When they were all inside, weapons were drawn. Corin led the way around the building and gave another wolf call. The Calorins turned at the sight of the invaders and rushed to do battle.
Dandin halted the ram at the sounds of battle coming from inside the fortress. The blazing heat from the towers drove them back, and then with a great crash, one tower fell. Dandin ordered five men to make sure the fire did not spread to the surrounding forest, and then he directed one last assault on the weakened gate. They aimed their strength at the open corner of the gate. Under the weight of the ram, the still-burning gate was torn down. Dropping the ram, the men drew their claymores and, led by Dandin, threw themselves into the fray.
They came none too soon. Corin’s men were outnumbered and had been forced back towards the rear wall. Dandin and his warriors hit the Calorins hard from behind, turning the battle. It ended soon after. Those Calorins not dead threw down their weapons and surrendered. Under heavy guard, the prisoners were hurried out of the burning gates.
“The Calorins can bury their own,” Corin said. “Let the fortress burn. It will take them longer to rebuild this way.”
Dandin had lost seven men and more were wounded. Corin’s small band had all survived though half went away bearing away wounds.
“Will you stay with us tonight, Corin? Tae celebrate and honor the dead,” Dandin asked.
Corin hesitated, looking at his men. He knew they’d be ready to ride the moment he gave the order, but a night’s rest would do everyone good.
“Aye, we’d be glad to. Thank you.”
“Grand.”
By sundown, all that remained of the Calorin outpost was a smoking heap of timber. Dandin set his men to tying the prisoners together.
“You’re to make your own way back to Lynwood Keep. Make sure you tell them that the Hawk sent you. Any other outposts will suffer the same fate.” Corin addressed the prisoners in Calorin.
“We’ll be back no matter your threats,” the Calorin captain replied. “Soon we will be more numerous than you can possibly imagine. As for him.” He nodded at Dandin, “He is marked for death for helping you. He and his ragged band will suffer a traitor’s fate!”
“He says you’re a marked man and bound to die,” Corin translated for Dandin. In answer, Dandin drew his claymore and laid the point against the man’s chest.
“Tell him that if he ever shows his cowardly face here again, I’ll not be as merciful. And tell him that the men of Clan Dyson do not fear death. We’ll be waiting.”
Corin translated this to the nervous captive and then gave an order to his men. They drew their bows and aimed at the prisoners.
“Get going before we change our minds,” Corin said.
The prisoners stumbled off through the forest bound together in a line.
Chapter 8
Clan Dyson wrapped their dead in clean plaid cloaks and laid them on biers with their weapons. They would carry the fallen warriors back to their villages and bury them. As darkness fell completely, fires were lit and deer were roasted. Sweet cakes and breads were baked, and casks of dark frothing ale were broached. Men sat around the fires eating and drinking, relating many different tales of battles won and lost. Corin and Dandin sat together, watching their men and listening to the songs that were being sung. They sat in silence by the fire until one of Dandin’s men began playing a haunting melody on his pipes.
“What is it?” Corin asked as the music filled the air.
“A lament.” Dandin began to sing softly.
Where have they gone
The men of Clan Dyson?
We saw them ride out in the bright morn
Fearless companions
Sword brothers
Forth they rode in the bright morn
Tae face their mortal foe
No news has come tae comfort those left behind
What has become of them
The warriors of the Stag?
They met their enemy on the faraway plain
The claymores flashed
The bowstring sang
They fought for doughty Laird and Clan
No news has come
Where are they
The warriors of Clan Dyson?
For they fought and were slain
Tae return home tae the green woods never again.
“Harder than any battle is tae bury your men,” Dandin said. “It goes deeper than any wound, and tae tell their families is worse than any torture.”
“I’m afraid I’ll find that out all too soon.” Corin picked at his glove. “We’ve been lucky so far.”
“Aye, but from what your men tell me, luck has little tae do with it. They attribute it tae a rather cunning leader.”
Corin swept a twig from the ground, snapping it into smaller pieces. “If they really knew how much experience I’ve had, they’d change their minds.”
Dandin glanced at him as if seeing all of his fear and doubt.
“You seem tae have done well so far,” he commented.
“I just have firsthand knowledge of how the Calorins move and fight. I spent three years fighting under a Calorin lord before I returned here.” Corin tossed the last of the twig into the fire.
“Returned? You were gone for while then?”
Corin merely nodded. “Twelve years.”
“You’re the lost prince? You were in Calorin for all those years then?” Dandin asked after a long moment.
Corin nodded again, his jaw tightening, remembering the hell that had been most of those years.
Dandin regarded him in silence for a long moment, understanding kindling in his face, but not the pity that Corin feared.
“Most of my men know that I was born a prince. It’s just that I was gone for so long, and I’ve changed. That’s why I didn’t want to be anything other than a captain. I wasn’t sure what to do. I’m still not. And now I have fifty men looking to me to do the best thing for them, and I’m afraid I’ll let everyone down,” Corin found himself confessing.
Dandin saw the uncertainty in his face. “Don’t under-estimate yourself. You have everyone convinced otherwise.”
