* * *
The road to Tewsbury was twisted and little more than a cart track. They hadn't been riding long when they came across some men sitting by the side of the road. It was Beverly that saw them first, calling a halt to the small column.
"What is it, my dear?" asked the baron.
"Soldiers by the look of it," she replied. "They must be stragglers from the royal army."
"Are they a danger?" asked Aubrey.
"No," said Beverly, "there aren't enough of them."
"Then I suggest we move closer," said Baron Fitzwilliam, "and see what they are up to."
Beverly and her father rode forward with a couple of cavalrymen. Albreda, not to be left out, trotted after them, leading Aubrey to do the same.
"Who are you?" called out the baron.
"We're soldiers," replied one of the men. "My name is Sergeant Kendall, of the Third Wincaster Archers."
"And what are you doing here?" asked Beverly.
"We guard the sick and wounded, my lord," said the man.
"Where is the rest of your army?" asked Fitz.
"They have abandoned us, Lord. The marshal-general has fled with those that can keep up. The rest of us have been left to fend for ourselves." The look of dejection on the sergeant's face told the whole story.
Fitz looked at the man incredulously, "Are you saying Valmar abandoned his wounded?"
"He did, Lord," said the sergeant.
"You say you have wounded?" interrupted Aubrey. "Show me, I am a healer." She dismounted, passing the reins to Beverly.
"They're over this way," said Kendall, "I'll take you to them."
"We cannot afford this delay," offered Albreda.
Fitz looked at her in surprise. “They are wounded men," he said.
"They are enemy soldiers," she corrected, "who, not one day ago, were fighting against you."
"They had little choice," said Beverly, "the king commanded it."
"Need I remind you, the king also commanded the death of your father."
"They still need our help," Beverly persisted. "What say you, Father?"
"I'm inclined to agree," said Fitz, ”but Albreda has a valid point. If we are late to Tewsbury, we may find it locked up tight, and that would mean a siege."
"I think Aubrey has shown us another way," said Beverly. "Perhaps, if we look after their wounded, they might, in return, help us."
"It's worth a try," offered her father.
They dismounted, passing their horses off to the cavalrymen. Making their way through the makeshift camp, Fitz found himself overcome with grief as he saw the state of the wounded. "War is horrible," he said at last.
"War is necessary," offered Albreda. “It is the very epitome of nature."
"There is nothing natural about war," countered Fitz.
"On the contrary," the druid replied, "it is all about survival of the fittest."
"You are a model of contradictions," said Fitz. "On the one hand you abhor the loss of life, but on the other, you say that war is necessary."
"Necessary does not mean desirable," she corrected him. "If we are to prevent the darkness from ruining the kingdom then yes, the war is necessary. I should much prefer the corrupt king to simply remove himself from the throne but I don't think that's likely to happen any time soon, do you?"
"No, of course not," said Fitz, "but you show a callous disregard for Human life."
"You should know me better than that, Richard. I detest death of any type, but death is part of life. Without it, life would be meaningless. It is the very spectre of death that drives us forward."
"You are quite the philosopher, Albreda," said Fitz.
"I've told you before, I read Califax."
"He was a poet, not a philosopher," argued the baron.
"Can he not be both?"
"I concede the point."
"If you two are done discussing the classics," said Beverly, "perhaps we can return to the subject at hand?"
"By all means," said Fitz. "Albreda?"
"Yes, of course," she agreed.
Beverly cast her eyes around the camp, noticing her cousin casting a spell of healing, her hands glowing with the effort.
"Sergeant Kendall," she called out.
"Yes, Dame Beverly?" the man replied.
"You know me?" she asked in surprise.
"Of course," replied the sergeant, "your fame has travelled far and wide, and I know of no other red-headed lady knight."
"Hah!" cried out the baron. "He's got you there."
"Tell me, Sergeant," asked Beverly, ignoring her father, "is the way to Tewsbury open?"
