The Ravens of Carrid Tower

by David c Black

  Dokra’s van and rear-guard had been completely destroyed, burning war and supply wagons cut the road in at least six places trapping panicking horses and men between raging flames. Citalley ordered relentless arrow fire from the trees, pushing the legionaries closer together wherever they could in an effort to find shelter from heat and projectiles. By his count, half of the war wagons had been destroyed. The others were trapped now on the track, surrounded by legionaries facing outwards with their shields raised gradually collecting more arrows. Occasionally a short sword would flash from inside the shield wall cutting the shafts away from their hardened steel bodkin points embedded in the warrior’s shields.

  “Our volleys are having less effect, highness.”

  “A little more and then we retreat. They won’t chase us today.”

  “No chance. Jaro will need to regroup and take stock of his losses. We won’t get another easy shot like this again though, sir.” The Captain said never taking his eyes away from the devastation in the forest below. Flaming arrows and bolt continued to fly through the air into the huddled ranks of legionaries, their steel helms and breastplates glowing from the blazes surrounding them.

  Liquid fire had slowly been making its way through a drainage channel. The chaos on the road ensured no one had noticed how close it had come to three large covered wagons, one of which had come off the track slightly, its wooden wheel sunk in the wet mud. The drivers had bolted and one robed man that looked like a priest lay face down in the mud, an arrow punched through his neck. The fire had reached the first wagon, igniting the wheel and its flame licked up towards the thick dark grey waxed covering. It caught quickly, the fabric curling at the sides, revealing an iron cage beneath and the snout of one the warlock’s fire drakes who until now, sheltered by darkness, had remained calm despite the screams and madness outside. When their curtain had burned away however, the beasts went berserk.

  The cages jumped a few inches in the air, held back by rope fastening connecting the iron bars to the wagon beds. The drakes smashed at their restraints harder as one wagon finally tipping over, the three drakes inside screeching with anger as they crashed into one another. Blue fire burst from the mouth of one, aimed directly at the ground inches away from the lizard creature’s face. The cage disappeared in a fireball and any of Dokra’s men who had escaped the blast, were now running for their lives.

  The fallen cage was the first to break apart, it’s already weakened bars half melted by the unleashing of the drake’s breath. The twisted metal door swung violently open and a creature jumped onto the burning wagon. It stretched out on its hind legs and screeched, paying no attention to the fire around it. The noise brought a chill to the chaos on the burning road and the soldiers took the break in the arrow fire to look up at the Drake. They saw an over-sized dog, easily larger than a human with thick scaled skin and two huge wings flapping slightly behind it. Another Drake appeared out of the smoke, turning it’s attention to the nearest group of legionaries. Flames shot from its mouth so quickly the soldiers barely had a chance to scream. Seeing the other cages start to break apart, the closest legionaries dropped their shields and ran as fast as they could into the forest. Seeing the lines disintegrate, the panic set in and the rest of the Naru army routed.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

  Ja Deist

  "You called us, sir?" Rill said knocking on the open door's frame. Canno hung back a few meters in the hallway still rolling his eyes and huffing from a conversation the pair had been having on their way to the 'Captain's house', which every single person in the city knew to be a command centre in all but name. The new heart of Ja Deist. Both could guess why they had been sent for and Canno wasn't happy about getting another hair brained assignment in the slightest. Neither was Rill for that matter, but he would never admit it. It was always them after all.

  The Captain sat back in his high-backed upholstered chair behind the large wooden writing desk. Beside him stood the monk. Both looked up at Rill, breaking the standoff between them in their own heated discussion.

  "Close the door." Kellick said, forcing himself to relax. The pair apprehensively stood in front of the desk while the monk walked to a leather sofa in the corner and took a seat.

  "Have we, er... done anything sir?" Canno asked noting both mens dour expressions.

  "No, nothing like that. I have a mission for you."

