“Are the people there all like Balkor?”
“Many of the lords are. They continually fight amongst themselves for more power. There are a few who will work with their people and rule justly. I was fortunate enough to serve under such a lord.”
“Why would they want to invade Aredor? We never did anything to them.” Mera reached for a salve and clean bandage.
“Power. If the Sultaan wanted to conquer the world, this is the easiest place to start. Controlling Aredor places him in the middle of the North. He could strike anywhere he wanted.” Corin lifted his arm as she began to wind the bandage around the wound.
“So they are trying to completely subdue us so that there is no chance of their being overthrown once they turn to another country,” Mera said.
“Exactly. But for now, we’ve been able to put the Sultaan’s plans on hold.” Corin smiled.
“I don’t understand why men would want to conquer everyone else. Why can’t we just be content with what we have?”
“It’s always been that way. I’ve heard it said that men are at their best when waging war,” he said.
Mera tied off the bandage on his arm. “It’s strange that so many see honor and glory in battles and war, but I only see pain and suffering.” She looked away, cheeks tinged red in slight embarrassment.
“There will always be a place for the sword, just as there is for the healer. We each have a place and duty in life,” Corin said. Then he grinned. “You’re making me sound quite profound.”
Mera returned the smile. “Then I should go before you turn completely into a philosopher.”
Corin rolled his sleeve down and stood. Sweeping a low bow, he helped her stand.
“Talking so much, I almost forgot my manners,” he joked. Mera laughed quietly. He took her outside where Martin was saddling horses to take her back to the village. Returning to the cave, Corin saw that Kara was sleeping peacefully. Lying down on Darrin’s pallet on the opposite ledge, he wrapped a cloak around himself and fell asleep.
After a few hours, he awoke. The caves were quiet; Darrin and his men were still out. Rolling over, he saw that Kara was now awake and lying on her side. Karif perched on the ledge, and she was gently stroking the feathers on his neck.
“You found his soft spot,” Corin said.
Kara smiled crookedly. “He came in when Liam did and decided tae keep me company I guess.”
Corin rose and walked over to her. “How are you feeling?”
“Better, sir. Really hungry though. Lieutenant said he’d bring me something.”
“I saw Delyth out in the valley. I didn’t know if you knew that,” Corin said.
Kara brightened at the knowledge that her horse was unharmed. Liam came back in with a bowl of soup and some bread for her. She gingerly sat up and took the food.
“I’ll have Kieran bring your pack in so you can change into some clean clothes,” Liam said.
Kara nodded gratefully. Her shirt and breeches were covered in dirt and grime from the dungeons.
Corin pulled on his leather tunic, laced it up, and then buckled on his weapons again.
“Going somewhere, Captain?” Liam inquired casually.
“Thought I’d go for a walk.” Corin’s reply was equally casual.
“In the dark?” Liam raised an eyebrow.
“Yes.” Corin grinned. “I won’t be gone long. You’re in charge.”
Liam shrugged hopelessly as Kara stifled a grin.
“Fine. Just try not to get yourself killed,” Liam said.
“But everything is so much more fun that way.” Corin laughed, whistling Karif to his shoulder.
The clouds had cleared to reveal a fiery sunset. Corin struck out in a northern direction towards Lynwood Keep. After days in the saddle, he was glad to stretch his legs. Striding easily, he would reach his destination in little over an hour.
Chapter 16
Emeth stood in a forest glade, gazing up at the stars peeking through the clouds. Ismail often sent his guards on errands. He had used that as an excuse to get out into the forest. Narak moved softly nearby, adding to the gentle noises of the forest around him. For the first time in a long while, he found himself thinking about his own forest home with his three brothers and of course, his father. Almost savagely, he pushed the memories away, not wishing to dwell too long on the past.
“Tell Ahmed that he needs to work on his aim.” A voice said in Calorin, and Corin stepped into the clearing.
Emeth turned around with a smile. “Gladly. Maybe he’ll stop moping about it.”
