“I can’t! I’ve never commanded before!” Hamíd exclaimed.
“You’re the only one with enough battle experience. Please, you have to!” Nasim pleaded.
Hamíd glanced at the soldiers along the barricade, regarding him anxiously. His heart thudded in panic. He didn’t know how give orders. The thought that a commander was what he should have been flashed through his mind. He pushed it away. It wasn’t going to help them now.
“All right, I’ll do my best.” Hamíd moved along the barrier issuing fresh orders, gaining more confidence as he went.
“Bows and arrows everyone. When they charge, we can catch them in the open. Imran!” He called to the young man.
The young soldier saluted. “Yes, sir?”
“I want you to stay by Nadirah. Do not let her get hurt, understand?” Hamíd asked.
“Yes, sir!”
“Good man. Get ready, they’re coming again!” Hamíd called as the enemy began advancing. Bows were raised and leveled at the oncoming foe.
“Fire!” he ordered. The first rank went down under the deadly burst of arrows. He gave the order again, but the enemy pushed forward. “Javelins ready!” he called.
Along the line, bows were dropped and spears thrust through holes in the barricade. More soldiers met their death on the sharpened points. Movement along the wall top caught Hamíd’s attention. On both sides, small forces were creeping along to try and outflank them.
“Nasim! Take five bowmen and drive them off!” He pointed to the east wall. “Kadir, take the west wall. Take them down!”
The troops on the walls were forced to retreat under the barrage of arrows from Nasim and Kadir’s bowmen. Along the barricade, the battle raged on. Wave after wave of the enemy broke against the barriers, and each time the defenders barely managed to drive them back. Hamíd strode relentlessly down the line with the hawk perched on his shoulder and joined in wherever the fighting was heaviest.
Then all went quiet. Hamíd looked at the brightening sky. Dawn had come.
* * *
They had finally reached the trees marking the border of Lord Jamal’s land. Emeth looked at the sky; dawn was fast approaching. It was still almost a mile to the valley and the castle. As the sun first peeked over the horizon, they came to the edge of the trees. The battlements were deserted. Smoke billowed from inside the walls, and there were no signs of life anywhere in the valley. Lord Jamal stared at the bodies lying outside the walls and the ruined siege ladders.
“You think any are left alive?” he asked.
Lord Rishdah took in the burnt, smashed gates. “It seems deserted. Emeth, go in and see what you can find. Azrahil, you and Jaffa see if any of Numair’s force is left or if any of Lord Jamal’s people survived.”
Emeth slid down from Narak and tossed the reins to Ahmed. Unsheathing a sword, he quietly slipped inside the walls.
* * *
Silence reigned inside the walls. Sa’id’s men seemed to have retreated outside the walls. Hamíd glanced around at the small force remaining.
“Sir, listen,” a soldier said. “I think they have some sort of reinforcements.”
Hamíd strained to hear the faint voices outside the walls as the shapes of men on horseback flickered through the thick screen of smoke.
“Keep ready for anything,” he ordered. A sick feeling settled over him. If the enemy had gained reinforcements, then it was all over. Movement attracted his attention to a lone figure fading in and out of the smoke. He slid a knife free from its sheath as it approached.
“Anyone here?” A voice called.
His heart leaped at the familiar voice. He climbed over the barricade and made his way toward Emeth.
Emeth lowered his sword in disbelief. “Hamíd?”
“It’s about time you showed up,” Hamíd said with a grin.
Emeth sheathed his sword and wrapped Hamíd in a fierce embrace. “It’s good to see you on your feet again. You all right?”
“For the most part,” Hamíd replied. “Who’s here with you?”
“Rishdah and Jamal and about a hundred and fifty men. We got here as fast as we could,” Emeth replied.
Hamíd turned and gave a wave. The small body of defenders began to trickle out from behind the barricade. Nadirah joined them as Emeth led the way through the gates.
“I found a few people you might want to see, sir,” Emeth told Lord Rishdah casually as Hamíd and Nadirah came through followed by the rest of the soldiers.
Nadirah ran to Ismail and was swept up into his embrace. Hamíd saluted Lord Rishdah and Lord Jamal.