  Canno shot Rill a glance that for the briefest of moments, seeming to communicate a confirmation of some sort. It didn’t go unmissed by Kellick.

  Poor bastards, I lean on these two far too much perhaps. They're damned effective though.

  "I can assume that both of you are aware we are expecting trouble."

  "Aye." Rill said. "We know."

  "We all know." Canno continued. "The Shaa's coming, but you won't confirm it."

  "Can't confirm it, he means." Rill corrected.

  "Right, something like that anyway". Canno said almost apologetically. "…Sir"

  "And I can't hide it from you all either it seems."

  "Look at the city, it's..."

  "Yes well, it is 'can't' I’m afraid. At least until now. Mak and I have had good reasons for holding back the facts. If it was any other way we would have told you all weeks ago."

  "We understand." Rill said.

  "And you can all be commended for working without complaint. It's time to tell you both the truth though."

  "Us?"

  "Yes"

  "Why?"

  "Because when you get back it won't matter."

  "Where are we going?" Canno asked.

  "With Azon."

  The pair turned to look at the monk in the corner, who was staring absently at his hands apparently lost in thought. No one doubted that he had been listening to every word intently.

  "A moon or so ago Azon came to Mak and I and told us that Consul Jaro has been playing games in the desert."

  "We knew that already..."

  "Let me finish, ranger." Kellick said, cutting Canno off abruptly.

  "Sorry, sir" Canno apologised and shuffled his feet a little.

  "He has been dealing directly with the Shaa. Used us to oust the tribes, leaving the entire region for the horde. We can only speculate why, money most likely and some sort of blow to Galtus. He has lied to us about the 7th too.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “There is no 7th army.”

  “What? But sir, there were…”

  “No. It’s a just a shell of an army. A few officers and axillaries.”

  “God’s. That means…” Rill said.

  "Yes. I left Azon there to check who actually came to relieve us."

  "And the Shaa came?"

  "The biggest warband we have seen yet. Twenty or Thirty thousand maybe. Half of them behind the rabble were fit and healthy armoured men. Forged steel weapons.”

  "But..." Rill said with surprise.

  "Indeed. There is more. We believe the Shaa is going to betray whatever deal he has with Jaro."

  "And then attack us here?" Rill said again not in small part to himself. "We heard rumours, sir? Two hundred thousand. Is it true? By that count it's only..."

  "It is, Azon went back later of his own accord. They brought more. There may even be others that he left somewhere in the desert. Until they arrive at the walls we won't know for sure"

  "How did you know about this?" Canno asked, directing the question to Azon.

  "As the Captain said, I jumped there. I watched." The monk answered calmly trying not wince at the memories. What the monk had witnessed that day had corrupted something inside of him. Destroyed a belief that had unknowingly supported all others. A belief that it was never too late for a soul to be redeemed. That no matter how far someone steps into darkness, they could be brought back to the light. That every person has some good in them. The shattering of this pleasant illusion had since that time, brought a house of ideas down in the monk’s mind. He was angry. He was preparing himself to deliver his answer.
For if the hearts of these creatures had indeed been corrupted beyond salvation, then there is no limit to how much force he could morally use in their extermination. Nothing else would satisfy justice.

  "I mean, Jaro"

  "It doesn't matter now soldier. Cillius will be here in a bell or less." Kellick replied for him, knowing the monk would not answer this. "We believe his mission is to formalise arrangements with the Shaa, whatever they damned are. Mak said he travels with covered wagons. More than would be needed for supplies.”

  The two soldiers seemed lost for words.

  "The Shaa will try to kill Cillius, stealing whatever it is he has brought with him, then immediately march to war."

  "And us?"

  "You two are going with him."

  "What!? Sir?" Both soldiers protested together.

  "It's suicide." Canno added.

  "Don't worry, Azon is going with you too. The second the Shaa strikes he will jump with you out."

  "But sir, why us?"

