by H. M. Clarke
On Garrick’s left sat the golden haired Justicar, Oscar Inman. His black uniform made his golden looks glow brighter than ever in the muted light of the Council Hall. His blue eyes flashed as he looked, hawk like, around the table.
And then there was Videan Tsarland who sat like a dark foreboding thundercloud waiting to explode.
Harada turned to look at Kalena at the mention of her brothers’ name. Kalena ignored the question in his eyes. She did not tell Harada of her ‘meeting’ with her brother early that afternoon. She was confused by Videan’s reaction to her, confused by what she had seen in his eyes.
“Let us begin.” Garrick said once the introductions were over. Kalena saw the woman behind Garrick bristle in a jangle of jewelry at being neglected, but she had sense enough to keep her mouth shut. Kalena focused her attention on Garrick as he continued speaking.
“We all know of the reports that have been sent to us from the Northern Border Forts, and we all know that the reports contain supposed sightings of small patrols of Icetigers coming South through the mountain passes of the Bhaliger Ranges.”
“Are you sure that these are not inexperienced men mistaking Arranian Patrols in the snow blizzards?” the Provost Marshall asked those seated about the table. “I was stationed up there many times in my youth and I know a man can start to see strange things through the snow.”
Captain Vosloo shook his head. “There is no mistake Brock, I have just come back from Foxtern. I have seen them with my own eyes.”
The Provost Marshall’s head rocked back in shock and Harada cocked his head thoughtfully in the Captain’s direction.
“Are you sure? Completely sure?” Brock asked before he realized to whom he spoke. The man would be sure; Fraser Vosloo was not one for wild fantasies.
The Captain answered him. “I commanded a patrol that was being sent to look for a patrol that was late by three days. On our second day out we stumbled into this.” As he spoke Vosloo bent and picked up a bundle next to his chair. He then flicked it out over the table. It was a pelt of thick, white fur covered in black and grey stripes. Kalena gasped as she saw the humanoid form of the thing.
The reactions from those around the table mirrored Kalena’s. Those not expecting the pelts appearance jumped back from the table in alarm. Rising from her seat to get a better view, Kalena saw the tiger-like head and the long tufted tail. At full height, the creature would stand near nine feet tall.
“He was alone and after a morning’s fighting my patrol managed to bring him down. He was a tough brute who managed to kill five of my men and injure ten more. This…” Vosloo gestured to the large fur that now dominated the Council Table, “is proof enough to my eyes that the Icetigers are free and that must mean that the Arranians had freed them.”
Many about the room sat in shock, their worst fears now come true. The aides were now scribbling furiously away, ink spattering in their haste to get everything down. But Kalena noticed that the woman gave no reaction to the pelt, she had known it was coming.
“What other surprises do you bring from Foxtern Captain Vosloo.” Garrick said in annoyance, he did not like to be surprised. The Prince gave a hard look at the Colonel who only gave a short shrug of the shoulders in reply as if to say ‘It was better this way’.
“No one up there has seen anything like these before. These creatures are made for the winter, for the ice and snow. These Icetigers are creatures who will stalk a patrol for days before attacking and killing them clean.” The Captain then gathered his hand into a fist and jabbed the air at every point he made. “A survivor from one such patrol said that these things made sure that the patrol knew they were being followed. The night before they were attacked, the things came into their camp and left a naked sword jammed into the ground next to the neck of their patrol leader. That was the only sign of their presence in the camp, there were no tracks, no sounds.”
Vosloo brought his fist down hard on the tabletop, making the fur ripple at the impact. There were now no sign of his laugh lines.
“How did your man survive if these things are so deadly?” Oscar Inman’s voice rose quietly over the table. Vosloo’s angry eyes rose to met the Justicar’s.
“The WOMAN” – Vosloo emphasized the sex of the solider, “was gutted and left for dead. When the Cats had gone she gathered up her own entrails and staggered back towards the fort. She was lucky that she stumbled into another patrol that bought her quickly back to Foxtern to relate her story. The woman died a day later. Her name was Boutia-”
“You have been sending more soldiers to Foxtern over the last few weeks Captain Vosloo,” Inman said relaxing back into his seat.