"I would think so," responded the man, "though I'd be happy to show you."
"You would take us to Tewsbury?"
"I have no love for the king, not after the way we were treated. To be abandoned like this is unforgivable."
"We shall look after you," offered Beverly. "We'll send word back to our army, and they'll come and collect you."
"Why would you do such a thing?" asked the sergeant.
"We are all Mercerians," said Beverly, "and though we don't always see eye to eye, we all want the same thing deep down; a fair and just ruler. I invite you and your men to pledge service to the princess. We shall restore the throne and bring back the rule of law to the land."
"Take me to Tewsbury with you," offered Sergeant Kendall, "and I will do my best to see the gates opened wide for you."
"Agreed," said Beverly. "Have you a horse?"
"No," answered the sergeant, "though I can ride when needs be."
"Then we shall find you one," she replied.
"I'll leave some of the Bodden horse here to help with the wounded," said Fitz. "He can take one of their mounts."
"Very well," said the sergeant, "when shall we leave?"
The baron looked up at the waning sun, "It's too late to make much more progress today. We'll head out first thing in the morning. That gives Aubrey time to heal the more seriously wounded."
"I cannot thank you enough, Lord," said Sergeant Kendall.
"You can thank me once we're inside Tewsbury," said the baron in reply.
* * *
They set out early the next morning, three royal soldiers in their company. Aubrey had done her best, healing the more severely wounded, and was now back aboard her sturdy horse, though looking the worse for wear.
"How are you holding up?" asked Beverly.
"I'm exhausted, Cousin," Aubrey admitted. "The spells take a toll on me, and I didn't have much time to rest."
"You did the right thing."
"I wish I could have done more."
"We have limited time, they will understand," soothed Beverly.
"I wish this war were over," said Aubrey. "It wears on me to see so much pain and suffering."
"You and me both," added Beverly.
They rode on in companionable silence, Beverly keeping a close watch on her cousin, lest she fall from the saddle. Their progress was unopposed, and three and a half days later they stood before the gates of Tewsbury.
True to his word, Sergeant Kendall came forward, convincing the garrison of the city to surrender to Baron Fitzwilliam. Soon, they were within its walls and discovered that Valmar had fled south, back to Wincaster, along with everything he could carry.
Twenty-Six
Tewsbury
Summer 962 MC
Aldus Hearn entered the Earl of Tewsbury's estate, a bundle of papers tucked beneath his arm. The two guards standing station here, used to his presence, ignored him, allowing him to enter the earl's residence unchallenged.
He made his way down the hall, turning at the end to enter the dining room. Here, scattered across the table were numerous reports and maps, carefully being scrutinized by various individuals.
Princess Anna looked up from her notes at his entrance, "Master Hearn, so good to see you again."
"Your Highness," he replied in greeting.
"What have you there?" asked Gerald.
&
nbsp; "Some information I have become aware of," he replied. "You remember that captain that was in Mattingly?" He looked to Revi Bloom, who was deep in a book.
"What was that?" asked Revi.
"Captain Griffon?" put in Hayley.
"Yes,” agreed Hearn, “that's the one. It seems he had kept a journal. We didn't see it at first, he'd hidden it away for safe keeping. We only found it by accident."
"I take it," said Anna, "that it's something of interest?"
"Indeed it is," said Hearn. "In fact, you might describe it as troublesome."
"Wickfield and Mattingly are both under our control now," said Gerald. "We even reinforced their garrisons. What could be so concerning?”
"It seems that early last winter, an expedition was mounted from Wincaster. Its sole purpose was to investigate some ruins that were found southeast of Mattingly."
"Southeast, you say?" asked Revi. "What kind of expedition?"
"A large one, by the sounds of it. It seems it was led by a scholar, with orders from Lady Penelope."
"Not from the king?" asked Anna.
"No," he replied. "I think it was a private excursion."
"The person in charge," asked the princess, "what was his name?"
