The First Valkyrie

by S. C. Coleman

  “Where is Commander Braco?” General Hamo shouted out to his men. They all shook their heads. The general made a sound between his teeth. This caused his horse to break into a gallop. The general and his horse rode for the left flank of the enemy. He hoped to retreat safely into the fog. He caught sight of the Aravut. At least ten of them were giving chase. He cleared the foes tightly gathered infantry and made for the edge of the fog. The Aravut horses were faster and came within range. Arrows began to thud into the back of General Hamo’s shield. He grunted as an arrow pierced him in the right shoulder. Just as more arrows threatened to unsaddle him, General Hamo reached the fog line. He disappeared below its cover. The fog could be an ally and an enemy at the same moment. He soon found this to be true as he nearly collided with one of the circular phalanx formations. General Hamo turned his horse just before becoming impaled by his own spearmen. He turned and galloped around the spear points. “Where is Commander Gelaus?” An infantry man pointed farther down towards the middle. General Hamo spurred his horse back into a gallop. He rode around two more pockets of men. Finally, Commander Gelaus was atop his horse behind a half crescent phalanx. General Hamo rode up next to him and the commander bowed his head in recognition.

  “How was the raid, General?” Even as the commander spoke, scout cavalry was returning.

  “It seemed to have the desired effect.”

  “I’m grateful we did not bring supplies of our own.”

  “The mission was to capture theirs until I saw the size of their army. How many of the heavy cavalry returned?”

  “General, they are still arriving. However, Commander Braco has not. One young man informed me the Aravut were victorious.”

  “No doubt they are at the baggage train right now. What of the skirmishers?”

  “I have not seen any return. The cavalry is faster, so the skirmishers may arrive yet.”

  “Thank you, Commander. Let us see what Commander Braco has to say.” General Hamo gestured as Commander Braco rode up out of the fog. He was breathless and smiling.

  “That was a stroke of luck, General. I’m certain the enemy is panicking.”

  “No doubt but we are not out of this yet. This battle has only just begun.”

  “General.” Commander Haramo came riding up out of the fog. He looked as though he had seen the afterlife already. Blood covered his armor. His helmet had been struck from his head. Also, mud caked every inch of the commander and his horse.

  “How fare the skirmishers, commander?”

  “We lost many in the Aravut charge. The cavalry lost many more. General, the remaining skirmishers are disorganized, but I will form them up. What are your orders?”

  “Have the skirmishers form up behind the infantry. Commander Braco, take the infantry and place them in the reserve. Once I order the retreat, you must cover us.”

  “Yes, General.” The two nodded on their horses to back up their words.

  “Horn man!” Commander Haramo barked as he rode off. A few moments later a horn pierced the through the cries of men. The biting sound of the skirmisher horn continued until General Hamo saw slaves appearing out of the fog. They were all running to meet the one that let loose the cry.

  “It looks as though Commander Haramo found his horn man.” Commander Braco laughed as he rode away to find his own. The long bellows of the cavalry horn sounded, and the thundering hooves faded into the distance. All fell silent and then melody of horns sounded far in the distance. The horns were answered by drums on General Hamo’s side.

  “Prepare yourselves!” Commander Gelaus barked to his men and pulled his horse back. Together, General Hamo and Commander Gelaus dismounted. “Our hour is here General. To the afterlife!” Commander Gelaus’ words echoed across the mouths of his men. Their war cry was answered by the Maguyari screams. “Spears!” The phalanx locked tighter together. Commander Gelaus began shouting insults and his men added to the din. General Hamo unslung his javelins. On after another, General Hamo launched spears over the heads of his companions. He kept throwing until his arm was tired and all his javelins were spent. He heard the whistle of skirmisher missiles continue however. There was no way to tell among the battle din of casualties. The sounds ceased for a moment. Then, answering missiles came whistling out of the fog. General Hamo barely dropped below his shield as an arrow passed just over his head. Commander Gelaus took and arrow in his left arm. He nearly dropped his shield, but he did drop his cane. Then, in a burst of battle sickness, Commander Gelaus launched vomit from his mouth. The vomit, covering some of the enemy and friendly troops, caused others to vomit as well.

  “Get out of here commander!” General Hamo shouted to Gelaus urgently.

  “Hah, and have you beat me to the afterlife? Forget it General.” Commander Gelaus laughed and drew his long sword. “Scytha!” The phalanx began to move forward at a steady pace. None dared to raise above the shield cover. “Scytha!” Commander Gelaus roared once more. The low howl of the infantry horn sounded, and the drums beat faster. “Scytha!” The commander shouted once more until his men took up the chant. “Scytha!” The commander raised his sword and stood, but he ducked back down as an arrow glanced off his helmet.

  “I think Commander Haramo regrets losing his helm now!” General Hamo shouted over to Commander Gelaus who laughed in response. “Scytha!” General Hamo roared back in the direction of the skirmishers.

  “Karamshi scytha!” The infantry took up the call even as they advanced. The infantry horn bellowed twice in short bursts. The skirmisher horn answered in a long melody. Missiles began to fire from behind General Hamo. They continued to fire even as the Maguyari screams arose once more. The shadows in the fog ahead turned into Maguyari foot soldiers. They came at a sprint and the Aravut were mixed among their ranks.

