by Jon Bender
The others moved to their horses and Jaxom approached his risen mare. The boy had just finished setting the bit into its mouth, a completely unnecessary piece of equipment. Jaxom did not need the small metal piece to control the animal, but the reins would help to keep him secure on its back.
“She wasn’t any trouble was she?” Jaxom asked already knowing the answer.
“No magus, she just stands there unless I lead her. She won’t move for anyone else,” the boy replied.
Of course, he had left the mare with instruction to do as the boy wanted, the horse would not do so for anyone else besides Jaxom. He could see that it had been brushed down well which had probably taken a good amount of courage from the boy. Untying his money pouch, Jaxom fished a silver out and flipped it to the boy who caught the coin and looked from his hand to Jaxom and back again. It was probably more then he earned in a month. Stuffing the pouch into a saddlebag for safekeeping he climbed into the saddle. Guiding the horse with a thought he led the way out through the stable gates, his small band following behind in single file.
They traveled away from the palace into the main part of the city where the streets were busy with pedestrians going about their business. Women moved about carrying groceries while men working as laborers carried boxes to different store fronts. Nobles wearing finer clothes rode along taking no notice of the commoners around them, and people selling wares from small carts called out their goods to those passing by. Throughout it all Jaxom could feel a tension in the air, everyone knew by now that a war was coming, but what else could they do besides wait for it and go about their lives.
Riding by a brothel, women dressed in scandalous clothing called out to them inviting them to come have a good time. Brenin waved to one of the women and smiled broadly, who in return winked and blew him a kiss. Cribble rode up beside the young man giving him a slap on the back of the head. The message was clear, men of the Guard do not portray themselves in such a manner, even if they could when not in uniform. During the ride Jaxom would receive stares at his passing, and mothers would secretly point to him and whisper to their children. Reaching the gate they passed a column of soldiers and wagons carrying supplies into the city. These men were not as well trained as the city guard but they made up the bulk of the kingdom’s fighting force. Once through the iron portcullis Jaxom slowed so the others could all ride abreast on the road.
“So where are we heading?” Cribble asked.
“North,” Jaxom said knowing that it was not a very precise destination and the reason why he had not mentioned it before.
“North? Where north?” Cribble said wanting just that.
“I don’t know for sure. I just know that the shades came from the north in the Teriken Forest.”
“Great, we are looking for a deadly enemy who can do goddess knows what, who come from a cursed forest which no one goes into with just the five of us, and you say north. I am glad I had my will scribed before we left,” Cribble said.
“Did you think it would be easy? We have to find a town near the forest and ask around to see if anyone has seen or heard anything. We will go from there,” Jaxom said. He could not be angry with the man, Cribble was right in everything he said but that did not mean they had a choice.
“I know of a town like that,” Da’san said. “The area is considered a part of Ale’adaria on maps, but with so few people living there they do not ever see tax collectors or soldiers.”
“How do you know that?” Jaxom asked.
“I have traveled much to bring the word of the Goddess to others. It is a town I have visited in the past, but I would not expect a warm welcome from them. They do not trust outsiders and do not think much of Ale’adarian soldiers,” Da’san said.
“We are not soldiers we are Guardsmen, and why don’t think much of us?” Brenin asked.
“You are all apart of Ale’adaria to them and they won’t see a difference. Patrols rarely ever go that for north if at all, so they are left to fend for themselves against bandits.” Da’san replied.
“Then it is a good a place to start as any,” Jaxom said, not having any better ideas himself he was grateful the priest had agreed to come along. If Da’san had traveled as much as he said that knowledge may be useful later on.
“Well if the direction does not really matter then there is a small Inn that traders on the road use. We can be there after dark,” Cribble said seeming to perk up. Jaxom nodded his assent and the small group made their way down the road, all unsure of what they were heading for.
Chapter 7
It had been a day since Jaxom left and Celia had spent that time with Nelix going over the plans for slowing the enemy advance. Her father’s men or her men now, would be arriving from her families holding today. They were the last to arrive, after which the entire force of a thousand cavalry would move south the day after. The plan was simple as Nelix kept insisting were best in battle, they would harry the scout units and baggage train or any other weak spot that could be found. Never engaging in any fight they could not easily win, retreating at the first sign of the situation turning against them.
Even though she had never let it show to Corin or Jaxom, she was still feeling unsure of her ability to lead men into a fight. She had not lied when she told them that her father had been teaching her to do so. What she had left out though was that it had not been the formal training all young lords would receive. Her father had taught her battle tactics as a hobby and she had learned her skill of the sword from a retired instructor that had worked for him training his men. He had indulged his daughter in letting her learn, all the while still hoping that she would marry. Celia loved her father but she had no intention of settling down to raise children, at least not anytime soon. There was also the fact that the young nobles who had perused her hand over the years had all been pompous and arrogant. She had sent word to her father Lord Andel, brother of Corin’s mother, that the King needed men for the coming war. Also saying that the king recognized his failing health and would not ask that he himself march to the call. That last part would hurt her father’s pride deeply but it was the truth. Her taking command of the men had been the only way for her to keep him from the field.
