As a show of good faith, Lord Romley ordered most of his troops to stop, before continuing forward with just four other riders. One carried the markings of his own house, while another flew those of the crown to show just who he was supporting. With the red and blue squares fluttering in the breeze it was quite clear to see the symbol of the gold crown at the flag’s centre. Edging slowly along the road towards the small pocket of Endallen troops, Lord Romley called a halt some forty yards short. While he hoped there would be no trouble, simply ambling right up to a force of soldiers, of whom he was not yet certain of, would have been a foolish thing to do. Thankfully, Lord Topley seemed to understand his dilemma and showed his own trust by trotting his horse forward alone to close the gap.
Lord Topley was a young, fresh-faced looking man, and not somebody Lord Romley felt he had ever seen before. After all, he was one of the main nobles, and while he knew all his own lesser lords, and perhaps quite a few from Brenthellin lands, Lord Romley had to admit that was as far as his knowledge went. In truth, he realised this could actually be anyone pretending to be a noble, although when contemplating that idea he had failed to think of a reason as to why someone would do that. Waiting until the young man got to within two or three paces away, Lord Romley then offered a greeting.
“Lord Topley,” he said politely, just nodding his head slightly.
“Yes, My Lord,” came the reply, as Lord Topley dipped his head a little more in recognition of the other man’s higher social status.
Lord Romley thought for a few moments before speaking again, trying to gauge the character of the man before him. As he had seen from further away, Lord Topley could be little more than twenty years old, and a somewhat diminutive figure, especially when sat upon such a large horse.
“You seem quite young to be a lord. Have you held the position for long?”
Lord Topley gave a wry if somewhat forced smile. A look that appeared strained and a struggle to maintain.
“Since yesterday, My Lord. My father was hit by an arrow during the initial fighting, and died last night from his wounds.”
Lord Romley took a deep breath, “Then you have my condolences,” he replied trying his best to sound sincere in his words. “Your father was only doing his duty to the man he served,” he added, although knowing that every noble, no matter where they were from should really be following the king.
Lord Topley looked at the older man before him. “Thank you, My Lord. However, I fear my father was a fool for blindly following Lord Elthan without listening to reason.”
Lord Romley listened further as the Endallen nobleman explained how many of the minor nobility were torn on whether to support Lord Elthan on this foolish quest for war. While his own father had followed without question, some had heard the stories of the atrocities Lord Elthan had carried out in a bid to claim the throne.
“I’m afraid my father did not believe the stories to be true, and that it was the other nobles of Arandor who were at fault.”
“But you don’t believe that?” Lord Romley asked.
“I believe the men with me would prefer to go back to their homes and prepare for winter than to fight and needlessly throw away their lives for an unjust cause.”
Lord Romley felt the young lord spoke well, especially considering all that happened in the past day or two. Although short in years, it was evidently clear that the new Lord Topley showed a maturity beyond his age.
“If you wish to join us in our fight, your men might still die fighting,” Lord Romley asked just making sure the young noble knew exactly what he was getting himself into. “And don’t forget that should Lord Elthan triumph over us, you risk losing your head.”
“Perhaps. My father picked his side, now I’m picking mine. If Lord Elthan should triumph then so be it. It just means I’ll be joining my father sooner than anticipated,” Lord Topley replied, even affording the modicum of a chuckle.
Lord Romley nodded his head several times as if making his mind up and agreeing to himself. Now Lord Topley was on his side, he supposed it was only fair to update him further as to how the battle was going. Although only knowing for sure how the fight in the south had progressed, he did explain that a substantial force might already have infiltrated Bargsea and perhaps even captured Lord Elthan.
“Really? I hope that is true. I’d have loved to have been a fly on the wall just to see the look on his face when that happened.”
Lord Romley laughed, having already made his mind up that he actually liked the young man before him. Sensible, yet not afraid to show a little humour, and he decided then and there that when the fighting was over, he would recommend to the king that Lord Topley be kept as an Endallen noble.