  “Scytha! To the afterlife!” Commander Gelaus roared as the Maguyari fell upon the phalanx. Maguyari screams, cries of pain, and the battle shouts of the infantry all mixed together. The deafening sound of shattering bones, breaking spear shafts, and iron beating on iron arose into the fog. General Hamo drew his own sword and prepared to defend the flanks. Sure enough, the Maguyari flanked the small formation. He knew the other phalanx formations were under the same attack. General Hamo peered over his shield and immediately regretted it. The iron war masks of the Maguyari looked back. General Hamo gave a grunt and dug his right heal into the dirt. A Maguyari battle fork had caught his shield. Its wielder was attempting to drive him back. General Hamo felt a slack in the pressure and took the opportunity. He stepped to the side and struck the fork shaft with his sword. The shaft vibrated in his hands, but the sea of faces and masks continued forward. General Hamo abandoned his shield and struck at the faces. He cleaved through an iron mask, but a sword cut a gash through his armor. General Hamo felt nothing and continued fighting. He defended a blow to his face. In answer, he thrust the sword point into the stomach of his foe. Yet more strikes came, he felt a scimitar dig into his shoulder and the General was forced to his knee. He beat the scimitar away and hacked off the attacker’s toes. Just then, war cries came from behind. The skirmishers had arrived to fill the gaps. With javelins and stones striking at close range, the skirmishers also drew their sickles. The sliced through the startled Maguyari and even pushed them back. “Retreat!” Came the order from Commander Gelaus. It was soon answered by horns and the formations began to slowly move backwards. A skirmisher and infantry man, both wounded, struggled to support the wounded General Hamo. Another horn answered the skirmisher and infantry music. The deep resounding bellow of the cavalry horn. The earth became an earthquake. General Hamo looked up as his two bearers dragged him across the ground. The hooves of a leaping horse passed just over head. The heavily armored horse and rode broke into the Maguyari line. He was quickly swallowed up in the fog and sea of bodies. General Hamo was convinced, hoped, that he would breathe his last here.

  ***

  Eleesa, trapped in her reed pot, dared not move as men entere
d the hold. On numerous days, men had entered the hold to retrieve different supplies. This time seemed different. There was a commanding tone followed by worried ones.

  “It looks like your count was correct, quartermaster.” Eleesa held her breath, the ship’s captain was in the hold.

  “Captain! You are needed on the deck. Some slaves have escaped, a mutiny has begun, and a ship was sighted off port!”

  “Bah, this voyage has been cursed. The Dark Queen protect us.” The captain and the other voices trailed off as they left the hold. Eleesa let out a long breath and her panicked mined searched for a way of escape. If she was discovered, the consequences would be terrible. On the other hand, she had no where to go. Her hiding place was the safest place she could be. She had a friend here at least. It had been many days since she had removed the bindings from her snake. She was also able to remove the wooden piece from its mouth. The snake happily curled about her body and rested on her shoulders. The sounds of battle came thundering down into the hold. All she could assume was an attack by raiders. She waited and waited. The din continued for hours and eventually climaxed in the slave quarters just a room over. Eventually, the noise died down. The only thing to be heard above the rolling waves was the screams of those dying and wounded. Eleesa covered her ears and shivered. She was thankful that battle had not yet come to haunt her. Even those wails eventually died as well. She was now left in silence and the rocking of the boat. A horn blast sounded in the tranquil quiet and men began shouting once more. They were cries of victory, but Eleesa dared not find out the victorious party. Either party would be dangerous to her. Eleesa breathed in through her teeth.

  “Where is it?” A man had entered the hold and was frantically searching. Eleesa balled up as she heard his footsteps approach her pot. The lid shifted and then was ripped off. The gnarly face of a man stood over her. His skin was burnt from sunlight and his blackening teeth had all but fallen out. His eyes were startled by the sight and Eleesa herself shrieked. Neither of the two had a moment to take another action. Eleesa’s pet leapt off her shoulder faster than the blink of an eye. Its fangs sank into the man’s neck. His hand reached up and grasped the snake as he toppled backwards. Eleesa whimpered as she heard the man struggle on the floor. It was the first stages of paralysis and soon the man was still. Eleesa remained for awhile until the snake returned to her arm. Its mouth was streaming with the man’s blood and began to drip down Eleesa’s head, as the snake coiled around her face. Eleesa got up and picked up the pot lid, ignoring the unmoving man’s body. She replaced the lid and shivered. She would find no sleep tonight. Taking one of the paralyzed rats from the bottom of the pot, Eleesa fed it to her companion. The snake gulped it down, not seeming to realize that it was still paralyzed. Her limbs seemed to have frozen in the curled-up position. In a way she was paralyzed herself. She had been in the same position for days and her body had adjusted to it.