A knock at the door brought her out of her reflections. Standing from the chair near the window where she had been sitting, she opened the door to find a man she had known much of her life standing in the hall. Graydon had served as her father’s master of arms for more than fifteen years, and had been the one who showed her how to use a sword. He was average height and build but deadly with any weapon placed in his hands. Always being a trusted friend since her childhood she would need his help if she was going to pull this off.
“Hello Lady Celia,” Graydon said bowing slightly forward. She threw her arms around the man giving him a hug which he returned with as much strength.
“I am so glad you are here. I have much to tell you,” she said. After inviting him in she had him sit and poured wine for both of them. She then began recounting what had happened over the past few days involving Jaxom and the Shades, the impending war, and finally her deception to both Corin and her father. The man leaned back whistling through his teeth after she had finished her tale.
“That’s quite the story, but I am not sure how I feel about lying to your father and the King,” he said running a hand through his short salt and pepper hair.
“I can handle them if they find out, which I am sure they will at some point. You have to understand that my father will not survive a war in his condition,” she said. Her father had been having problems with breathing for the past two years, and the priests had all said that his illness was beyond their power to heal. If he was forced to go to war he would not last long enough to see the first battle.
“I know…alright. What do you need from me?” he asked.
“Just help me when we go south. If you see I am making a mistake that may cost men their lives, let me know,” she said. Celia knew he could see the fear in her eyes
at the thought of making such a mistake but she did not care. This man had been like a second father to her and she trusted him with her life.
“That will be easy, I have been stopping you from making mistakes most of your life,” he said giving her a warm smile.
She returned the smile. “Yes I know I am stubborn and hard headed, but I am the first to admit it. How many men did you bring?” she said changing the subject to the problems at hand.
“Two hundred on horse and twice that will arrive in a few days’ time on foot. Your letter said that the cavalry was needed sooner to stall the southerners,” he said.
“Yes, Corin has commanded General Nelix to take a force of a thousand men and slow their advance as much as possible to buy more time.”
Graydon stared down in thought, as if envisioning troop movement on an imaginary map. “A sound tactic. It will allow the King to better position his forces before the brunt of their army arrives. If we are lucky we may even cripple their ability to siege if it comes to that. When do we leave?”
“Tomorrow, you have until then to ready the men.”
“They just need to rest for the night. They are ready to march now,” he said.
“I mean ready them to follow me,” she said looking him directly in the eye. Women fighting in battles was not unheard of but few had ever led.
“The men know you, and many are fond of you like a little sister. They will give you their support,” he said.
“I do not need them looking on me as a little sister that needs protection Graydon,” she said, annoyance creeping into her voice at the thought of being coddled.
“They may think of you in that way, but they are soldiers and know how to follow orders. I am just saying that they will stand beside you,” he replied.
“I am glad to hear it.” The worry she had been feeling at being a puppet leader slipping away.
“I will go inform the men that you will be with us and get them settled for the night,” he said.
As Graydon stood Celia followed him to her feet and embraced him in another hug. After he left Celia sank back down into her chair near the window. It had gone well, without Graydon’s help she did not think she could get through what was coming. Having him with her just might make it possible for her to pull it off. With a little luck her father and Corin would not find out till it was already over.
Chapter 8
Jaxom and his small group had been on the road for five days, most of that time spent getting to know each other. They had been on horseback during the day and around a common room hearth or campfire at night when no Inn could be found. He had learned a considerable amount about all of the men except for Cribble, who had remained quiet only speaking up when asked a direct question or to make a surly remark. He had tried to alleviate the tension between the Captain and himself, but the man simply refused to meet him half way. Jerup on the other hand had been more forthcoming about himself when asked. He had a wife with whom he had two children, a nine year old boy and a twelve year old girl. He was also very fond of singing but was incapable of carrying a tune. Brenin had been very forthcoming as well in telling him that he joined the Guard when he was eighteen, his ability with a bow earning him the spot at such a young age. He had been a cooper’s son and had decided that he did not want spend his days making and repairing barrels. Da’san had joined the priesthood at sixteen, and being favored by the Goddess had allowed him to begin spreading her word a year later. He had traveled to many of the kingdoms visiting other temples on pilgrimages. His knowledge of other kingdoms was substantial considering how young he was, but even with his resigned temperament as a devout servant Sarinsha Jaxom often caught him laughing at Brenin’s crude jokes.
Dark clouds had been moving in throughout the day and it was not difficult to tell that a heavy storm was developing. Jaxom had informed his companions that he did not want to be caught out in it and that they should stop at the next Inn they found. It was not long before the empty grasslands gave way to plowed fields, and then scattered houses. The town they were approaching, Cribble had informed them, was called Toppers Pond. He had visited the place years before while serving the King. There was an Inn there that could put them up for the night and which provided a fine locally brewed ale. One of the few things he had learned about Cribble, was that he loved ale. When he did talk it was either about women he had known or where they sold the best ale.
