by Jon Bender
As well he shouldn’t, Or’Keer would not look kindly on the betrayal. Nothing mortal men can do would compare to the torment he would inflict on one who betrayed him, she said. Da’san was now sure he heard amusement inside his head, almost as if the goddess was smiling while speaking to him.
“I humbly ask for your assistance in finding out the secrets he holds,” Da’san said getting to the point of why he had called to her.
It has been many years since one in service to me has made such a request. I can guide you to the information you seek, but if the one who holds the information is strong of will you may not survive, she said. Do you wish to continue?
Da’san considered their need, thinking of Jerup’s family and the thousands of others in Ale’adar. “Yes I accept the risk,” he said.
Very well, you must still your mind and hold to the core of your being. Da’san did as his goddess instructed, concentrating on who he was and what his purpose was. He felt himself being pulled away as his consciousness was disconnected from his physical form, floating in the space between his body and that of the dark priest. Cribble watched him with impatience while Jerup looked on with concern. The mage only showing curiosity as he watched Da’san’s body with intent. It was obvious that none of them could see him watching them from his place slightly above the floor. Feeling his essence jerk he was moving toward the other priest at speed, merging with him and entering his thoughts. Da’san had not realized the lack of feeling in his current state until he was fully apart of the dark priest. He could now feel the pain the man felt, the pain in his chest from the repeated blows and the swelling that was beginning to close the right eye.
Hold to yourself. You must be quick in your search, the longer you stay the greater the risk you will not return, Sarinsha said.
Da’san began to move through the man’s most recent memories and instantly he felt resistance at his intrusion. Vanon must have detected his presence and was attempting to close his thoughts away. Da’san pushed through the resistance and found what he was looking for. Through the other man’s eyes he saw men dressed in dark robes hidden by darkness all standing around the table in the warehouse where Cribble had been taken. He was looking at the man’s memories prior to when Cribble was brought in.
“Are we ready?” One of the robed figures asked.
“Yes,” another replied. “Tomorrow night we will move against the palace, from there the rest of the city will fall to us.”
“Good,” Da’san heard himself say. “What of those within the palace? Have they been informed to be prepared?”
“They know what must be done when the time comes,” the first speaker said. “We now have five mages who serve our god. The Ale’adarian scum will not know what to do once their own turn against them. The faithful also wait for the word and are eager to show the power of our lord to those who would resist.”
“Very well, you should all leave now. I have one more to examine and see if he will serve Or’Keer or serve another in the afterlife,” Vanon said. The others in the circle chuckled and began fading into the darkness.
Vanon stood and waited for several minutes before four men dragged Cribble in, shoving him onto the empty chair. “What is your name?” Vanon asked. The man refused to answer and one of those loyal to Or’Keer slugged him in the jaw.
“Dolan Redfield,” Cribble answered.
“You have a choice here Master Redfield. You can swear now to serve the great god Or’Keer in everything, or we can leave your corpse in the sewers for the rats to feast on,” Vonan said.
Cribble leaned back considering the other man’s words. “Sarinsha will protect me from this god of yours,” he replied.
The name of his goddess snapped Da’san from the memory, reminding him that he was not this man. He had what he came for and now he needed to leave, but as he tried to extract himself the resistance that had first held him out was now holding him in. This time it was stronger, feeling as if Da’san was trying to drag his body through a giant spider web that stuck to him and tried to pull him back. He could here Vanon laughing in his own mind at having trapped Da’san like an insect.
Concentrate on who you are, what your purpose is, Sarinsha said to him.
Da’san thought of everything that made him who he was. What his own face looked like, his childhood with his family on the small farm his father worked, entering the priesthood at fourteen and learning of Sarinsha. Going north with Jaxom and all the friends he had made, to the point now with Cribble and Jerup waiting for him in the cells. Suddenly he burst free from the web and flew from the other priest’s body into open space. He felt himself being pushed back to his own body and opening his own eyes to see Vanon hanging from the stone.
You must hurry, Or’Keer knows of his servant failure... he comes, the voice of his goddess echoing in his mind.
She was right, the darkness of the cell began to intensify and Vanon began to scream as his god reached out to him. It was a sound he had never heard any man make before, and one that seemed to be torn from his very soul. “We must leave, now!” Da’san yelled. Pushing the others outside the cell as he did so and slamming the gate closed behind them. “Seal it,” he said to Nimis.
The mage looked to Cribble who nodded not sure what was going on, but trusting Da’san knew what he was talking about. The mage raised his hand and a new wall raised from the floor in front of the iron bars. Moving steadily upward, it finally touched the ceiling silencing the scream.
“He will suffocate in there,” Jerup said.
“Let’s hope it happens quickly,” Da’san replied. “It would be a kindness compared to what he now endures.”
The small group had gathered back in the outer room and Cribble was pacing back and forth anxiously. “Now we have nothing to go on,” the captain said. “It is not likely that we will be able to capture another of their priests.”