  ***

  Days passed by with no one else entering the hold. Eleesa assumed everyone was to busy either cleaning up their foes or allies. The only thing which happened proved to be the most eventful since her time at sea. The boat began to rock violently and signaled the arrival of a vigorous storm. Eleesa clutched her companion in fright and poked her head out of the pot. The hold was shaking, and crates, pots, and other items were being thrown about. Scorpions and snakes, their pots fallen over, were battling on the hold floor. Eleesa held the pot lid on and held on with all her might. Shouting came from above and loud cracks thundered in the distance. Suddenly, what sounded like a clap erupted over head. A creaking sound followed and then a resounding thud.

  “Land!” A voice she heard in the distance, but this was not a voice filled with joy. It was that of fear. Then another crack sounded but this time it was much closer. Eleesa realized the bottom of her barrel was becoming damp. Eleesa poked her head out of the hold and noticed the bottom of the hold was covered in water. Everything was drifting and moving about the room. She got out of the pot and searched for something dry. She hurriedly scanned the room. There were sea snakes and other dangerous animals hidden in this brine. If her companion got wet, it would surely bite her. She finally found a clay pot with a dry inside and got in. Eleesa grabbed a candle that had just gone out and pulled the lid closed. Using the melted wax, she sealed herself in and waited. More cracks arose from the moving world outside Eleesa’s pot. A muffled voice sounded in the distance. It sounded as if it was coming from underwater. The voice said something about the ship. Another voice she thought said lost. Yet another seemed to say abandon. Creaks and groans began to replace the cracks. Eleesa realized that the air was getting thinner. Her supply was running out. She frantically pushed at the pot lid, but it would not budge. Slowly, darkness closed in and Eleesa passed into it from lack of oxygen.

  The Victory Lost

  General Hamo could not believe his eyes when the Maguyari forces retreated into the fog. Like mist the numerous bodies became shadows and vanished. They left behind the bodies of their fallen warriors; the only sign left of the attack. General Hamo wished not to count the dead that died this day. He knew the count would be very high. The reason for the retreat would not come apparent for many days. So, General Hamo knew there was only a single option in this situation. The fog was beginning to disperse, and a counter attack would end in complete destruction. General Hamo ordered retreat. The General called for his horse. He had lost sight of his commanders but hoped they were still alive.

  “To Timujri!” A shout of victory arose from the men around him. Soon, all the Bahl forces were shouting. General Hamo shook his head as he rode towards the rear; this was no victory.

  “General, we heard you ordered the retreat. Surely we should pursue the enemy and press our advantage.” Commander Braco rode up with six horsemen in his company.

  “Oh, such a fool you are, Commander Braco.” Commander Gelaus rode up, his armor had been battered and shredded. He bore many wounds, but they were all covered in mud and blood.

  “We have no advantage, Commander.” General Hamo grunted under his many wounds.

  “General, you should be at the hands of the wounded bearers.”

  “There are many others with more grievous wounds. I will manage. We must return to Timujri and await the siege.”

  “Yes, General.” Commander Braco sounded disappointed as he turned his horse to accompany the General. Sometime during the ascent back into the mountain pass, General Hamo fell unconscious on his steed. It appears he would be carried back indeed.

  ***

  Eleesa was awoke half buried in sand. Waves lapped lazily over her body. She spat out sand and salty water. Panic filled her at first and she looked around for any signs of life. She was cold and slowly moved her aching limbs. The remnants of her clay pot lay in pieces around her. Her companion’s black scales lay lifeless a few feet away. They would not sparkle in the sun again. She saw drift wood piling up for miles down the beach. In the distance she could make out smoke rising. The fire lay far away, and she wondered who had made it. Slowly, she crawled out of the surface onto the dry section of the beach. Strength reentered her body as a spectral figure approached from the fire’s direction. She picked up a small wet log to defend herself. Then, Eleesa found a bundle of nets and wood to hide behind. The only thing she could do was lay still and wait. Once the figure came into view, she realized he was no threat. It was her companion. Eleesa tried to call out but the words got stuck in her throat. She pulled herself to her feet using the stick. Her frantic waving alerted her companion, who strolled over to her location. He was carrying a torch and looked well rested.

  “About time, we have been waiting for you.”

  “What do you mean?” Eleesa croaked as she wobbled on her feet.

  “Well not exactly for you but we have been waiting. First we must do something about that collar.” Eleesa’s companion searched the beach until he found a knife. He directed Eleesa to lay in the sand. Next, he put the knife’s point
on the joint of Eleesa’s iron collar. “Try not to move.” Eleesa’s companion, using a heavy log, struck at the knife again and again. Nothing seemed to work. He contorted his face in thought and then grabbed his torch. He smiled and held the knife in the flames for a few moments. Once the blade was red he touched it to the iron collar. Eleesa whimpered under the heat. She felt like her skin was melting but her companion mercilessly held the blade there. She began to squirm, and he removed the knife. “That should work.” Her companion scooped up some of the cold ocean water and threw it on the collar. Then, he began beating at it once more. Within a few minutes the collar shattered at the joint. Eleesa removed the collar herself and felt a rush of relief. “Now, lets get you warm.” Her companion pulled her to her feet and placed her arm over his shoulder. Her arm ached as he dragged her along. She was too excited to get near a fire to offer any complaints. Just as the hot coals were in view, along with three other men, she collapsed into unconsciousness.