They clasped hands, and he pulled Corin into a rough embrace.
“It’s good tae see you again.” Emeth reverted to Rhyddan.
“You too,” Corin said. “Tell me, what brings you into this dangerous forest alone?”
“An errand for Ismail. I just haven’t figured out what it is yet,” Emeth said.
Corin laughed. “How are they doing?”
“Ahmed’s doing all right, after I convinced him that he didn’t kill you. Ismail is a little better,” Emeth said. “Oh, I should tell you. Ismail has a son, born a few weeks before we left. Rishdah is the proudest grandfather you’ll ever see.”
Corin smiled. “What did they call him?”
“Castimir. It was Nadirah’s idea,” Emeth answered. They stood silently for a few moments and then Corin shook himself slightly.
“Did you get any trouble from Kadar?”
A grin stole over Emeth’s face. “Did I ever tell you that I was banished? Terrible story.”
Corin’s half smile betrayed concern beneath the amusement. “He believe you?”
“I think so. How is the girl, by the way?” Emeth asked in turn.
“She’s doing better. Thanks to you, we got her out in time.”
“Listen, that’s probably the last time I’ll be able tae help.” Emeth shifted, a little embarrassed by what he was going to say. “I’m still held by oath tae protect Ismail, and I won’t betray him. If it was anyone else, I would have come and joined you long ago, but I can’t.” He didn’t meet Corin’s gaze.
“I understand,” Corin said quietly. “I wouldn’t hurt any of them.”
Emeth relaxed slightly, still hating his betrayal. “I’m sorry.”
“We’re pulled in different directions for now. I hope we may fight together soon,” Corin said.
“As do I.” Emeth moved to Narak. “I need tae go before they send out a search party.”
“Emeth, if you ever need help, follow the river until we find you.”
Emeth mounted. “Thanks. Be careful, Cor.”
“You too, Aiden.” Corin raised a hand in farewell and vanished into the forest.
* * *
The next morning, Darrin and his men returned victorious but subdued. Two fresh graves were dug in the clearing. Dylan and Marc replaced the two dead warriors in the patrols. The summer moved quickly on, and the two sides met in frequent skirmishes.
Lord Balkor became increasingly angry at his commanders’ inability to subdue the Hawk Flight. He began forming a new plan to draw the outlaws out of the protection of the forest where he could easily destroy them.
* * *
As the seasons began to change, Trey brought Ivor, who had word of this new plan, back to the caves. Riders were immediately sent out to recall all the patrols to the caves. A council of war was held in the main cavern.
“I and two other men from the village were taking the required supplies to Kingstown. I overheard some of the soldiers talking about Balkor’s newest orders. They’re going to burn the villages and kill everyone until the Hawk Flight is drawn out of the forest. He’ll have an army waiting for you,” Ivor said.
Darrin silenced the angry outbursts that ran through the caves. “You are sure of this?” he asked Ivor.
The warrior nodded. “Yes, sire. Kadar is to lead the force. They will start at Caldor village in the morning.”
Darrin looked to Corin.
“It�
�s dangerous. If we managed to fight our way out, Balkor will keep burning until every last one of us is dead.” Corin crossed his arms. He wanted to go, but there was a reason they hadn’t met the Calorins in head on conflict.
“And if we let the villagers die, then everything we’ve been fighting for dies as well,” Martin protested.
“Balkor knows we don’t want the villages to burn. But we’re severely outnumbered,” Darrin reminded him.
“With respect, sire, we’ve been outnumbered from the beginning, but we haven’t backed down,” Trey said.
Corin waited for Darrin to speak. He might be the captain of the Hawk Flight, but this was a decision to be made by the crown prince.
Darrin stood in silence for a few moments. “I will go with whoever is willing.”
Corin stepped forward. “I’m willing, and I’ll follow you to death and beyond, brother.”
The men of his patrol rose and stood ready.
Tristan faced Darrin. “I’m going if only to ram my spear down Kadar’s filthy throat before I die.”