“My father used to say that if a commander showed any fear or uncertainty, his men wouldn’t follow him. Fortunately, I have four extremely capable lieutenants that have been able to help me out. What would you do in my place, Dandin?”
“Trust my men and my instincts. Lleu put you here for a reason, and I’ve found that he usually knows what he’s doing,” Dandin answered after a moment.
“I hope so,” Corin murmured. He hadn’t confided his fear to anyone, not even to Martin. Even if Emeth were here, I probably wouldn’t have even told him. But he felt he could trust the older, more experienced warrior beside him.
“When will you be leaving, Corin?” Dandin asked.
“Early tomorrow. We’re due back at camp.”
“Aye, and I’ll have tae take a report back to my father.” Dandin stood. “I’ll bid you good night then.” He strode off to see to the ordering of the sentries.
Corin wrapped himself in his cloak by the fire. All around him men were doing the same, and soon sleep spread over the encampment.
* * *
“With your permission, my laird, I’d like tae keep an eye on the border,” Dandin said the next morning.
Corin noted his use of the title and smiled. “Aye, gladly. The Calorins will be back. They won’t give up on Braeton easily.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of. I’m sending a message tae Clan Gunlon, and they’ll watch the border tae the east. We’ll be ready when they show their faces again,” Dandin said.
The mention of the other clan triggered something in Corin’s memory.
“Lord Dandin, do you meet any of Clan Canich regularly?”
“Aye, they’re our neighboring clan. Why do you ask?”
“If you could give a message to their lord for me. Tell him that his son, Aiden, is alive and doing well.”
“Sure, and he’ll be glad
tae hear it too, even though he doesn’t show how much he misses the lad.” Dandin shook his head, and Corin wondered if Aiden knew that.
“When did you see him?” Dandin asked.
“We fought together in the south. He’s the best warrior I’ve ever seen.”
“I’ll be sure tae tell him then. I think we’ll be meeting again soon, Corin.”
Corin clasped his hand and then mounted Zephyr. “There should always be a patrol in the area if you ever need anything.”
“Aye, and if Clan Dyson can aid you in any way, we’d be honored,” Dandin returned. “Good luck tae you, Corin.”
“Thanks, and to you, Dandin,” Corin said, and then he and his men rode from the camp.
* * *
Kara rode toward the rear of the file. She found herself by Ian again.
“How long until we make it tae your camp?” she asked.
“We’ll be there by nightfall,” Ian answered.
Kara grimaced at the thought of a whole day in the saddle, but it was not as tedious as she thought it would be. They met Martin’s patrol around mid-morning. Kara took an instant liking to the handsome, easygoing lieutenant.
The men of the patrols conversed quietly as Corin and Martin exchanged reports. Ian introduced Kara to a young friend of his named Steffan, giving a quick explanation of Kara’s presence.
“Well you don’t have much farther to look for your brother,” Steffan said.
Excitement flared in Kara at these words, and she hardly listened to Ian telling Steffan about the battle. Shortly after, the two patrols parted and rode on. As the day continued, they avoided two large Calorin patrols on the main paths.
As Ian predicted, they reached the camp by sundown. They were greeted by Tristan and his men, who would leave the next morning. Corin introduced Kara to Tristan and gave him the more important news about the help they had received from the Braetons.
“One can never have too many friends. Balkor won’t be too happy to hear that you met the Clans,” Tristan said.
“That’s what I’m hoping. I’m worried though. Their captain hinted that Balkor might be expecting more troops.”
Tristan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Aye, that may be a problem. Trey is at Sentry Rocks. He might have picked up something.”
“Reports come in yet?” Corin asked.
“Not yet, Captain. Should be soon.”
Kara stood shyly to the side, half-listening to their conversation until Corin called Ian over again to show her where she could stow her gear. As she finished untacking her gelding, a whistle went up, signaling someone’s approach. Corin looked up expectantly as hoof beats sounded, and a lone rider cantered into camp. Kara bit back a cry as she saw the familiar figure.
Kieran handed Corin a folded piece of paper and made his report. When he finished, Corin whispered something to him. Kieran turned, and an astonished grin broke over his face when he saw Kara. He ran over to her, and she wrapped him in a fierce hug.
“What are you doing here?” He lifted her up even though she matched him for height.
“Looking for you.” Kara shoved free of his arms.
Kieran laughed. “Lucky for you, I’m not hard tae find.”
“I’m so glad you’re safe!” Kara hugged him again. “What happened tae Father?”
Kieran’s face fell at this question and she knew.
“No!” she whispered.
Kieran only nodded miserably and held her as tears flowed down her face. He led her over to a secluded corner of the clearing where they sat and told each other what had happened since they had last seen each other.
“So what now?” Kara tucked her knees up and rested her arms on them.
“I don’t know, Kara.” Kieran ran a hand through his honey-brown hair. “I feel like I need tae stay here.”
“But I don’t want tae leave you.” Kara protested. He was all she had left.
“Me either.” Kieran tapped his chin in thought. “Maybe I can convince the captain tae let you stay for a while. It’s too dangerous for you tae travel back home, or something like that.”