“Yes. I have to anticipate that the Cats will eventually attack the Fortress. They need too to gain access through the Bhaliger Ranges and to Suene itself.” Vosloo barely held the anger in his voice in check.
Clearly Kalena could see that the Captain and the Justicar had met before and were not on the best of terms. But the Captain’s words started loud whisperings among the aides.
Prince Garrick rose from his seat, hands held out in an effort to quiet the room. Once everyone was settled again, Garrick turned to Inman. “Do you think that these creatures are in league with Arran? Maybe they have freed themselves from the Grotto and have come south looking for revenge?”
Inman shifted forward in his chair. “I am afraid that our intelligence says otherwise Warlord.” Inman leaned forward onto the table. He was beginning to warm to the subject. Videan sat impassively beside him. “We have found out that six months ago the Arranians struck a deal with the imprisoned Icetigers and then released them. As yet, we do not know what the deal was but we do know that the Icetigers were encamped with the Arranian army before being moved out to their Southern border.”
“It’s a bit late to find this out now Inman,” Vosloo sneered over the table. “It would have been useful several months ago.”
“Several good men died bringing this information back to Suene Captain, and it is best we know now not to ask the Arranians for help then to have them come in pretended friendship and then turn on us later.” Inman’s voice remained calm and quiet but Kalena could see a muscle twitch at his temple.
“How long have you sat on this information as my people died on the northern border?” Vosloo replied his anger barely concealed on his face. The Captain rose quickly from his chair, jabbing an index finger violently in the Justicars direction. “How long did it take for you to inform the Provost Justicar of your information? How long did you hold onto it until you determined how best to use it your advantage?”
Colonel Oded reached up and grabbed Fraser by the arm, forcing the Captain back into his seat by sheer strength. “Remember where you are Captain,” the Colonel said softly.
“I want him reprimanded for his insolence Colonel Oded,” Inman who had leapt from his seat moments after Vosloo, now stood glaring angry at the Colonel.
“That is enough!” A loud thump followed Garrick’s shout as his fist rammed solidly onto the table. The sound made Kalena jump in her chair. It was the first outburst of anger she had seen from the Prince and it reminded her of his brother, Harada.
“Stop behaving like children and act like the commanders you are suppose to be.” The Prince said into the silence after his outburst, his voice much calmer this time. Oscar Inman quickly seated himself and Fraser Vosloo bit off the retort he was about to sling. Both men quickly calmed themselves before turning their eyes on the Prince.
“Instead of arguing we should be discussing how we are going to meet this threat from the North.” Garrick remained standing as he addressed the table, using his height to attract all eyes in the room to him.
After a moments silence, Inman indicated a wish to speak. Garrick nodded to him and sat back slowly in his chair, but he looked ready to leap right out of it again at a moment’s notice.
“I have a recommendation to be made in this respect; that is why I have requested that the Provost Marshall attend
as it involves his Kalarthri.”
Garrick frowned at the comment but Inman continued.
It was generally known between freemen and Kalarthri alike that Prince Garrick Thurad did not approve of the Second Born Rule and did not approve of separating them from the freeborn by calling them Kalarthri or giving them the suffix of Kalar. Ever since his younger brother was taken to be a Flyer, he had rebelled against it. Many wondered whether the Prince would repeal the law when he becomes Emperor, or at least exempt his family from it. If he ever tried to exempt or repeal the law he would meet strong opposition; the Suene Empire was built on Kalarthri and is sustained by Kalarthri, if they suddenly disappeared the Empire would be in chaos.
“I suggest that the First and Second wing of Second Flight escort the next group of reinforcements that are sent to Foxtern. Once there, they can be used for scouting and reconnaissance all through the Bhaliger Ranges and maybe into Arranian Territory. They will be able to give Foxtern and consequently Suene an early warning before any attack occurs.”