Loud cheers greeted his words as the remainder of the Hawk Flight rose. Martin and Trey stood by Tristan and Corin.
“Arm yourselves for battle, boys. We’ll teach Balkor to fear our names,” Darrin said.
* * *
Kadar was pleased. His men had surrounded Caldor, preventing any escape from the burning buildings. The villagers were panicking as they tried to find a way out. Kadar smiled thinly, enjoying their distress. His lieutenant rode up and pointed wordlessly at the distant tree line. Lines of horsemen emerged from the forest as the sun glinted off the tips of spears. Kadar’s smile widened when he saw the outlaws. He had a hundred and fifty men under his command. The Aredorians would quickly fall.
Darrin stared down at the burning village and the Calorin army.
“Corin, you and Tristan take the left flank. Trey, circle the village and strike from the rear.”
He raised his spear, and Corin and Tristan galloped off at the head of their men. Falling into battle formation, they leveled spears at the Calorins and raised the eerie wolf howl. Trey heard the cry and signaled his men. They rode off to the right to circle the enemy.
Corin and his men bit deep into the Calorin flank when Darrin raised his spear again. He and Martin’s men urged their horses into an easy lope, gathering speed as they approached the unprotected right flank of the Calorins. Kadar was not prepared for the fury of the Aredorians as they swept through his men. The Calorins began to retreat under the onslaught. Then their lines broke, and they ran.
The Hawk Flight did not give chase. They had lost no men, but the ground was littered with Calorin dead. The surviving villagers stumbled out of the buildings.
Corin rode up to Darrin. “What now? Where do they go? Their homes are completely destroyed,” he said.
Parents gathered up frightened children. An old woman wept as her house collapsed. Darrin dismounted and walked over to the people.
“You can’t stay here. We can take you to another village or there is a valley hidden deep in the forest,” he said.
A man stepped forward. “I will take my family to the forest. We will be safer there.”
One by one, the other families decided to follow him to the hidden valley. Darrin chose several men, led by Gavin, to guide the families to Dunham.
They did not have long to wait before Kadar attacked another village. This time, the outlaws were driven back, but not before allowing time for the villagers to escape. Again, Darrin offered a place in the forest to the survivors.
So it went through the fall with the Hawk Flight and Calorins clashing outside villages and in the open fields. Though greatly outnumbering the Hawk Flight and gaining reinforcements, Kadar’s forces sustained heavy losses. The Aredorians fought on their own ground, and Darrin and Corin together came up with strategies to keep their warband from being overwhelmed. However, as the season passed, there was no sign of the attacks abating.
Trey and Martin stood looking at a paper nailed to a board outside the town hall.
“Who is it supposed to be, do you think?” Martin asked.
Trey shrugged and leaned forward to better inspect the reward poster. The picture showed a man, face half obscured by a hood. A hawk was drawn on the figure’s shoulder.
“It’s hard to say really.”
Corin joined them momentarily. Taking in the poster, he said, “I don’t think it’s me.”
Martin shook his head. “No, the picture is much better looking.”
Corin laughed. “Two hundred gold crescents, not bad.”
“Think Balkor has that kind of money? Maybe we could get more for you,” Trey said.
“It’s possible. I think we could get three hundred at least,” Martin returned.
A mischievous smile spread across Trey’s face. He tore down the notice and turned it over. Grabbing a charcoal stick, he began to sketch.
“How much could you get for a drunken tyrant?” He held up the completed drawing. Corin and Martin laughed helplessly. Trey had drawn a passable likeness of Balkor.
“Three hundred crescents!” Martin looked at the number written on the paper.
“You think I could get more?” Trey turned the paper over to regard the image again.
“I wouldn’t press your luck,” Corin said.
Trey signed his name in the corner. “Just in case he wants to know.” He pinned it to the notice board using one of his arrows.
Darrin rode up with Tristan. “Kadar’s been sighted. The barricades in place?”
“Yes, we’re ready,” Corin answered. “All the villagers are out with whatever supplies they could carry.”