Having seen his own contingent of men swelled in number, albeit just a little, by those of Lord Topley, Lord Romley gave the order to move out. Deciding he wanted to know more about the young Endallen lord he asked that the man ride alongside him at the head of the long column and talk. Trying to build a picture in his mind of how he thought the Endallen nobles would react to having their lands removed by order of the king.
“Of course, those that have shown support, such as yourself, should not be affected,” Lord Romley explained. To highlight this matter of fact, he then gave Lord Topley a better idea of what the new king had done in Brenthellin. Removing those who had sided with Endallen in trying to overthrow him and replacing them. However, it was the mention of Edward, now Lord Smyth, being given such a post, despite being a commoner, that caused the biggest surprise.
“At first I wasn’t sure about it either,” Lord Romley said noticing the look on the young man’s face. “Lord Smyth is probably younger than yourself,” he added.
“Really? Why would the king do such a thing?”
“Well, I suppose it’s a long story, but essentially he saved the King’s life, more than once, so I’m led to believe. Oh, and he is currently the advisor as well.”
Lord Romley gave his opinion about the king being young and that he needed to have people he could trust around him. “Edward…Sorry, Lord Smyth as he is now is actually a really decent young man.”
“So the king is rewarding those that are aiding him?”
“Some, not all. Some of us are doing it for duty. The young king’s father was a very dear friend of mine. Somebody Lord Elthan had killed, and something I intend to seek justice for.”
“Well, I guess my fate and that of my family will be in your hands Lord Romley. I assume there will be many clambering for lands in Endallen when all this is over?”
Lord Romley kept his gaze looking forward, just nudging his horse slightly left to avoid a rutted patch on the road before him. “I think it’s already started, and I’m led to believe the king already has people in mind to take over from those not deemed loyal to the crown.”
Lord Topley left it at that. What had been done could not be undone, and if his father’s actions in supporting Lord Elthan warranted his family being stripped of their lands and titles, then there was little he could do about it. Yet, he felt some hope that now he was siding with the king’s forces he may yet redeem his family name, and perhaps with a good word from Lord Romley things might yet remain as they were.
Chapter 16.The end is nigh.
Although an uneventful night, Lord Dalby had managed a few hours rest despite having so much on his mind. Being on a high state of alert did not help, and the fact that he knew sooner or later the alarm would be raised. In fairness, it had taken a little longer than expected, but now the continuous sound of bells ringing out was evidence enough that he knew they had been found out. The decision now, was whether to leave and slip away with his prisoner down the narrow tunnel that had allowed him access, or hold what he had and hope that the main force of Lord Romley showed up.
Hurriedly gathering his things and attaching his sword to his waist, Lord Dalby walked with a sense of pace and purpose down the main corridor, heading towards a narrow archway that he had been told led to the roof of the
building in which he was in. Perhaps from an elevated view, he might get a better perspective of what was happening, and how many soldiers were being rallied to attack the central keep in which he was housed. His two guards allowed him to pass up the narrow winding stone steps and out of the small doorway before joining him up on the roof. The feel of the chilly wind hit him instantly, almost taking his breath away. Knowing it was of little significance, he merely cupped his hands and rubbed them together as he gazed out across Bargsea to see what was going on.
From his new elevated position, he could see two lines of soldiers on the main thoroughfare in the town being made ready, probably to start an attack on the gates to the keep yard. Glancing down a little closer he could see his own men making ready below him, and although most were not yet in position on the walls, he was glad to see they were ready to react to any attack if and when it came. The sound of the church bells ringing ceased abruptly, catching Lord Dalby a little by surprise. While he was actually glad that the incessant clanging had stopped, he wasn’t sure as to the reasons why. It was then that one of his guards standing beside him drew his attention to something off in the far distance.
“Over there, My Lord.” The man said holding his arm out and pointing in the general direction he wanted Lord Dalby to look in.
