

  “Let’s back up and stand beside the stable,” Everson said. “Then, you can charge both runes. Just be sure to charge mine first.”

  The trio retreated and stood in the shadow of the stable with their backs to it. Cassie closed her eyes, embraced Chaos, and drew it in. Raw power surged through her, filling her with life – too much life. She opened her eyes and released a portion of it into the Animate rune before channeling the rest into the new rune. In turn, each rune glowed, pulsed, and faded.

  The snowman began to shake, the base breaking apart to form legs made of snow. It stood, the stick arms moving and flexing. And then, it disappeared.

  “Where did it go?” Cassie spun around, searching for the snowman.

  Something white flashed in her peripheral vision, but when Cassie turned toward it, nothing was there. She turned again and saw it in the edge of her vision, this time closer, but it was again gone when she turned and looked directly where she thought she saw it.

  Furrows appeared in the snow beside her and she gasped. Tentatively, she reached out and felt the snowman, but she couldn’t see it. Everson and Ivy were both wide-eyed. Again, a faint white shape hovered at the edge of her vision, right over the tracks.

  “The thing is right here beside me,” Cassie said. “Odd, but I can’t see it unless I look away.”

  Everson turned his head and grunted. “You’re right.” He reached his arm across Cassie and patted the near invisible snowman. “I can feel it and see a shadow of it in my peripheral vision.” He turned toward it. “But when I stare directly at it…nothing.”

  “I did it,” Cassie smiled. “I discovered another rune. We should go in so I can draw it for you. We will need to record it with the others.” Her grin stretched. “I can’t wait to share this with Brandt.”

  “There is one thing you are forgetting,” Ivy said.

  “What’s that?”

  “You animated the snowman. The thing is going to follow you around like a pet until the augmentation fades.”

  Everson chuckled. “This should be interesting. I wonder how long it will take to melt once we are inside.”

  After recording the new rune on paper and helping Everson and Ivy mop up the melted remains of the snowman, Cassie left the study and climbed the stairs while imagining how the new Stealth augmentation might be used.

  Magic-enhanced stealth would be an incredible tool for an espion like her brother. She considered reaching out to him but recalled his current mission and decided to wait.

  She reached the fifth floor and followed the corridor to her apartment. Using the key she kept on a cord around her neck, she unlocked the door, stepped inside, and closed it.

  “I was wondering when you would return.”

  Cassie gasped in alarm. She spun around to find Master Firellus seated on her sofa. As usual, the man was dressed in clothing of one color – his tunic, trousers, and cloak all black. Unlike the dream, the gray had returned to his hair and the wrinkles to his face.

  “Master Firellus. I…I wasn’t expecting you. How did you get in?”

  “I did not pick the lock, if that’s what you think.” He reached into his pocket and produced a gold key, eyeing it as he spun the key around. “Some of us have keys that open every door in the Ward.” He repocketed the key. “Of course, we did not give one to Master Garber.” A grimace crossed his face. “Delvin wouldn’t use a key anyway. The man prefers to use other means of entry and sees it as some sort of challenge.”

  Cassie’s brow furrowed. She crossed the room and sat across from him. “You don’t like Delvin much, do you?”

  He snorted. “I don’t need to like him. Delvin has a role, as do I. So long as he plays his part, we will continue to work together as required.” The grimace returned. “I just wish I knew where he went off to this time.”

  The mention of Delvin disappearing caused Cassie to reflect on her encounter with him in the kitchen. She had not seen him since that night.

  “Never mind, Master Garber.” Elias leaned forward. “I am here to speak with you.”

  Cassie swallowed and looked away, trying to find something to focus on beside the intimidating man who sat across from her. Her gaze settled on the Ratio Bellicus table between them.

  “What about, Sir?”

  “Have you been abusing your abilities?”

  “Abusing? What abilities? If you refer to Infusing a living thing, I would never…”

  “I refer to your ability to visit the dreams of others.”

  He knows. “Well, I don’t know how to improve my skill without actually entering the dream realm.”

  “Did you visit my dream two nights back?”

  “I…I’m sorry if I did something wrong.”

  He sat back, but she continued to look at the table, refusing to meet his glare. “The past is the past, Cassie. What’s done is done, both for you and for me.” Something in the man’s tone changed, ringing of regret. “I have made many poor choices in my life – more than good ones. I am doing my best to rectify that imbalance. You must know this.”

  She met his eyes with a frown. “I don’t understand. What was that place?”

  “It was a place of horrors – a past I wish to forget but cannot. The man in the dream, he is not me.” Anger returned to his voice as it rose in volume. “I have changed and am no longer that man!”

  Cassie jumped at the outburst, her gaze meeting his. She gasped. “Elias. Your eyes…”

  His eyes were red, but not his irises as was normal when someone held Chaos. Only his pupils glowed, as if something burned deep inside them.