“Do you think he’ll believe that?” Kara raised one eyebrow in doubt.
“Well, it’s partly true, and maybe I can get Liam tae help me tae convince him.”
“Convince whom of what?” Ian walked up and handed food to both of them.
They exchanged a look, knowing instantly what the other was thinking. They turned identical eyes on him as they drew him into their plan.
Ian sat back as they finished. “You two are crazy.”
“Come on, Ian. She’s my sister!”
“Exactly. And if you wanted what was best for her, you’d send her home,” Ian argued, and turned to Kara. “It’s not a grand adventure out here. We could all be killed at any time, and you know that.”
“I don’t have tae fight. I can stay here at camp and help,” she said, even though it was the last thing she wanted to do.
Ian relented a bit. “I’d try and get Martin on your side if you can. But in the end, you’ll have to talk to the captain yourself.”
“Good idea. Thanks, Ian,” Kieran said gratefully, echoed by Kara.
Kara watched her brother ride away two days later to bring back Tristan’s first report. She gave a small sigh as he disappeared into the forest. She wanted to go with him, but she knew deep down that if she ever was allowed to stay, she would remain at camp. She’d made herself useful over the last few days, gathering wood, caring for the horses, and helping with the cooking, her part in convincing the captain of her possible contributions to the warband. I might as well get used to it, she thought as she turned back to help Bran. He was busy making new shafts for their longbows.
Bran looked up as she sat next to him. “Don’t worry about your brother, missy. He’ll blow back in before you know it.”
Kara couldn’t help but smile at the bowman’s cheerful assurance. They worked together for a few hours until Ian interrupted.
“I’m going fishing, Kara. You want to come?” he asked.
Kara saw the mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
“Just as long as you don’t let them attack me.” A smile tugged at her mouth.
“You have my word of honor.” Ian choked down a laugh.
“Oh, get out of here, both of you!” Bran said.
Kara and Ian laughed as they obediently retreated.
Corin and Liam were sharpening their swords and watched them run by.
“What are you going to do with her, Corin?” Liam asked.
Corin tested the edge of his scimitar. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “She obviously wants to stay with her brother. I’ll let her stay until we get back from our next run. I’ll have whoever is here put her through some tests. If I let her stay, I have to know she can take care of herself.”
“You think she’ll pass them?”
“Aye, I think she can.”
* * *
The day before they left on patrol again, the captain called Kara.
“I’ve decided that you can stay for now,” he said. “I’ll make a final decision when we come back in a few weeks. I still expect you to obey orders here.”
“Yes, sir. I will. Thank you!” Kara replied earnestly. After she was dismissed, she ran to find Kieran and give him the news.
“I’m going with them, for a few days at least,” Kieran said.
Kara’s smile died. Once he left with the captain and his men she would be alone at the camp with strangers.
“Don’t worry,” he reassured her. “Martin and his patrol are coming in tonight. Just don’t get caught in the tricks they play on each other.”
Kara managed a smile. Any apprehension she still felt was dispelled when Martin’s patrol rode in. Despite the bandages much in evidence, his men called out jovial greetings to their comrades. Martin remembered her and waved as he reported to Corin. That night, the usually quiet camp was filled with the good-natured joking and celebration for a safe return that occurre
d when the patrols met each other.
* * *
“Gavin and I are going hunting. You want to come along, Kara?” Martin asked a few days later.
Kara was a little surprised at the offer, but readily accepted. Grabbing her bow, she followed the two men as they left the camp. It didn’t take her long to recognize the hunting trip as a kind of test. She had heard that Gavin was one of the best trackers and hunters in the warband. There was no other reason they needed her along.
Having grown up on the plains of Braeton, Kara was unfamiliar with some of the tracks and plants in the forest, but she was able to move with a decent amount of stealth through the woods, only requiring a few pointers from Gavin.
They’d been gone for half an hour when Gavin halted and studied fresh prints. “Stag, sir. Shall we follow?”
Martin nodded. “Kara, see if you can show us where he is.”
Kara hesitated a moment, but a second glance at Martin showed that he was serious. She picked up the trail and moved after it as the men followed behind. They did not have much further to go before Kara halted and pointed. The stag grazed between the trees ahead of them.
With a smile, Martin indicated that she should try and bring it down. Slowly, Kara laid an arrow on her bow and took aim. Martin and Gavin did the same should she miss.
Her arrow took the stag high on the shoulder. As it bolted away, Gavin sent another arrow crashing into its side. The deer staggered a few steps and fell to the ground.
Martin lowered his bow. “Nice shot, Kara.”
“I missed my mark,” Kara felt obliged to point out.
“True, but you’re not used to that bow yet. Allow for some error at first. It was a good shot, all things considered.” Gavin shouldered his bow as they went to retrieve the deer.
Gavin and Martin brought the deer back to camp as Kara followed, covering their tracks.
“If you’ll skin it, I’ll cook dinner,” Kara bargained.
“Fair enough.” Martin laughed. “Steffan, get over here and help us!” he called.
The Rise of Aredor Page 19