By the time they reached Toppers Pond the wind had begun blowing hard and sheets of rain started to fall. The dirt road of the small town had turned to mud and began to suck at the hooves of their mounts. The Inn Cribble led them too was a two story stone building with a tile roof and a stable to the side. There were a couple of wagons in the open area showing that traders had obviously sought shelter from the storm as well. A man in work clothes came out from the stable to take their horses, instantly taken aback when collecting Jaxom’s but saying nothing about the risen horse.
Entering the common room, Jaxom found the space was neat and clean with only a dozen customers scattered at the tables and the bar, some speaking quietly while others played at dice or cards. A fire in the hearth kept the room a warm temperature removing the chill of the rain that seeped its way into their bodies. Taking a table near the rear of the establishment, a young women in a simple skirt who had been speaking to the Inn keeper came up to them holding a tray laden with mugs.
“What will it be?” she asked smiling warmly at them, though her eyes lingered longer on Brenin than the rest.
“Three ales, wine, and water,” Jaxom said knowing that the three Guardsmen would want ale while Da’san did not drink alcohol. “And what do you have prepared for the evening meal?”
“Roasted pork with boiled potatoes,” she said.
“Five plates of that, and do you have any rooms available for the night?” Jaxom asked.
Taking a minute to think she nodded her head sending curly brown locks over her shoulder. “We have two left, each only has two beds so one of you will have to sleep on the floor.”
Having brought the saddle bags and bed rolls in with them they could work it out. Jaxom pulled three silvers from his pouch and slid them across the table to the woman. She picked them up bringing them so close to her face that he thought she might bite down on them. Satisfied they were real she tucked them into her skirt.
“Up stairs, the last two doors on the right,” she said pointing behind them. “I’ll have your drinks out in a bit,” she said cheerily and winking at Brenin before she moved off to the next table.
“Why is it that every Inn we walk into you have to make eyes at the nearest girl?” Da’san said speaking to Brenin.
“I didn’t do anything,” Brenin protested. “She was making eyes at me. Besides, you’re just jealous that she didn’t take a second look at you.”
“I am a priest of Sarinsha,” Da’san replied, as if stating that absolved him of such trivial emotions and desires.
“That doesn’t mean you can’t lay with a women. In fact, I know a priestess who is very open to…” Brenin started to say.
“Enough!” Jerup interrupted. “We are not here to debate which of you is prettier.”
“It’s not a debate,” Da’san said under his breath, but loud enough for everyone to hear. Earning him a contemptuous stare from Brenin.
Jerup ignored the statement and continued on. “Captain, you said you have been in this part the kingdom before. Any idea how close we are to Teriken?”
“I would say at least another three days but Da’san would know better than I. This is as far north as I have ever been,” Cribble said turning to look at the young priest.
“You’re right, the town I know of is about that far. From here the road will get rougher and we won’t be seeing any towns until then, and scant few people. The ones who live near the forest live off of farming and hunting. Some of the finest furs and leather comes from that area, but few wish to be so close to Teriken so it is sparsely populated.
&nbs
p; “What do you think magus?” Jerup asked.
Jaxom had only half been listening, something had caught his attention and he had been secretly looking about the common room trying to find what was bothering him. His eyes kept coming back to a man at the bar who was sipping on wine. There was nothing out of place about the man, he appeared to be trader with a long bread and clothes of better quality than the average farm hand. It was not that he was alone and seemed to be only looking at his mug, there were a lot of men who sat by themselves drinking quietly. He could not put his finger on what troubled him about the man, but he could not get past that something was off about him.
Realizing that he had been asked a question Jaxom returned to the conversation. “I told you before Jerup, don’t call me magus.” He had told them to call him by his name once they had gotten away from the city and had the Guardsmen put away their livery. It was obvious that the five men were about something, but there was no need to announce who they were if the voice was looking for them.
“Sorry Jaxom, so what do you think?” Jerup asked.
“I think we have talked about this every night and the plan hasn’t changed,” Jaxom said. “We will just have to cross that bridge when we come to it. Until then let’s just enjoy the comfort of a roof for tonight. If Da’san is correct then we will be sleeping in the open for the next few days.”
The others all nodded their heads in agreement, and even Cribble seemed to be satisfied with that. It was hard not to talk about what was to come but just then the young woman came back with their drinks distracting them all from what lay ahead. Handing them out she took a moment to pat Brenin’s hand when she gave him his. This started up the banter between him and Da’san again, while Cribble and Jerup spoke about Jerup’s time in the army hunting bandits. Cribble telling him about some trouble he had been having with street gangs near the wall in the poorer parts of the city.