“We lost about twenty-five men, sir. Captain Hatim was wounded badly last night, and the rest of your people are safe inside the castle, my lord,” he said.
“Who took command then?” Lord Jamal asked.
“I’m afraid that would be me, sir.”
Lord Rishdah looked him up and down. “You seem to have done a good job.”
A hint of pride warmed him. “I did my best, sir.”
“How many of Numair’s men attacked?” Lord Rishdah asked.
“Three hundred, sir. I’d say they lost almost a third of their force, but where are the rest?” Hamíd glanced around the empty valley.
“They were gone by the time we got here,” Lord Rishdah answered. “Azrahil is looking for the remainder.”
“Thank you for defending my home,” Lord Jamal said. “How badly are you hurt?”
“Nothing too bad, sir, I don’t think.” Hamíd deliberately didn’t look at Nicar.
“Which means I’ll have to patch you up in a dozen different places as usual,” Nicar retorted drily.
Ahmed gripped his hand and slapped his shoulder. “And to think we were worried about you getting bored.”
Hamíd chuckled. “And what? Do something stupid? I’d like to think I’m smarter than Emeth.”
Ahmed snickered as Emeth shoved him from behind.
“Sure you’re not giving yourselves too much credit?” Nicar cut in with a smirk.
Emeth shot off an insult, sending them into new laughter, sobering with an effort as Azrahil came back with his report.
“About a hundred and fifty men left, sir. They’ve taken shelter in the village at the end of the valley for now,” he said.
Lord Jamal gave orders for part of the force to keep watch on the village and the rest to remain at the castle. As the soldiers went about their duties, Lord Rishdah and Lord Jamal went inside, leaving the guards together.
“I see you’re still in one piece,” Azrahil said to Hamíd.
“Good to see you too, Captain,” Hamíd replied.
Ahmed started as the hawk swooped in and landed on Hamíd’s shoulder.
“Meet Karif.” Hamíd gestured to the hawk.
“Well, someone’s got to look after you when we’re gone,” Nicar said. “Come on, let me look at you. You’re about to drop of exhaustion.” He would brook no arguments and went with Hamíd back inside.
After digging the arrowhead out of his shoulder and inspecting the lion wounds that had now healed into scars, Nicar ordered Hamíd to rest. Wearily, Hamíd complied and was soon fast asleep.
A few hours later, he awoke, washed and dressed in a clean uniform, and reported to Azrahil.
“Nicar tells me that you’re healed,” Azrahil said.
“Yes, sir,” Hamíd replied.
“I will say that I almost didn’t expect you to recover,” Azrahil said. “And that leads me to a point of disagreement between Nicar and myself.” He paused before continuing. “I said that you should not be allowed back to the Guard.”
Hamíd tried to hide his sudden panic at the Captain’s statement.
“What do you mean, sir?” he stammered.
“Your wounds may have healed, but you won’t be as strong as you were before,” Azrahil said.
“I will be,” Hamíd asserted. “I’m getting better every day. My leg—”
“Exactly, your leg,” Azrahil interrupted. “I’ve
seen just enough to know that it will slow you down. You could endanger yourself and the rest of us.”
“No, I just need some more time…”
“We don’t have that. We leave here within days. You won’t be coming,” Azrahil said.
“Sir, you can’t—” Hamíd said in desperation before Azrahil interrupted again.
“You think I enjoy this?”
Hamíd’s head snapped up and Azrahil was caught in his gaze.
“I’m not staying behind. I can still ride and fight, and I proved over the last few days that I’m still good enough to take on any of Numair’s men. This is all I have. Don’t take it away from me….please.”
Azrahil regarded him for a long moment before drawing his scimitar. “You think you are still capable of being a Phoenix Guard? Prove it to me.”
For the next hour, he drove Hamíd relentlessly through weapon drills and maneuvers, and Hamíd pushed back just as hard. He had been given a second life, and he would not lose it. In the end, Azrahil was not completely satisfied, but he grudgingly agreed with Hamíd—he would not be left behind.
“You may yet prove me wrong,” he told him, and Hamíd vowed he would not rest until he did.
The captain sent him down the valley to replace Ahmed, who was stationed with Ismail.