  “What?” he said, alarmed.

  “They…they are red.”

  He closed them, his body shaking as he took long, deep breaths. After a moment, he opened them and the red glow was gone.

  “Since you have a hint of my past, it will do little harm for you to know the rest.” He held his hand toward her. “You must heal me, Cassie. It has been too long, and I may not control it long enough to see Master Alridge.”

  Cassie looked at his hand. “What am
I healing, Sir?”

  “You must heal the Chaos trapped inside my body before it claims me again.”

  20

  Respect

  The rain persisted. At first, the patter of the drops striking his metal helmet had irritated Iko. Hours later, he had grown used to the noise, and he now only longed to shed his armor for dry clothing.

  As he had grown numb to the falling rain, he had also lost himself to the rhythm of his galloping horse. A column of five hundred cavalry trailed him – men he did not know.

  Many of Commander Korbath’s soldiers had experience. Those who didn’t had been training down in Sol Gier for months. Before leaving Sol Polis, Iko had briefly met with Korbath on two different occasions, during visits with Captain Sculdin. Iko had the distinct impression that Korbath only abided his presence because of Sculdin’s orders. The nature of their conversations since their morning departure only reinforced the feeling. When interacting with Iko, Korbath would bite off each word as if even speaking to Iko were beneath him.

  Iko’s gaze shifted past Korbath, toward the sea to the west. Whitecaps were plentiful along the rough water, stirred by the storm. Moored vessels lined the docks, rolling as if they were far out at sea. With the rain and failing light, it was difficult to see much beyond the harbor.

  Just east of the road was Yarth’s western wall. The ramparts were barren save the guard towers at the corners and over the gates along the north and south walls. Puddles dotted the gravel road they traveled, some areas thick with mud. Iko did his best to guide his steed around the worst of it, yet his backside was covered in mud splatter. He suspected that the riders at the rear of the column had the worst of it.

  After circling the walled city of Yarth, they turned and followed a road into the forest. With the trees hugging the road and the gray skies turning black, visibility became an issue, so the riders slowed to a trot.

  The trees soon parted and the wooden palisades of the Yarth Garrison came into view. As the cavalry drew close, guards with pikes formed ranks three rows deep to block the gate. A tower stood to each side of the gate and archers waited atop each platform, watching the approaching cavalry with bows ready.

  When Korbath raised a hand and slowed his horse to a stop, Iko did likewise. He looked back at the trail of riders dressed in blue tabards, their weapons sheathed. Iko gazed down at his own armor. The metal plates over brown leather made him feel out of place, the odd man out among the unit. Like Korbath’s, the strip of white plumes on his helmet marked Iko as an officer. An officer without soldiers to lead, Iko thought. What is my role, Sculdin? The man’s response echoed in Iko’s head. Your rank will force others to listen. You are smart, have training, and might offer insight that will save lives. Besides, when the fighting begins and action is required, I know you will do what must be done. That includes stepping in, should another officer fall.

  “Ho!” Korbath shouted, removed his helmet, and shook his head. Dark curls from his shoulder-length hair clung to his forehead, his mouth and goatee drawn into a frown. “I am Commander Korbath, leader of the Sol Gier cavalry unit. We have come with orders from General Kardan.”

  A woman stepped forward, staring at Korbath as she approached. “It is you, Korbath.”

  “Sergeant Halle,” Korbath nodded. “How are things at the garrison?”

  “Restless.” She shook her head. “Your arrival wouldn’t by chance indicate a change in plans?”

  “Sorry, Sergeant. That news is for Captain Rorrick to share.”

  Halle sighed, “I thought you might respond that way, but I would like to know if I should prepare my squads for a march.”

  “Would you mind having them move aside? The ride from Sol Polis has been unpleasant. Food, shelter, and a bed would be most welcome once I have met with Rorrick.”

  “As you wish.” She turned toward the pikemen and issued orders. “Move aside. Let the commander and his troops through!”

  The pikemen split down the middle, half moving to each side of the road.

  “Thank you, Sergeant,” Korbath nudged his horse into a walk. More quietly, he added, “If you have anything to address here, I would do it now. Your stay at the garrison is nearing an end.”

  Halle smiled, “Thank you, Commander.”

  Iko and the other cavalry followed Korbath through the gate. Inside, Iko spotted a row of buildings along the wall to his right and hundreds of tents to his left. The tents were arranged in clusters and grouped by color. In the center was a field of mud, littered with footprints. Soldiers moved about in squads, many with hooded cloaks shielding them from the weather. Wagons rolled about, following gravel roads that encircled the camp. The garrison felt something like a city – a temporary, primitive city. He had known that thousands were stationed within the garrison walls, but the truth did not strike him until he witnessed it himself.