Garrick was silent a moment before turning to Colonel Oded. “What is your opinion of this Jan. How many troops are you sending and how soon are they going?”
The Colonel slowly removed his hand from Vosloo’s arm and gave the Captain a warning glance before addressing Garrick. “Captain Vosloo and I have decided to send another two Legions to join the two that are already stationed at Foxtern. To send anymore there would have the soldiers sleeping outside the fortress walls. I am going to send the Eighteenth and the Nineteenth Legions as they are veterans of the border war with Istay that was fought in the Bhaliger Ranges to the East.”
Colonel Oded paused and looked towards the Provost Marshall at the other end of the table. Kalena saw Brock give Oded a slight nod as if finally committing to a pre-discussed plan. The three military men at the table plainly did not want Provost Justiciary interference in any of their battle plans.
“I have already discussed with Provost Marshall Brock the deployment of at least one wing from the Flight but two would do nicely. Darkon is the closest Military base to the Ranges so we do not want to leave it completely defenseless. The Provost Marshall has agreed that once Third and Fourth Wings come back from maneuvers, that the rested wings of the First and Second shall join the two legions heading north.”
“This has already been discussed?” Inman asked in disbelief. The Colonel’s speech also caused Videan to stir uncomfortably in his seat.
“I received a message from Colonel Oded three days ago regarding the possibility of deploying Flyers in the mountains. We discussed this possibility when he arrived this morning. Though we discussed only sending one Wing, two would be more feasible,” Brock said calmly to the Justicar with no expression on his face at all.
“You said nothing to me of this when we met this afternoon!” Inman snapped, casting an angry glance at Videan.
“You never asked me Justicar Inman,” Brock replied.
From where Kalena sat, she could see the smug smile that appeared on Fraser Vosloo’s face at the Justicar’s discomfort.
‘Adhamh, do you know what is going on between those two? I know that the military and the Justiciary do not get along but Captain Vosloo looks to hate Inman personally,’ Kalena asked. On the edge of her hearing she heard the whisperings of Mindspeak as Adhamh passed her question on to the other Hatars. After a moment of frantic buzzing Adhamh answered her.
‘Samar says that she knows. ‘I would just like to say that I do not approve of gossip.’
‘I know, I know Adhamh. But how else am I to know everything that is going on here?’
‘Has he finished complaining yet?’ Samar’s voice butted in just as Adhamh was going to reply but he ended in just giving a mental Humph.
‘Well, he is now.’ Kalena said to her.
‘You wanted to know about the gallant Captain and Inman? Well there’s a story and a half right there.’
‘I’ll just have the short version,’ Kalena quickly butted in, Samar had a habit of waffling when reciting a story.
‘The short version? Are you sure? Oh very well.’ Samar said, disappointment clear in her voice. Kalena could imagine seeing Samar shaking her head in disgust. The Hatar just loved to tell a good story with all the trimmings. ‘Apparently, young Inman here was married to Fraser Vosloo’s youngest sister.’
Kalena abruptly interrupted, ‘I didn’t know that he had sisters.’
‘He does not now for they are both dead. The eldest sister was Second Born and was placed in the Infantry. She died during a border clash with the Istarnies. His youngest sister was married to Inman who comes from a good family. She died under ‘unusual’ circumstances two years ago. Captain Vosloo says that she was murdered but nothing could be proven.’
‘Does he think that Oscar Inman murdered his own wife?’ Kalena asked, only just aware of the talking that was going on around her – at least it sounded civil. She was only barely aware of Harada standing up beside her and addressing the table.
‘He does and the Captain will do anything to try and prove it.’ Samar answered.
It was then that Kalena felt an elbow nudge her shoulder and she abruptly broke contact with Samar. She looked up to find Harada staring down at her, indicating with his eyes that she should stand.