In answer, the elderly mage dropped the papers to the table and began rifling through them. "It's here somewhere, let me see... Ah, here it is." He held it up, squinting to read the fine hand, "A man named Summers."
"I know that name," said Anna. "He's a scholar from Shrewesdale. An expert in history, if I'm not mistaken."
"The very same," said Hearn, "it's mentioned in these notes. He came to Mattingly seeking assistance, mostly tools and such."
"What type of tools," asked Revi, "does it say?"
"Shovels, pickaxes, that sort of thing. He also had the authority to take some of the captain's men."
"How many?" asked Gerald.
"It doesn't say, I'm afraid. Why? Does it matter?"
"It does,” said Gerald, “if there's a group of enemy soldiers somewhere in the north, they could cause all kinds of trouble."
"I think they're likely to be busy elsewhere," offered Revi. He had grabbed one of the papers and was examining it when the princess looked up at him.
"What is it, Master Bloom?" asked Anna.
"A rather crudely drawn map," the mage responded. "But unless I miss my guess, they've found a confluence."
"A confluence?" asked Gerald.
"Yes, a meeting of the ley lines."
"Like the magic flames?"
"Yes, we identified coordinates near that area, but were unable to contact them," offered Revi.
"Meaning?" asked Gerald.
"Meaning the Dark Queen may know of a gate location. It's imperative that we stop her. If she discovers how to utilize them, it will give her tremendous power."
"Is that likely?" asked Anna. "It took you months to discover how they work, and that was with the aid of intact temples."
"True," admitted Revi, "but we don't know who else might be working with her or what knowledge she already possesses. Need I remind you that the disc we used to discover the location of Erssa Saka'am was in her possession?"
"That's true," she said. "So the big question is, what do we do about it?"
"We must send an expedition of our own," suggested Revi.
"Can we afford to do that?" asked Hayley. "After all, we're preparing to march on Wincaster."
"We've replenished our strength," said Gerald, "but the newer recruits still need training, and the smiths are struggling to get them equipped. I think it will be another month, maybe two, before we're ready to march."
"That settles it then," said Anna. "We'll send an expedition."
"Very well," said Gerald, "but who shall we send?"
"I must go," declared Revi, "for I'm the one with the greatest knowledge of such things."
"You'll need help," said Gerald. "I think Hayley and Beverly should accompany you, along with some troops. Hayley will provide you with the woodland knowledge you'll likely need and Beverly will be there with some horsemen in case you run into a fight."
"I'd like to go as well," said Hearn, "if I'm not needed here."
"Your company would be most appreciated," said Revi.
"Very well," said Anna, "but no more, I can't allow all our leaders to go gallivanting off across the north."
"Who's to be in charge?" asked Hayley.
"Do I really need to designate someone?" asked Anna, somewhat annoyed. She looked to Gerald, who shrugged his shoulders. "You're not being much help," she said.
"Very well," he said, "Beverly is in charge. You'll defer to her in all matters."
"What about the dig," said Revi, "surely I should be the one in charge?"
"Do you have a problem not being in charge when I'm around?" asked the princess.
"No, why?"
"Then you shouldn't have a problem when Beverly is in charge. She will obviously defer to you in matters pertaining to magic, but your safety is of the utmost importance."
"When would you like us to leave?" asked Aldus Hearn.
"First thing tomorrow should do," said Anna.
"I'll go and find Beverly," offered Gerald, "and fill her in on what's happening. How many men do you think you'll want, Hayley?"
"A dozen archers should do," she replied. "I have a number of Orcs I've worked with before."
"Pick out a dozen," said Gerald, "and let us know who you're taking. Will they ride?"
"Orcs don't ride," said the ranger.
"Do you think you should take horsemen instead?"
"No," said Hayley, "the Orcs are almost as fast on foot as a horseman. I think they'll be able to keep up."
