Meanwhile Landaus from his observation post within the secondary perimeter surveyed the landscape before him. Through his spy glass he watched as the enemy made a desperate exit from the crippled ships. He lowered his glass from his eye and gestured for a runner. He was about to call out loud when the runner appeared there before him. "Ah there you are young man. I need a message sent forward." He produced from his vest pocket a small notebook and began to furiously scribble a new batch of orders. A moment later he turned to the waiting messenger handed him the note and said, "Bring this note to the attention of the forward commander, and make it double quick. Do you understand me boy?"
"Yes Sir." He folded the note carefully and slipped it into his own vest pocket. Then he was off without another word spoken. Landaus watched as he ran, wending his way between the dugouts and gun emplacements. Grunhuf who was standing at his side asked, "If I may ask, what were your orders?" Landaus turned and looked at him incredulously, "I guess it doesn't matter you'll find out soon enough. I authorized the forward commander to have his muskets and mortars begin to acquire individual targets." Just about this time another signal went out. In response to this all around the barricade well-practiced marksmen were making their long rifles ready. They knew what to do next. With one final signal from the commander, a few notes on a horn sounded and the marksmen on cue laid down a curtain of lead and smoke. With impeccable timing the fusillade arrived just as the survivors of the second ship were breaking out of the wreckage. One by one they attempted to filter through this no man's land. In the first barrage of musket fire those in the front ranks bore the brunt of the barrage as the sheer volume of shot overwhelmed them. Perhaps twenty in the first volley alone were killed or severely wounded under the withering fire. There then they discovered their desperate need for cover as the air around them came alive with hot lead and exploding canister.
Eldred and several warriors wading thick into the maelstrom managed to reach the safety of a natural dip in the terrain. By now virtually all the men had been hit by fire. Only the most exquisitely accurate of shots or a close call with a mortar had found gaps in the armor. Often these were fatal as the rounds and great shards of shrapnel tore swaths of flesh as they spun through the body.
Aaralaat's group had fared better as their place of landing was not directly before the barricade as was Eldred's. However as they moved forward from behind the wreckage they came into the field of vision of the marksmen. Their movement there caught their attention. Now they too fell under heavy fire. As they surged forward to the natural break Aaralaat took a direct hit to the head from a musket ball. Though he was knocked from his feet and his helmet shattered he was merely dazed. He reached up to feel the warm ribbon of blood issue forth from underneath his helmet. Staring at his gore stained hand he thought to himself he would need to be more careful for next time he may not be so lucky. His head was throbbing as he rose to his knees. He cast his broken helmet aside. Scanning the ground for a replacement he found the lifeless body of a warrior. He knelt down before him and removed his helmet. Looking upon his face he realized that he recognized him. It was a young man not much older than his own son. For the briefest of moments he was overwhelmedby remorse. Tears fell to mix with his blood as he affixed the helmet on to his own head. Then just as before, the blastof cannonade burst high above his head jarring from this self-indulgence. A rain of shrapnel was falling deflecting off his helmet. Surely the timing could not have been accidental. Silently he thought to himself that his survival had been no accident. Though generally not prone to fits of superstition he began to feel as if the presence of Hector had interceded on his behalf and had given him one last chance to face his ultimate challenge, Hector himself. In doing so Hector had washed away any doubts that may have troubled him. Filled now with a new resolve Aaralaat got to his feet and raced toward the safety of the rise. Once he had reached the place of safety he watched as his men by ones and twos made their ways across this no mans land. With each survivor’s return his heart grew more emboldened.
With a sound and fury the third ship finally began its deliberate descent. Their compatriots on the ground watched as this ship like the others before it had come under a heavy attack. Under the hail of withering fire its fuselage crumbled before it was toppled onto its side by the bombardment of the long cannon. Having fallen like a mighty tree Its survivors fell also to the rain of shot and mortar. However As day turned to evening the advantage had begun to shift for in the darkness they would be not be so vulnerable. In they dug into new positions a reckoning was made of the casualties. When all was accounted for despite having taken heavy losses they were still formidable
Chapter 19
From the high watch the guard on duty looked out upon the field below. There but for a scant scattering of fire light the plain was blanketed in darkness, for the skies of the gathering storm had obscured the moon. And as the guns had long grown silent, all that could be heard over the sounds their beating hearts within the opposing camps, were the plaintive sounds of wind and surf. Within the human camp these ghostly noises played havoc on these men's minds as they awaited the inevitable attack. The jubilant celebrations of impending victory were but a forlorn memory as night enclosed around them. And with its coming their initial exuberance was replaced by a spectrum of emotion that ranged from mere anxiety, to a fear that you felt deep down in your bones. All along the barricades and look outs then, keen eyed guards with somber anticipation peered out through the inky blackness, watchful for any sudden sign of movement. They knew that it was only a matter of time before they would find out who would blink first.