“That is not true. I did not get all that we wanted, but I do know that they are going to attack the palace tonight with traitors inside waiting to aid them,” Da’san said.
“Do you know any of their names or how many they are?” Cribble asked.
“No, but they have five mages who now serve Or’Keer as well, and they will help them in the attack,” Da’san replied.
“That is ridiculous, mages have no use for gods. Many of us do not even pray,” Nimis said.
“I saw through Vanon’s own eyes, and the dark priests believe that some our own people will turn against us,” Da’san said.
The mage continued to stare at him unbelieving, but Cribble had stopped pacing. “I have to inform the Lord Commander of what we have learned so preparations can be made,” he said.
“The Lord Commander?” Da’san asked.
“Yes, he is in charge of the Guard while the King is away,” Cribble said. “You did not think that I was in charge of the palace did you?” he asked with a smirk.
As a matter of fact Da’san had thought just that, it had never occurred to him that Cribble had to answer to another. To be honest, the priesthood paid little attention to the political and rank structure within the court, as it usually had no bearing on how the temple conducted itself. As the Captain began to make his way up the stairs, Da’san stopped him. “That’s not all, Or’Keer has sent his shades to fight in the attack.”
Cribble nodded and continued up the stairs as the others followed behind. Once out of the cells Da’san saw the light coming through a high window and estimated they had another eight hours before dark and the coming attack. “Nimis can you speak for the mages?” Cribble asked.
“With Serin away, I am one of three who make decisions for the remaining mages who are of age,” he said.
“Then you should come with me to see the commander, he may want to include you in whatever plan is decided,” Cribble said. “Jerup you are off duty until tonight, see to your family but do not let on that you know what is coming.” Turning he looked at Da’san. “I know priests do not involve themselves with m
atters of the kingdom, but I feel this threat will affect us all if Or’Keer should win. I would ask you to return to your brothers, as well those of the other temples within the city to ask for their help. They do not have to fight if they do not wish to, but if we could have them on hand to heal the wounded it may make the difference.”
Da’san knew even healing during a battle would be hard for the temples to accept. Since the formation of the temples their doctrine made it clear that they were to have no part in the affairs of the kingdoms. A policy he now knew originated from the pact between mages and gods. His own brothers would be more approving of the idea once they learned that Sarinsha herself had aided him in gathering the information. That she had done so showed her support of fighting the dark god. It would take his convincing them, but he believed it could be done. “I will do what I can, only know that if none of the others agree I will be here,” Da’san said. Cribble looked at him with an expression Da’san had never before seen the man show, a look of approval. With that Cribble shook his hand before walking down the hall speaking to Nimis as they went.
“I am headed home to be with my family and you are welcome to join me if you wish,” Jerup said once the others were gone.
He was touched by the offer knowing that this afternoon would one be filled with emotion for Jerup and his family. “Thank you, but it will take a lot of talking to get the help we are going to need from the temples,” he said.
Jerup gave him a pat on the back. “If you do have time you know where I live, my wife will be making a wonderful evening meal today. It is not wise to go into a fight on an empty belly,” the Guardsman said.
“If there’s time,” Da’san replied. Jerup patted him on the shoulder and left him standing alone in the hall. Preparing the arguments he would present to the priesthood, Da’san made his way to the closest gate leading out to the city. There was not much time to speak to his own brothers, then send messengers to the other temples or go himself if necessary. Much needed to be done before darkness settled on the city, and he hoped they would make it through to see the sun rise again.
Chapter 24
Celia sat in her own private tent that Corin had provided. They had arrived with much celebration in the camp at the first major victory against the invaders. She had not been able to join in the merriment with so many dead behind them. The raids had been successful with the advanced force striking hard blows against the supply wagons, weakening their ability to sustain the war. For her though the cost had been too high, with less than one hundred of her original two hundred men left alive it was devastating. What hurt the most was that her friend Graydon had died saving her life, taking a sword that had been meant for her.
After that General Blackburn had ordered all remaining forces back together to return north. They had lost almost half their force, and were now too weakened to fight effectively. The southerners had tired of the attacks and where actively seeking to finish them off, sending over a thousand men with mages to ensure no one was left. If Jaxom had not arrived when he did, Celia was sure that they would have never made it back before being caught.
Arriving at the tent, she had stripped her battle worn plate armor and clothes that had not been changed in five days. One of the medics had brought her a bucket of water to wash as there were no tubs available. Corin had ordered the camp broken down in preparation for the coming battle, meaning all non-essential gear was to be packed onto wagons and sent further north away from the fighting. It did not matter to her, the bucket of water being a luxury after so long with no more than a blanket on the ground to sleep on. Now dressed in clean men’s clothing that were a bit too big, she was brushing out her hair when Jaxom walked in holding a plate.
“I know I promised you a hot bath and meal but I am afraid the meal will have to do, I cooked it myself so it may be edible,” he said.