  "Because I can rely on you. Both of you. You need to be ready when the time comes. If any mistakes are made Azon won't be able to protect you and I'll be damned if any of my soldiers are going to be left down there. With them…"

  "What about Cillius and his men?"

  "Any one Cillius brings with him is going to stay here in the city. We need every man. Only the four of you will go to parley"

  "I thought he could only take one or two?"

  "That is what the Captain and I were discussing when you came in." The monk said from the corner. "If we leave him there to die, we have proof that the Shaa has declared war before the strike on Ja Deist happens. It is the only warning that will register in Rand. We can finally start doing what we need to without the burden of secrecy and Mak can mobilise reinforcements earlier."

  "We can do the same with him alive, surely. He can testify.” Rill said.

  "He may lie. Obfuscate. Say it never happened. Try and negotiate. Cut a deal. Mak could be relieved, everyone here annihilated. They will be desperate, clawing at anything to cover up their mistakes and we have no time for that. We need the Assembly to act immediately."

  "Fine. Leave him. You may be right. I put nothing past that man. Jaro too. If there's a chance they will hold up our help, it's not worth it. The sooner reinforcements, the more likely it is that at least some of us will see the tower again.”

  "Agreed. If I jump back it should be to recover his half-devoured body. Dump it on the Assembly’s floor." Azon said.

  “That might not actually be a bad idea, Azon. If you want to jump back that is.”

  It’s a little dramatic granted, but will do the trick.

  "I don't understand. Why can't we tell them now? Mak could be here in two weeks?" Canno spoke up.

  "At the moment all of this is speculation in the Senators eyes. For nearly two cycles all they have heard from Jaro is that the desert is under control. We have no proof to claim otherwise. In any case who can we trust? Not the Assembly under Jaro, nor the army under Adderock. Our only option, as it has been since we were left here is to hold out for help as long as we can. When the warbands arrive though, there can be no spin, no cover up. The republic is under attack and they have to send help."

  "And Jaro is finished."

  "Exactly Rill. Mak has our forces in Rand at battle readiness. They will march the moment Azon jumps there with the news."

  “Bastard Senators.” Canno mumbled under his breath.

  “That they are. So, will you do it?”

  “Did we have a choice?”

  "Excellent. And no, I suppose you didn’t. When you get back I’ll have another job for you". Both Rangers anxiety edged into panic hearing that. "I'm going to promote you both to lieutenants. I want you each to take charge of a unit of citizens. We've given them some basic training over the last few weeks and they know how to hold a blade. You're going to teach them to get nasty. The Ranger way. Deadly. Failing that, do what you can to keep them alive for a few days."

  "We can do that" Canno said, suddenly more positive. "How many do we get?"

  "Two hundred each. Gall and Por will be given units too. You will be working in supporting roles with the Pikes from Rand.

  "Not the Ravens?"

  "No, for this battle you four are infantry officers. The Ravens are going to be on the roofs with the archers and any citizen left who can throw a rock. At least until we run out of ammunition."

  "And then?"

  "Hopefully you have the hordes pinned in the streets Canno and we can join you in the close work."

  "Sounds like a proper fight."

  "It's going to be, Rill. Whatever the outcome may be, this battle will be written in the histories."

  "Think we can do it, sir?"

  "We're going to smash them Canno. If we all do our part and the citizens hold their nerve we will show the world that numbers amount to nothing against the mailed fist of discipline and skill."

  "Aye, sir." Canno said. Kellick's words seeming to have the intended impact on the two soldiers.

  If only I believed it too.

  "Right, go and get your kit. The four of us meet outside the north-west gate in half a bell. Azon leave that cloak, as far as anyone is to know, you are a scout just like these two."

  The wagon chain halted on the road and Cillius trotted forward with a puzzled expression on his face.

  "Captain? I wasn't expecting a welcome party."

  "And you aren't getting one. More of a parting gift Cillius. These three are my finest men and will escort you South."