Within the relative safety of high Breideblic, Lady Xora looking down over its cobbled ramparts saw there out upon the darkened plain a landscape punctuated by the light of distant campfires. She imagined the scene to look like a surreal tableau turned upon its head. Caught there in its image she had not noticed that Ibsen wrapped in his blanket, had joined her at her side. By now the intensity of rain had elevated from a light drizzle to a steady shower. In response Ibsen merely lifted the edge of the blanket over his head to make it into a makeshift hood. To her surprise, it took her nearly a minute to recognize his presence there. So intense was her gaze over the wall that she was startled by his sudden appearance there. "Oh Ibsen" She shrieked, "You nearly scared the living daylights out of me."
"I've been standing here for a while now, you haven't noticed me here?" "Obviously I had not noticed. You ought to announce yourself before you enter a room. It's not only good manners, but on a day like today it might save your life."
"You're obviously exaggerating."
"Perhaps, but not by much I would wager. By the way, what has possessed you to be up at this ungodly hour?"
"Well, isn't it obvious? The quiet is deafening, it's like waiting for the other shoe to drop. But mostly, I'm scared and I can't sleep." "OK now we've gotten to the truth. Why don't you let me get you something warm to drink and perhaps I'll sit with you a while? How does that sound?"
"I'd like that." "Good, let's get you something." She put her arm snuggly around his shoulder and drew him in tight. Together they made their way in from the cold and rain.
Xora brought him out of the elements to small enclosed break area just a few steps off the parapet that was used by the duty guards. She turned on the light and pointed Ibsen to a seat at the plain but serviceable table. He took his seat and removed from his head the sodden blanket. He watched as Xora searched through the cabinets of the rudimentary kitchen for a package of tea or cocoa. The pot of water was already on the burner. Once she had found the cocoa. She turned the valve, struck a match and lit the gas fire below the pot. "There that shouldn't take too long." With the light on she now could tell just how wet and cold young Ibsen had become in the dank night air. She removed her hooded parka and replaced it for the blanket around Ibsen's shoulders. "There that should warm you up a bit."
"Thank you Lady Xora, you are too kind."
"That's nonsens
e; it's a simple gesture between friends. And by the way my name is Xora; you can drop the lady part." "But my father say's I should treat you with the proper respect that is due your station." "He's right of course, however I'm making an exception in your case, at least while we're alone." She watched as the beginnings of smile curled up on the corners of his mouth. "Thankyou for being so kind." She put her arm around him again and said "You're welcome. I know things have been tough on you and your father since your mother died. I want you to know if you are ever in need, let me know."
After a short while steam rose from the pot as the water began to boil. Xora rose from his side to fetch the cups and packs of cocoa from the cabinet. Just then Ibsen turned to look out onto the night through the kitchen window. He was instantly alarmed by what he saw there. For in the bare light emanating from the window he watched as from the shadows emerged a hideous creature with pale skin climbing up the citadel wall. Stripped tohis waist a lone warrior had scaled the shear ledge of the wall andwas now only meters from the parapet. He called out, "Lady Xora, It's one of those warriors. He's climbing up the outer wall." She rushed over to the window in time to see that it had advanced quickly up the wall. Soon she thought it would reach the top. She turned from the window and quickly scanned the room for her pistol. A mere second later she spied it on the counter. She rushed over and made sure it was loaded. Once she was assured that it was, she burst out through the door out again onto the barricade. She leaned over the ledge to spy that the warrior was within several feet from the top. By now it had noticed her presence there and was set to leap the remaining distance. He flexed his hind legs making ready for the jump. With her reflexes well tempered she raised her pistols in time with the creature's swift movements. As he leapt up and forward she was ready. As they were almost face to face, Xora released the hammer on her pistol. In a flash of light and smoke the lead projectile struck the unarmored creature square in the middle of his chest. The force of which countered his forward momentum. Still his mighty hands managed to catch the edge of the wall. She wasted no time and used the now useless pistol as a hammer as she bashed his hands with it's but stock. With two good whacks its hand broke free. She stared into its eyes as it fell backward. It attempted feebly to flap its glider wings to no avail as finally it succumbed to its mortal gunshot wound.
She hadn't had time to recover when to her surprise a second creature dropped onto the parapet from some where in the darkness. This time she was caught completely off guard. As the creature ambled slowly towards her she realized she wasnow unarmed. She let out a primal scream. Unbeknownst to her she was not alone there on the barricade. Rushing forward with a pike another guard ran his weapon right into the warriors back. It let out a scream of its own though not of fear but of agony. It turned with rage filled eyes towards its attacker. It reached its arm around its back and broke off the pike handle. It too was mortally wounded but it was not done fighting. It took the blood stained handle and swung it with all its might at the hapless guard. The guard was struck with such force against the side of his head that the power of the blow knocked him clear over the side of the barricade. Luckily for him he was knocked unconscious, so he did not fathom his own impending death as he plummeted downward.