“Soldiers! Ours or theirs though? It is hard to tell from this far away.”
As much as he tried, Lord Dalby just couldn’t make out the banners that were blowing in the distance. Little more than tiny dots on the horizon it was evident a large force was indeed amassing, but as to whether they were King’s soldiers or reinforcements for Lord Elthan he could not be certain. Knowing a decision needed to be made, Lord Dalby asked one of the guards to remain on the roof and keep a lookout, requesting that he be informed the moment the newcomers could be identified. Walking at a steady but hastened pace, Lord Dalby made his way out of the main building and into the yard to oversee the positioning of his men. He had made a decision; or at least one that might buy him time enough to see who the new arrivals were. For now, he would defend the centre of Bargsea and hold it. If the new arrivals were identified as Lord Elthan’s troops, then he could still make a tactical withdrawal and slip away through the tunnels, although some would have to stay behind to allow them to do so. While this wasn’t ideal, he knew it was a small sacrifice to make should it be needed. For now, though, he needed to get ready to defend the walls of the centre keep, and duly started giving out orders to do just that.
Lord Dalby headed up the stone steps that led to the top of the keep wall to check once more and see what and who was being lined up against him. However, he was somewhat surprised that the soldiers he had seen just a little earlier, lining up on the main thoroughfare, had not yet moved. Remaining in their formation, it would seem they were waiting for something or someone to tell them what to do or where to go. As a result of this lack of action, Lord Dalby delayed his own orders accordingly. While looking out over the battlements, Lord Dalby lifted his hand up to his chin, pondering in thought. In his deep and pensive mood, he spotted two men scurrying along one of the side streets and heading for the gates, and quickly hurried along the battlements to the area above the main entrance.
As they neared, Lord Dalby instantly recognised one of the men as his own, just a couple that he had left in Bargsea to infiltrate and observe the enemy. Opting to shout down from the battlements, not bothered that others may, in fact, overhear what was being said.
“What’s happening?” He called down, cupping his hands over his mouth to make his voice a little louder and clearer.
“They’re unsure of the army approaching, and are waiting to find out who it belongs to.”
“Do they know we are here?” Lord Dalby asked.
“I’ve heard a few rumours that some of the officers think it strange how Lord Elthan has suddenly locked himself away, but I don’t think for one moment they actually think he’s been taken, prisoner.”
Lord Dalby smiled, “Excellent. Good work, stay safe and keep me informed,” he added before watching the two soldiers slip away down a side street and out of sight.
Feeling somewhat more assured that his position had not been compromised, he ordered his soldiers to stand down, at least for now. Until the identification of the new arrivals could be determined, they still needed to be ready just in case, but for the moment he felt there was no more immediate danger than there had been than before. To say they were safe would have been a lie, no matter how many men he had around him. The very fact that he was currently housed up in the home of his enemy and surrounded on all sides by those that were fighting against him, Lord Dalby was quite aware of just how precarious the entire situation was.
Lord Dalby’s attention was soon brought to another visitor to the gates of the keep, and although wanting to remain as anonymous as he could, he had one of his guards bar them access. It was evidently clear that the man, an officer by the looks of his uniform could tell something was wrong. Being denied access was probably unusual from the norm, but he supposed these times could be described as anything but. The man wished to speak to Lord Elthan, and the fact he was not permitted to do so seemed to arouse suspicions still further, something immediately picked up on by the watching Lord Dalby.
Stepping out from the shadows, Lord Dalby made a calculated gamble.
“Let him in. Lord Elthan will want to hear this news,” he said quickly taking command of the situation. The Endallen officer looked at Lord Dalby as if trying to make a judgement as to who he was.
The portcullis was lifted just slightly, enough for the man to pass under, although having to duck when doing so, but was then dropped immediately back down again. Similarly, the gate was opened only just enough for the officer to pass through, before being slammed shut again.