Kalena rose slowly to her feet, now aware that the eyes of the table were on the Provost Marshall and his two Wing Commanders. She looked a question at Harada but he only gave her a slight shake of the head and silently mouthed – tell you later.
Kalena focused on what Prince Garrick was now saying.
“…Vosloo you have an early start tomorrow, I wish you and your legions good luck in your march north and Brock, your two wings are set to join him on the road in a day’s time when the other wings return to Darkon.” Brock and Vosloo gave Garrick a salute in acceptance of the command. “Colonel Oded, you will take the Tenth, the Fifteenth and the Seventeenth Legions to the foot of the Bhaliger Ranges on the Suenese side of the pass to act either as reserves or a second line of defense if Foxtern falls. Justicar Videan will accompany you as your Intelligence Officer.” Colonel Oded frowned at this condition but said nothing. “I will stay here at Darkon and call all other available troops here to either be sent on to Oded’s or Vosloo’s command as they are needed. Darkon will be our Command Post. Are we agreed?” Garrick leaned forward across the table daring any of them to disagree with him. All, including Justicar Inman quickly placed their arms across their chests in salute while saying “Yes Warlord.”
Garrick nodded, “Good, this meeting is now closed.”
As soon as those words were spoken the aides around the edges of the room began to quickly pack away their writing implements and clear the desks of parchments and papers. Captain Vosloo scooped up the pelt that was still lying across the table and handed it to his aide who already had his hands full with his portable writing desk and an arm full of papers. The woman behind Garrick rose gracefully from her seat and stood with her hands clasped in front of her silently waiting. Even from where she stood, Kalena could tell that the Emperor’s Mistress was not happy. The woman must have thought that she would speak at the meeting. What would she have had to say that would have been relevant?
‘What would you know Kalena? You were too busy gossiping to listen to the discussion.’ Adhamh interrupted her thoughts.
Kalena ignored him.
As the men around the table turned to leave, Garrick spoke quietly but was heard by all over the noise of packing. “I wish you all good luck, we may need it in the following months.”
Chapter Four
Back in the Barracks
“Icetigers?” Holm Lunman, the newly promoted Wing Lieutenant for Second Wing said as Kalena finished relating a condensed version of the meeting to both the Wings Lieutenant’s of the First and Second. Harada had filled her in on the little she missed on their way back from the Council Hall.
On arriving back at the Kalar barracks, the two Wing Commanders
called an urgent meeting with their senior officers. They were all now seated in various positions around Harada’s room. Most had only just recovered from Tim Righter’s and Parta’s wake.
Gathered around Kalena and Harada were Harada’s two Wing Lieutenants, Gwidion Bessal and Ben Ocbar and Kalena’s Wing Lieutenants, Kral Tayme and the newly appointed Holm Lunman.
“Yes, Icetigers. Captain Vosloo himself lead a patrol that killed one on them. He showed us the pelt at the meeting tonight,” Kalena replied.
“What was it like?” Ben Ocbar asked curiously as he sat forward on his chair, resting his arms on his knees. Ben was in his late twenties and had shoulder length brown hair that he kept secured at the nape of his neck with a leather thong. His compact, stocky frame was well suited to the roughness of Hatar Flying.
“It was close to nine feet tall and a pelt made for hiding in the snow. They apparently are ferocious fighters who take no prisoners and leave none that they attack alive,” Harada answered Ben. As senior Wing Commandeer it will be Harada who will make the decisions that will affect the Wing – in consultation with Kalena who on this mission has effectively been placed as second in command.
“These creatures are the main reason we are being sent. We are going to be used in reconnaissance flights to locate where these creatures are and direct the Infantry forces to them. The eyes of the Hatar will be able to spot them out of the snow,” Kalena said to those assembled.
“What about the Arranians?” Kral Tayme asked. “They will not like us massing on their borders.”
“The Justiciary are of the impression that the Arranians are responsible for the Icetigers presence. They think the Arranians are using the tigers as a shock force to put us into disarray before advancing their main army,” Harada said before taking a drink from his cup of wine.