“Marc should have them in the forest by now,” Trey said.
“Good. Get to your positions. We don’t have long to wait,” Darrin said.
They saluted and hurried off to take their places along the barricade.
Crouched behind the barricade, the outlaws were protected from the hails of Calorin arrows and javelins. Corin risked a glance over the barrier. The Calorins were getting ready to charge. He passed the word along the line to the men stationed with him and then he ran to find Darrin. From where they stood, they could see the Calorins begin to spread out in an attempt to circle the town.
Darrin nodded to Corin, who then took Zephyr’s reins from Liam and vaulted into the saddle. Tristan and his men were likewise mounted. Darrin strode off to join the front line. Tristan and Corin waited until they heard the familiar wolf cry. Setting spurs to their steeds, they galloped off in different directions at the head of their men. Raising war cries, they rode head-on into the encircling flanks of the Calorin army. Darrin and the remaining men began pouring arrows into the center of the enemy force.
* * *
Kadar saw the mounted Hawk Flight begin to retreat under the press of his warriors. He rode forward, intending to oversee the destruction of the hated outlaw cavalry. Suddenly, he found himself confronted by a grey-eyed warrior who looked vaguely familiar. Kadar’s guards had ridden ahead, and when he looked into the man’s blazing eyes, his courage deserted him, and he fled. Snatching a spear from a surprised Calorin foot soldier, the warrior lashed his horse in quick pursuit, ignoring the call to rejoin the retreating Hawk Flight.
* * *
The outlaws made camp in Dunham Forest. Corin and his men left on a quick foraging and scouting expedition. Darrin frowned as he watched Corin ride away and Martin was glad he wasn’t the only one who had noticed Corin becoming more silent and restless over the past few days. Any time he tried to broach the subject, Corin dismissed his questions abruptly. Though the stubborn set of Darrin’s jaw said he’d find the root of the problem no matter what, and Martin was more than happy to let him.
They mounted and rode deeper into the forest to greet the exiled villagers. They were met by Marc and Llewellyn as they entered the small refugee camp. The townsfolk gathered around to speak with their prince.
“Well, if it isn’t young Ma
rtin. All accounts said you died on that plain.”
Martin turned to confront the speaker. A tall, regal woman stood behind him. Streaks of grey ran through her jet-black hair. Although she was dressed simply, it didn’t hide the authority she carried.
Martin smiled and bowed. “Your Majesty, I’m glad to see you alive and well.”
Queen Elain of Aredor returned the smile. “Thank you. It looks like this life agrees better with you than castle life did, what with all those young women chasing after you.”
Martin laughed at her rather apt expression. “Why do you think I was always begging Father to let me join the warband?”
Queen Elain laughed. “As did your father before you. Anyone but you two would have let the attention go to your head.”
“There have always been more important and interesting things to do,” Martin said. “In this instance, it is my solemn duty to present you to our commander.” Sweeping another low bow, he proffered his arm and escorted her over to where Darrin stood.
“I will say one thing for you, you always did remember your manners,” Queen Elain said.
“As always, you are too kind, Your Majesty,” Martin replied.
She smacked him lightly. “You forget that your mother asked me to keep an eye on you before she died.”
“And you turned me into the charming person I am today,” he returned as Queen Elain laughed.
Darrin caught sight of them and stood with a mixture of wonder and delight on his face. When Queen Elain saw Darrin, she gasped and her hand flew to her heart. She tenderly embraced her son, blinking back tears. Martin discreetly turned away and left them alone together.
Mother and son talked, telling each other of all that had happened since they had last seen each other. Darrin made no mention of Corin, and the queen could give no information of the king’s whereabouts.
“It’s been almost four years since I last saw him,” she said with a sigh.
Like Amaura, Queen Elain had fled into hiding as best as she could. At first she had been in the castle until some trustworthy servants had planned an escape. The plan had gone awry at the last moment, which forced Amaura to remain at Kingscastle while the queen and a maidservant were able to flee.
The Rise of Aredor Page 26