“I must see Lord Elthan, the enemy troops are amassing in the distance. Moreover, it seems they have some of our own among them!” the officer said moving quickly forward towards the main building. The newcomer stopped suddenly and stared long and hard at Lord Dalby, “Who are you?” he asked.
Realising he was not wearing the uniform of a soldier and therefore discounting any chance the man thought he might be an officer, Lord Dalby just shrugged.
“I’m a nobleman, and you should refer to me as such!” he said adding a little sharpness to his tone of voice to try and make it sound as if he were annoyed.
“Apologies, My Lord…I did not recognise you…Where are you from? I thought Lord Elthan had all his lesser nobles fighting outside of Bargsea?”
Lord Dalby turned to two of his soldiers and gave them a nod of his head to give them a signal. Making sure they were away from the gate, Lord Dalby walked quickly toward the main doors of the keep without answering the man’s questions. Only when he reached the steps did he turn about and speak again.
“Oh, I’m not an Endallen noble,” he said with a grin on his face.
“Oh! Are you one of the Brenthellin nobles that Lord Elthan managed to bribe?” The man asked, seemingly confused.
“No… I’m not from Brenthellin either. I’m surprised, no almost disappointed you didn’t recognise me. Perhaps I’m not as well known as I thought. I’m Lord Dalby of The Casillian Isle,” he added giving the soldiers with him a signal to make their move.
It seemed to take several moments for the officer to eventually get what was happening. Even longer for him to realise who the man was that had just ordered his capture. Disarmed and held firm by the two soldiers, a third man came to offer assistance as the Endallen officer squirmed and wriggled trying to free himself from those that held him.
“Now, you can either calm down and go quietly to the room we put you in, or I can have you killed.”
The man stopped instantly and lifted his head up slightly to glare at Lord Dalby. It seemed apparent he was going to say something, but after opening his mouth to speak thought better of it and remained silent instead.
“I don’t want to kill anybody. Lord Eltha
n is the only man that needs to be punished for what he has done.”
Lord Dalby suddenly had another idea. Although his original intention was to have the officer locked in one of the many rooms of the main building and placed under guard, he had thought of something better. While this plan needed the cooperation of the officer before him, if it worked, it could perhaps bring about an end to this entire thing without the need for any more loss of innocent lives.
“Stop!” Lord Dalby requested. The two soldiers who were escorting the prisoner did as was asked, and Lord Dalby duly walked over towards them.
“What is your name?” he asked the prisoner as he also turned to see what the hold-up was for. At first, it seemed the man wasn't going to answer, and Lord Dalby was just about to ask the soldiers to resume their duties and have the prisoner locked away.
“Adyan Flynn, My Lord. Captain of the Bargsea Reserve Guard.”
Lord Dalby nodded his head, understanding that the man was indeed an officer but from a group of men that were not ordinarily full-time soldiers. Of course, that did not mean Adyan Flynn was not a proper soldier, it just meant that he probably had another job, and most likely a family as well; something that might persuade him to do as Lord Dalby wished.
Inquiring as to what Adyan did when not a soldier, and whether he had a family or not, Lord Dalby tried to judge the character of the man before him. Could he trust him to merely go back out into Bargsea and do as he wanted? Or perhaps the man would merely just go running straight back to the other officers and reveal what he now knew. Adyan was indeed married and had two children, all of whom lived in a smaller village just a few miles south of Bargsea. A cooper by trade, Adyan had been called to fight some time ago but had managed to go back home to see his family on several occasions since then. With Lord Elthan having utilised much of his army in Brenthellin during his unsuccessful bid to control the crown, people like Adyan had been called up to replace them in maintaining law and order in Endallen. Since Lord Elthan’s return, many more young men had been called up and sent to fight at the narrow strip of land that allowed access to Endallen lands. Thankfully, Adyan had been one of just a handful of part-time soldiers that had been ordered to remain in Bargsea.
The Battle for Endallen Page 15