"Good. I'll leave it to Beverly to see how many men she wants to take, though I suspect it will be a similar number. Draw your supplies for the journey and coordinate with Beverly."
"Aye, General," said the ranger. She rose to leave but noticed the Life Mage still staring at the map. "Something wrong, Revi? Surely you're not upset with Beverly being in charge?"
"What, no, it's not that. I'm worried about this enemy expedition. If they've managed to unlock the secrets of the gates, it will not go well for us. They could get in behind our lines and create havoc."
"What can we do to alleviate the problem?" asked Anna.
"I think it's time we started posting guards on all the known gates," said Revi.
"And in the main temple in Erssa Saka'am," added Gerald, "but we'd need the permission of the Saurians for that."
"Yes," agreed Revi, "but we can't do that at the moment, we're nowhere near a gate."
"It's true," offered Hayley, "in fact, we're almost equidistant from three gates; Uxley, Wickfield and the Margel Hills."
"We'll send dispatch riders to those we can reach," said Gerald. "Captain Lanaka has been using his men as scouts, and his reports indicate Uxley has no troops."
"So the way to Wincaster is clear," said Anna.
"Yes, but we're not ready to march yet," warned Gerald. "We'll need supply wagons and lots of food. A siege can last months, and we have to be properly prepared."
"We'll send a small force to Uxley," said Anna. "They may be able to garner some more information, and it would give us access to the gate there."
"What of the king?" asked Aldus Hearn.
"It appears he's pulled all his forces back to the capital. I doubt he'd trouble Uxley, it's of no consequence to him, after all, and he doesn't know of the gate there."
Revi looked torn, "Though I'm needed on this expedition, I'm worried you may need my expertise here."
"You taught Aubrey how to work the gate, did you not?" asked Anna.
"I did," he said. "As a matter of fact, she mastered it quite quickly."
"Then we're all set," said Anna. "Now, you'd best get going. You'll need to draw whatever supplies you deem necessary. I'd hate for you to get there and find you're missing something."
Revi rose, following Hayley from the room.
<
br /> "I will leave you to your work, Highness," said Hearn, bowing deeply. He turned, leaving Gerald and Anna alone.
"What was that all about?" asked Gerald.
"What? Revi?"
"Yes, I've never seen him like that before."
"You forget," said Anna, "he's faced the Dark Queen in person. She undoubtedly left him with a grave impression. He's worried, aren't you?"
"I have a war to run," said Gerald. "I can't let matters of magic concern me, that's for others to deal with."
"And if magic is being used to defend Wincaster?" she asked.
"Then we shall have to prepare as best we can."
* * *
Beverly was easy to find. She was exercising Lightning. The great warhorse ran around her as she watched, kicking up dirt as he did so.
"He looks like he's back to normal," observed Gerald.
"Yes, his leg was still a bit tender when they brought him to me, but he seems to be back to his old self now."
"Good, you may have need of him."
Beverly stopped watching her horse and shifted her gaze to Gerald, "We're marching on Wincaster?"
"Not yet," he said, "but we have a little expedition for you to lead."
"Say the word, and I'm ready," she said.
"You're going north. There's an area that likely contains the ruins of a Saurian temple."
"Fair enough," she replied. "Is that all?"
"No," he said in response, "the Dark Queen sent an expedition of her own, so we don't know what to expect. If one of those Blights show up, or an undead knight, they'll need your help."
"Who's going?"
"Revi, Hayley, a dozen Orcs and Aldus Hearn. You'll take some horsemen with you, as many as you like."
"I'll take a dozen of the Bodden horse, if it's all right with you."
"You'll have to ask your father for those, they're his troops, though I doubt he'll object. Are you sure they'll be enough?"
"If we do face Blights, more men won't help, they'll only get in the way."
"I suppose you're right," said Gerald. "There's one other thing."
"What is it?"
"Revi seems shaken, I think there's a chance that the Dark Queen herself may make an appearance."
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