  Following a road down the center of the garrison, they headed toward the first building – a structure hundreds of feet long and half as deep with a peaked roof running its length. With Korbath at his side and the cavalry unit at his back, Iko rode through an open barn door. Blessedly, the patter of rain fell away. Dry. It will be nice to dry off.

  He pulled his helmet away and shook the water from his hair. Four stable hands sat on hay bales just inside the entrance, rolling dice beside a glowlamp. The four men looked up, their eyes widening before they scrambled to their feet and stood ready.

  “Take care of our horses.” Korbath said as he dismounted. “They need food and water, but should remain saddled. We will be leaving soon. Where can I find Captain Rorrick?”

  The commander handed the reins to a man who replied, “Rorrick is in the officer quarters, three buildings down. Look for the building with the flag posted beside it.”

  “What about the mess hall?”

  “It’s the big building in the middle. Just look for the green doors.”

  Korbath nodded and turned to his cavalrymen, who were still dismounting. He raised his voice for all to hear. “You heard the man. Head to the mess hall and eat. I will report to Rorrick and inquire about lodging for the night. Don’t drink too much or stay up too late. Tomorrow will be a long day.” The commander then waved toward Iko. “Come along, kid.”

  Iko frowned at Korbath’s back as he walked out, into the rain. I knew it. He doesn’t respect me. A sigh slipped out as he followed Korbath, hoping he wouldn’t face the same issue with Rorrick.

  They crossed the open grounds and passed another building. With each step, Iko felt the ground squishing beneath his boots. He thought of the tents and expected they would remain a mess once packed, the mud carried to another location for the next camp. A building with a flagpole beside it came into view, the flag at the top white and blue. Iko followed Korbath to the front door. There, they both did their best to stomp off the mud on the porch before entering.

  A buzz of conversation and the aroma of mutton greeted them, the latter causing Iko’s mouth to water. Since breakfast, he had eaten nothing but trail rations. Warm, dry conditions and a hot meal would be most welcome. But first, they had to find Rorrick. He scanned the surroundings, searching for the man as described by Sculdin.

  The building interior was lit by glowlamp sconces mounted along the walls and on posts that ran down the middle. A grid of thick beams hovered over the room, the beams casting shadows across the vaulted ceiling. Four long tables occupied the space, the tables filled with men and women dressed in a variety of armor. At the end of the farthest table, Iko spotted a middle-aged man, his head shaved clean, his beard thick and brown and curly. The man wore a uniform identical to Sculdin’s.

  Iko leaned close to Korbath, “Is that Rorrick?”

  “Yes.” Korbath headed toward Rorrick with his helmet still beneath his arm. When he reached the captain, he stood at attention and thumped his chest. “Captain Rorrick. Commander Korbath of the Sol Gier Cavalry reporting.”

  Rorrick sat back, his gaze shifting from Korbath to Iko and back, “Welcome
to my garrison, Commander. Would you like to join us for dinner?”

  “Very much, so, Captain. However, General Kardan requested that I brief you immediately upon arrival.”

  Rorrick’s face turned to a scowl, but he stood and nodded anyway. “I should have known. Duty often toys with my stomach, sometimes forgetting it altogether. Follow me.”

  Iko studied Rorrick as the man led them toward a door at the side of the room. Six feet tall with square shoulders, a barrel chest, and a confident gait, the man was the image of the quintessential soldier. With lines on his forehead and near his eyes, he was older than Sculdin, but younger than Kardan. I bet he was in the Holy Army, Iko thought.

  Rorrick led them into a small room, holding the door until Iko and Korbath were inside. A table along one wall, a desk in the middle, and four chairs were the only furnishings. Orange coals lingered in the small fireplace at the side of the room, offering warmth.

  “Now,” Rorrick said as he circled the desk and sat. “What is this about?”

  Korbath reached into the satchel on his hip and withdrew a piece of folded paper. “We departed from Sol Polis this morning with orders from General Kardan.” The commander handed the paper to Rorrick, who examined the seal.

  “This may take a minute.” Rorrick said as he broke the seal. “You may sit if you like.”

  “If it’s all the same, Sir,” Iko said. “We’ve been in the saddle all day and standing is a welcome change.”

  The man unfolded the note and nodded. “Suit yourself.”

  Iko noticed Korbath watching Rorrick intently. I’m sure he would like to read it himself, Iko thought. The commander knew the army was ordered to march, but that was only one aspect of the message in Rorrick’s hands. Iko knew the entirety of what the letter contained. Kardan had forced him to memorize every word should something happen to Korbath or the letter.

  Once finished, Rorrick stood, approached the fireplace, and began stirring coals with a poker. He then tossed the message in and watched it burn.