A long day passed outside the village. Hamíd was still with Ismail when a solider came up to report.
“They’re moving out. What do you want to do, sir?” the soldier asked.
“We can follow in the morning. They’ll lead us back to Numair’s main army. Have two scouts follow them. I want full reports on their movements,” Ismail said.
The soldier saluted and rode away. Ismail and Hamíd rode back to the castle to report. Lord Rishdah approved of his son’s decision and welcomed the chance to let his men rest. He then dismissed his guards for the night, ordering them to rejoin him in the morning.
At dawn, Hamíd, Ahmed, and Emeth shouldered packs and weapons and went down to the stables. On the way out, Hamíd heard someone call his name. He turned and saw Makin.
“Where you goin’, Ahmid?” he asked.
Hamíd crouched down so he was eye level with the boy.
“I have to leave now. I have to go wherever Lord Rishdah goes,” he explained.
“Do you have to fight more?” Makin scuffed his toes against the ground.
“Yes, I will.”
“I was scared from all the fighting here,” the boy admitted.
“It wasn’t fun, was it?” Hamíd said. “Why don’t you come say good-bye to Zephyr? He’ll miss you.”
Makin nodded enthusiastically. Hamíd handed the boy his war bow to carry as they walked to where Emeth and Ahmed were waiting. They both smiled at the sight of the small boy struggling with the weapon.
The stables were teeming with life as men hurried to prepare their horses to leave. Makin watched as Hamíd tacked Zephyr up and buckled on his weapons. Reaching out, Makin gently stroked Zephyr’s nose one more time and then he turned and hugged Hamíd.
“Don’t get hurted again, Ahmid,” Makin mumbled into his tunic.
“All right. Take care of everyone here, Maki.” Hamíd mussed the boy’s hair, a sudden tightness in his chest. He handed Makin one of the hawk’s grey feathers. Giving a last pat to Zephyr, Makin ran out of the barn.
Settling his bow across his shoulder, Hamíd led Zephyr out into the courtyard followed by Emeth and Ahmed. They were joined soon after by Azrahil and Nicar, who held Lord Rishdah and Ismail’s horses as well as their own. When the lords came into the courtyard, everyone mounted. A small force was remaining behind to reinforce the castle. A pair of riders was sent to bring the main army to meet them as the rest of the force rode out of the gate and onto the trail of Numair’s men.
Chapter 14
They rode east for two days before meeting with the main army encamped at the towering rocks littering the roadside. Hamíd shifted uncomfortably as he recognized the scene of the ambush that had taken Castimir’s life. They stayed there one day before continuing eastward.
In his spare time, Hamíd began to train the hawk, teaching it to respond to his signals. It learned quickly, adapting its previously solitary life to follow him. The rest of the Guard became used to seeing the grey hawk with him, fitting perfectly with the quiet mystery of Hamíd.
Some days later, they came within sight of a town a few miles from Numair’s castle. Lord Rishdah sent Hamíd, Ahmed, and Emeth into the town to gather information on Lord Numair’s movements. Laying aside the uniforms of the Phoenix Guard, they dressed in plain clothes to avoid attracting too much attention.
“I don’t see any of Numair’s men,” Hamíd murmured to Ahmed as they leaned against the wall of a house in the main square of the town.
“We’re still a day’s journey from his castle. But you’d still expect to see some soldiers here,” Ahmed replied, then laughed softly. “Watch this. Emeth’s about to get caught.”
They watched as Emeth made his way across the square towards them only to be stopped by several young women by the well in the center of the square. Obligingly, he helped them draw water from the well but was stopped from leaving.
Successfully cornered, he plastered a smile on his face and began talking with the eager girls. Every word he spoke sent them tittering and laughing coyly. Hamíd and Ahmed forced down bouts of laughter at the scene and the trapped look growing on Emeth’s face. Emeth shot a desperate look toward them, and Ahmed waved back at him. Finally, he managed to excuse himself and escape. He stalked across the square, glaring at them.
“Oh, sir! Would you help me? I can’t seem to lift this bucket half full of water!” Ahmed pitched his voice dangerously high.
Hamíd snickered as he took the part of Emeth. “Why, certainly ladies. Is there anything else I can help with?”