She could only give him a small smile at the joke. “Thank you, I am sure it is wonderful,” she said taking the plate. “What is happening now?”
“Adriana and Brenin are continuing to keep an eye on the enemy as they advance. They guess that they will be here by tonight, and Corin is having the men moved into position to face them,” he said.
“They have no choice but to attack as soon as possible, we destroyed many of the wagons carrying food and water,” she said.
“General Blackburn told Corin everything, and they both agree. The loss of supplies has crippled them so much that if we lose here and are forced to retreat to Ale’adar, the enemy will be unable to maintain a siege. Corin has also promised both of you a reward of land for your efforts, and a lordship to Nelix,” Jaxom replied.
She was glad that their efforts had made a difference, but being rewarded for the death of so many seemed wrong to her. “So tell me of Adriana,” she said changing the subject to something more pleasant.
Jaxom blushed and looked decidedly uncomfortable. “She is a wonderful woman with many great attributes,” he said.
Celia did laugh then and it felt good to do so. “I have seen the clothes she wears and they complement her… attributes very well,” she said.
Jaxom’s blush deepened at her comment. “That is not what I meant,” he replied frustrated.
“I know, it is just so easy to embarrass you,” she said with a smile. “I am happy you found someone.” She meant what she said, although it was not long ago that she had entertained thoughts of Jaxom and her relationship being more. They had simply spent too much time as close friends, almost siblings, for it to grow past that.
“I know you are just now resting, but the men are waiting to take this tent down,” Jaxom said. “You should don your armor, Corin wanted to speak with us as soon as you were ready.”
Celia nodded and Jaxom left to wait outside. Picking up a piece of her armor she had not had time to clean as was evident from the blood still dried on it, she began to strap on the heavy metal once more. Several minutes later she walked out in full armor to find Jaxom waiting patiently. The walk was a short one and she could see that the much had been done while she had sequestered herself away. Most of the tents and been packed away, and a line of wagons were ready to march north with a small unit of cavalry assigned to defend them. By the position of the sun she estimated they had another three hours before night, guessing those wagons would be on their way before then.
Corin was standing with a group of ten of his personal guard watching as men and horses marched away to take up position. Next to him the leader of the mages Serin was close by speaking to him.
“I have placed my mages where I feel they will be of most use,” Serin finished saying.
“Where will you be Magus,” Corin said in an even tone never looking to the fire mage.
“General Blackburn has spoken to me about how the enemy is most likely to act, and he believes that the majority of their cavalry will attack our right flank with more open ground for them to maneuver. I will be there to meet them when they come,” Serin said.
Corin did look at him now in surprise, and Celia could not but help share his reaction. “I am glad to hear you say that Serin,” Corin said.
“I lead the mages because I am the most powerful among them your majesty. It only makes sense that I place myself where I will be of most use,” he replied. “If there is nothing else, I would speak with some of the younger mages. Many are nervous with the coming battle.” Corin nodded and the fire mage gave a small bow before taking his leave.
“I would not have expected heroism from that man,” Corin said sounding perplexed as Celia and Jaxom approached.
“Perhaps he feels more responsibility for those under his charge than we originally thought,” Jaxom said. Celia however did not think he believed his own words.
“Perhaps…” Corin said obviously sharing Jaxom’s doubts. “I am sorry to have interrupted you rest Celia, but I am afraid I have another important task for you.”
Celia squared her shoulders under the heavy armor ready for whatever he had in store
for her. She was still physically and mentally exhausted from the past three days and had yet to sleep, but she thought of Nelix who had arrived only to go to work readying the army. “Whatever you need your majesty,” she said with a bow.
Corin laughed and surprised her by grabbing her up in a bear hug that lifted her armored body from the ground. “You my cousin are a wonder, and I have half a mind to name you General once Nelix decides to retires,” he said.
“Could you imagine that? The grizzled man sitting around doing numbers for taxes and food weight instead of counting how many swords and horses we have.” Jaxom said smiling.
“I will be waiting a long time then,” Celia said having her dignity back once Corin had set her down. “He has survived much but I think counting coins while sitting in a comfy holding may very well be the end of him.”
They all had a good long laugh at the General’s expense, and Celia felt some of the weight she had been carrying lift away. “I want you to take the five hundred horse reserve that will be behind the line. You are only to join the fight if you feel there is no other choice. Once you are in, it will be damn hard to pull back out so you must choose when and where you are needed,” Corin said.
“How am I to know?” Celia asked.
“If I need you somewhere I will send word by messenger, otherwise you will have to make that decision,” he replied. “I know you will do well.”
Those few words from her cousin sent a surge of pride and determination through her body. She would not fail him, she would not fail Ale’adaria and the people she loved. “Thank you Corin,” she said.
“There is no need to thank me cousin, I would not have given you this assignment if I did not think you could do it. There is too much at risk to show people preference because they are family,” he said in a serious tone.