  "I have an escort already." The agent said coldly, looking to thirty or so armoured guards behind him.

  "They are staying here."

  "What? No, they aren't... how dare you give me orders, Captain. I am..."

  The Captain moved in a flash, so fast it took all outside the walls by surprise. Kellick grabbed the agent and almost lifting him off the ground, pulling him closer to his face and in a whisper said, "you will do exactly what you are told, Cillius!" Then pushed him away. The agent struggled to keep himself upright looking up at the officer towering above him. Some of Cillius' guards had instinctively reached for their swords. Seeing this Kellick shouted, "stand down!" In a tone that was not to be argued with. "You men work for me now. Go inside and report to lieutenant Rill. Cillius, you will go with these three immediately."

  "But... Captain, I..." The agent seemed lost for words, he had not been spoken to like this for cycles.

  "Now!" Kellick shouted at the cowering man.

  "I won't, not without my men". He protested. They both then looked at the soldiers who had already started moving towards the gated portcullis, none daring to regard the agent.

  They look pleased to part from your abrasive company too it seems.

  "You three take him and go now."

  "The wagons need to go too." Cillius managed to voice.

  “Ahh yes the wagons. I almost forgot. What’s in them?”

  “Supplies.”

  “Seems a lot for thirty men. You three, take a look.”

  “You… You can’t”

  “Shut up!”

  Canno, Rill and Azon began loosening the straps on the wagon covers and climbing up to inspect the beds.

  “Well?”

  “Weapons sir. Tower steel.” Rill shouted, having climbed into the back of one wagon and prised open the first wooden case he could reach.”

  “How much?”

  “There’s twelve swords in this case. Maybe fifty cases.”

  “Arming the enemy, Cillius?”

  “It’s a gift, from the Consul himself. I wouldn’t expect you to understand that soldier.” Cillius said regaining some composure. “And if you don’t want to get into even more trouble when he hears about this, I would tell your men to leave their dirty hands off them.”

  “Canno, what about yours?”

  “Nothing much in this one, does actually seem to be supplies. A few bags of grain.”

  “Azon?” />
  “Same. Empty.”

  “Why are you travelling with empty wagons, Cillius?”

  “It’s none of your business.”

  “As you wish.” He said nonchalantly before turning back to the three inspecting the wagons. “Leave the first wagon with the swords and get going. Azon, sit with Cillius in the front. You two take that one."

  “Captain! They are from the Consul, you have no right to…” Cillius protested loudly but was cut off when the back of Kellick’s hand slapped hard again the agents face.

  "Yes, sir." Rill said as Azon led the flustered agent back towards the wagon.

  Good luck and I’ll see you three later."

  Cillius's shock was plain. He had expected a different reception. All of his confidence, his cultivated arrogance was shattered. Withd now with a growing terror.

  "Three?" He said almost whimpering.

  "Goodbye, Cillius." The Captain said walking back towards the walls slowly. He didn’t look back either.

  Azon's right, he doesn't deserve to be saved. Time to address the city. And get started on the work out here.

  Canno whipped at the horses pulling his wagon, having lost all patience with both of them, constantly walking off course, stopping suddenly to piss and bucking out of their restrain'ts.

  I think the feeling’s mutual though, they try and bite him every chance they get. Rill thought sitting next to his friend on the bench.

  Azon’s wagon rode smoothly further down the dusty, but flat and reasonably decent condition desert road. Both Rill and Canno had battled with the reins for two full days, almost thankful to have finally reached the Shaa’s encampment. Cillius had said almost nothing since Kellick had manhandled him and searched the wagons. They saw the smoke from the camp before the first tent.

  “So we just… Go down there?” Cann asked uncertainly.

  “Yes.” said Azon, encouraging his horses down the road towards the tent city. “They have already seen us approaching and…” He looked at Cillius sceptically for a moment before continuing. ”A welcome party is waiting for us.”