With that completed he turned to see that Xora had escaped into the relative safety of the kitchen. Within Ibsen was sent scurrying for safety below the table as Xora searched for a weapon of her own. She would have to think fast, for the creature was banging with all his force onto the flimsy wooden door. It would not hold for much longer. Just then she remembered the pot of scalding water that she had on the stove that was now roiling to escape the vessel. She grabbed a pot holder and got a firm grip with both hands onto the pot to make ready its use as a weapon. As the last splinters of the door exploded inward she was ready. The creature emerged with the dread expression of murder upon its face. That was all the sign Xora needed to see to it was time to strike. With all her might she cast the boiling contents directly into its hideous eyes. A horrible scream issued through its flashing jaws. The searing heat of the water burned him instantly scarring his eyes beyond recognition. It yelped for mercy as it stumbled backwards through the broken doorway. The creature backed up to the edge of the wall grasping at what was left of his disfigured face. Xora followed it out unto the barricade and found againthe blood stained pike handle. Without hesitation like a woman possessed she preceded then to bash the wounded creature with it again and again about the face and neck. Eventually the force of the blows pushed the wounded creature back right up to the edge of the wall. With one last blow the creature tripped backward and was sent tumbling over the edge. She leaned over the edge to watch the creature plummet downward. This time the creature did not attempt to glide to safety for it had lost all sense.
By now the sound of gunfire had erupted all along the parapet. It was plain then that this was no isolated incident. She was full of dread as she came to the realization that the attack had started. Her thoughts immediately ran from those of her own safety and to that of Ibsen, to all of the children. It was thought that the children would be safe here. She knew she had to do something.
From above the sound of muffled screams and scattered gun fire filtered downward through the darkness, shattering the silence. Landaus attention was now focused by necessity from the forward position to the citadel itself. Their defenses somehow had been compromised. Looking up he watched as the distinctive muzzle flash of musketry dance along the high wall. He called out to the sergeant major," Sergeant Major, send a squad immediately up into the citadel. It appears our defenses have been breached somewhere so send another to our rear to secure the perimeter and guard the main entrance of the citadel we can not allow them to gain a toe hold there. Stop them at all cost do you understand?"
"Yes Sir." The sergeant major saluted and left in a rush to coordinate his response. In short order his commands trickled down and two squads were quickly formed. Ananda having noticed the commotion came forward to offer Landaus his assistance. "Landaus, this action is merely a faint to draw your forces away from the main battle at hand. Aaralaat is as wise as he is old. He is attempting to cause confusion amongst you. I say let the citadel burn along with all its contents. Only then will he see your metal."
Landaus turned toward Ananda with a perplexed lookupon his face. "What did just say? Let the citadel burn. Do you realize what you're saying? There are hundreds of children within those walls. That is our last sanctuary. We can not abandon it."
"I would suggest then that Aaralaat is keenly aware of this, and he is therefore forcing your hand. If victory is what you seek, then abandon this front at your peril for victory is already theirs. However if you to temporarily cede command to this front to me, you could form a second front from within the citadel. Believe me when I say this, I have no intentions in this my final battle to cause the people of earth any undo harm. My sole intention is to bring this conflict to its final end." Landaus was truly torn for there could be no true victory with the souls of those children squandered for its sake. He looked now to Grunhuf who still stood at his side. "What, are you looking to me for an answer? Landaus I can't tell you what to do but I will follow you where ever you go I promise you that."
Landaus turned again to Ananda and said, "If I do this you must promise me that this line will not falter."
"On my honor I swear that we will fight to the last man including myself if necessary. On this you can rely." Landaus felt as if the weight of the world had been lifted from him as he reached his hand out to seal their arrangement. "Good luck to you Ananda, or should I call you Hector. I hope you find what you're looking for."
"I already have." Virtually from the moment that the warriors had taken cover among the dunes, their secret work there had gotten underway. With a series of tunnels a siege would commence at once to undermine the enemy stronghold. Out of sight withinthe dugouts their engineers had not wasted any time, for withinhours rudimentary albeit serviceable temporary shafts
had begun to honeycomb deep below the defenders feet. At least one had made it all the way to the citadel gates, despite their vigilance at maintaining watch. Under the cover of black night across the sandy expanse an imperceptibly slow advance had went on unnoticed. Aaralaat carefully watched his opponents every move. With patience of a praying mantis he waited for Landaus to respond. From a hastily built platform he looked out through his field glass across the no mans land. There then he witnessed as Landaus was doing just what he hoped he would do. To his surprise and disappointment he watched as the commander averted troops away from where they would be desperately needed among the ranks along the secondary perimeter. He lowered the lens from before his eyes. He turned to Eldred, his second in command and said "Landaus it would seem has gathered there a sizable force with the apparent intention of stifling our faint at the incursion point nearest the Citadel. I know this man; I seriously doubt he would make such a wager. He knows too well or capabilities. He must then know the folly involved with such an action."
"Perhaps you've given this demon more credit than he deserves." Eldred looked onto the face of his king and was surprised by his even temperament on the eve of his greatest victory. "What is wrong my King? I should think you would have been more pleased that our enemy has fallen directly into our trap."
A Paradox in Retrograde Page 33