Emeth began walking between the houses out of the town. His companions followed, haranguing him mercilessly.
“How strong you are! And just look at those dreadfully sharp knife things you carry!” Ahmed continued in a high falsetto voice.
Emeth turned suddenly. “You two done yet? ’Cause you’re about to make the list as casualties of war.”
Ahmed gave a low moan and fell backward into Hamíd’s arms.
Despite himself, a smile spread across Emeth’s face. “You two are just jealous,” he asserted.
“No, not really,” Hamíd replied. “I’ll leave the role of heart-breaker to you.”
“I don’t know what you’re laughing about, Ahmed,” Emeth said slyly. “I’ve seen you two meeting when you’re off duty. What’s her name again?”
Ahmed shoved Emeth. “You know very well that’s my sister.”
Emeth looked to Hamíd. “Do you believe that?” he asked mischievously.
“It is hard to believe that anyone that pretty could be his sister.” Hamíd grinned.
“I agree,” Emeth said as they arrived at where they had left their horses. Mounting, they reverted to the serious business for which they had been sent to the village and exchanged information as they rode back to the army to report to Lord Rishdah.
* * *
“Numair’s army passed through two days ago, sir. They headed southeast,” Ahmed reported.
“Villagers figured about three hundred men, sir,” Emeth continued.
“His lands lie about a day’s ride away. I was told he still had a sizeable force there, which would bring his strength up to almost five hundred men, sir,” Hamíd concluded the report.
“Anything else?” Captain Azrahil asked.
Emeth shifted uncomfortably, and Ahmed shot him a sly glance.
“Well, sir, how useful does it need to be?” Ahmed asked.
Emeth kicked him. “No, sir, that’s all,” he said hurriedly.
Azrahil’s eyes narrowed as Hamíd began coughing uncontrollably.
“Sorry, sir.” Hamíd attempted to regain his composure.
“Emeth, you’re on duty. You two are dismisse
d,” Azrahil said.
“Come on, Hamíd, let’s get you some fresh air,” Ahmed said.
They both staggered out of the tent, stifling fresh laughter. Emeth glared after them.
“For your sake, I’m not going to ask,” Azrahil said.
“Thank you, sir,” Emeth replied frostily.
* * *
The next day, the army began marching and skirted the village before they continued southeast after the retreating army. Finally, they encountered the enemy. Numair’s troops had gathered in a large village some distance from his castle. It was decided a small force would attack and occupy the village, giving the rest of the army a straight path to Numair’s fortress.
In the half light of the morning, Lord Rishdah put his troops in position. Ismail, flanked by Hamíd and Emeth, would lead the first charge. They would attack from the front as Lord Jamal led a second assault from the southern side. The horses shifted restlessly as they waited for the signal. Ismail urged his horse forward; on either side, Hamíd and Emeth did the same, and slowly the line moved forward.
Riders crouched low in the saddle to avoid oncoming arrows, and then they were sweeping through the village. The first line of archers had fled as they charged, leaving the village empty. Ismail sent scouts out; they returned reporting the houses were empty and there was no sign of life anywhere. Lord Jamal came galloping up at the head of his force.
“Where are they?” he demanded.
“There!” Emeth pointed.
Numair’s entire army was marching towards them. As they watched, it split and moved to surrounded them.
“We’re outnumbered, sir,” Hamíd said as Karif flew in to perch on his arm. “We won’t last long without reinforcements.”
“The rest of the army is a mile away,” Ismail said. “We’ll cut through the left flank and retreat.”
“Two hundred against four hundred. Think we’ll make it?” Emeth asked Hamíd.
“I knew someone who would’ve thought they were good odds.” Hamíd sent Karif flying off again, and Emeth grinned.
War horns blared as a line was formed, and Ismail sounded the charge. Soldiers dashed spurs into the sides of their steeds. Hamíd and Emeth rode beside Ismail as they charged the enclosing flank. Weapons clashed, horses screamed, and men shouted as the lines collided. The force of the charge carried them well into Numair’s ranks. Ismail’s band fought through and retreated back to the camp. It was only after the army had reached the camp safely that Hamíd realized that Emeth was missing.
The Rise of Aredor Page 12
