by Martin Scott
‘Captain Thraxas? Ensign Makri?’ A youthful messenger sticks his head through the canvas. ‘You’re both required to report to Lisutaris immediately.’
I buckle on my sword as we leave the wagon. The camp is coming awake, with breakfast fires being lit all over. We walk towards the command tent.
‘Well Thraxas,’ says Makri. ‘This is probably it. We’re going into action. We might not have a chance to speak again. Any final words?’
‘Nothing I can think of.’
‘Nothing?’
‘What were you expecting?’
‘How about “It’s great to have known you, Makri. You’ve been a wonderful friend and a tremendous help in everything. If by chance your errant mathematics get us all killed, I won’t hold it against you.“’
‘Dammit Makri, if you get us all killed I’ll come back from the dead and kill you again.’
A small group of officers are waiting outside the command tent. Makri is waved though by the guards but I have to wait in line. I don’t care. I have no desire to talk to Lisutaris. Everyone else here is a senior order receiving their final orders for the attack. I’m surprised to be summoned at all, in the circumstances. Anumaris will undoubtedly have informed Lisutaris of my conclusions about my investigation, not to mention my feelings about Lisutaris’s part in it. I doubt our Commander is that keen on me at this moment.
I wonder if the Orcs know we’re attacking today. Our sorcerers have put up so many defensive barriers I’d be surprised if they have advance information, but you never know. We’ve underestimated the power of Deeziz the Unseen before. I glance up at the sky, half expecting to see dragons but the sun is too bright and I can’t make out anything. The temperature is rising by the hour. I start to feel annoyed, being made to stand here waiting to enter the command tent. Petty revenge by Lisutaris, it wouldn’t surprise me. The woman has never been suited for the role of War Leader. ‘Turai would be nowhere without me,’ I grumble, unfortunately saying it louder than I intended, possibly due to the klee I had for breakfast. The officers standing next to me give me something of a condescending look. Let them. I didn’t see them standing on the walls fighting Orcs last time they attacked. I take out Sareepa’s silver flask and sip more klee. Right then I’m summoned into the command tent and am still fumbling to put the flask away as I enter. Lisutaris notices but doesn’t comment. She regards me in silence for a few moments before starting off in a neutral tone. ‘Captain Thraxas. I’ve modified our plan of attack. The undermining of the walls will continue as planned but I will personally be leading our forces into the city.’
‘I don’t recommend that, Commander.’
Lisutaris smiles, quite grimly. ‘Neither does Ensign Makri. Nonetheless, it’s happening. My sorcerers have been trying to track the movements of the Orcish Sorcerers Guild. Difficult task, but we’ve made progress. As far as we can tell, Deeziz the Unseen has positioned herself and her strongest sorcerers right behind our point of entry. They’ll try to prevent the wall coming down. If it does come down, we’ll be faced by the most powerful group of hostile sorcerers ever assembled in one place. Consequently–’ Lisutaris swiftly produces and lights a thazis stick ‘–I’ll be leading our strongest sorcerers into the city at the head of our troops. We’ll be accompanied by a unit from the Sorcerers Auxiliary Regiment.’
I nod my head. ‘It makes sense, I suppose. I’m coming too.’
‘As my security chief, you’re not obliged to accompany the first wave.’
‘I’m coming with you.’
‘Good. We will appreciate your company.’ Our Commander pauses. ‘I notice you’ve been spending time with Sareepa Lightning Strikes the Mountain.’
I’m surprised to hear Lisutaris mention this. ‘I have, Commander.’
‘You realise none of us may survive this attack?’
‘Yes.’
‘Have you actually said anything nice to her?’
‘Pardon, Commander?’
‘Have you said anything warm, endearing or any more pleasant than asking her to pass you the next bottle of beer?’
‘Probably not,’ I admit.
‘As I suspected. Well I suggest that you do, Thraxas. She’s an old friend of mine and if we’re all about to die I’d rather you sent her off with something better to remember than you guzzling beer.’
‘I’ll do my best.’ I notice Makri is smiling. Next thing they’ll be asking me to take her flowers.
‘Anumaris Thunderbolt informs me you’ve reached some conclusions in your investigation into the death of Captain Istaros.’
‘I have, Commander.’
‘Apparently Bishop-General Ritari is responsible for everything. Sent his men to assassinate Archbishop Gudurius, and when that failed, sent his assassin to kill his own men so no one would find out about it. Is that accurate?’
‘Yes.’
‘Do you have proof of any of this?’
‘No. I’m sure that’s what happened but there’s no proof.’
‘Correct me if I’m wrong - I do suffer from the occasional memory lapse - but did I not instruct you to manage things so that Bishop-General Ritari didn’t emerge from this affair looking bad?’
‘Yes, but–’
‘And now here you are, reporting that not only has the Bishop-General been involved in a plot to assassinate the Niojan Archbishop, he’s attempted to cover it up by hiring assassins to kill his own men! Behaviour so dishonourable that were it to become known, he’d be lucky to escape execution at the hands of King Lamachus!’ Lisutaris glares at me. ‘Well? What do you have to say?’
‘I’d say you should stop pretending to be outraged because you suspected it all along. It’s not my fault if the Bishop-General turns out to be a violent gangster. When I’m asked to investigate something I investigate it. Don’t blame me if it doesn’t go the way you want.’
‘Why not? If you hadn’t poked around in places you probably shouldn’t have been poking around in, then none of this would be known.’
‘You demanded I investigate!’
‘I demanded you did something to keep the Niojans happy and make sure it didn’t bother me.’
‘Were you expecting me to just make something up and blame someone else?’
‘Wasn’t that obvious?’
By now I’m glaring too. I’ve had enough of this. ‘I find out the truth, when I can. That’s my job. If you don’t like the results, that’s your problem.’
‘Kindly watch your tone, Captain Thraxas,’ says Lisutaris, ominously.
‘Don’t tell me to watch my tone, Commander. Tell me, was Anumaris just spying for you? Or did she actively hinder my investigation?’
‘Are you accusing me of interfering?’
‘Probably. When Anumaris used a tidying spell on me it struck me that she was still using magic when you’d forbidden it to everyone else. Who knows what other ways she might have tampered with evidence. Really, Lisutaris, if you wanted to go around murdering Niojan Legates and covering up the crimes of Niojan generals why bother to involve me at all? You should just have asked Anumaris to magic it all better.’
‘I’ve had just about enough of you, Thraxas,’ growls Lisutaris, ominously.
Makri takes a step forward. ‘Commander. Thraxas did as instructed. You can’t blame him if he found out the truth.’
‘Ensign Makri, I didn’t ask for-‘
‘Furthermore, we owe Thraxas for saving us from the sack of Turai. Probably other things as well. Also, you invited Captain Thraxas to the command tent to inform him of your new attack formation, not to berate him about his investigating.’
By this time Lisutaris is quite startled. ‘Really, Ensign Makri? Is there anything else you’d like to lecture me about?’
‘No, Commander. But I should tell you Prince Amrag is my half-brother. Thraxas says Julia the Bad had some spell that might be useful against him.’
Lisutaris’s eyes widen in surprise. ‘W
hat? Are you serious? Why didn’t you tell me this before?’
‘I preferred to keep it secret, Commander. I didn’t think it would be important.’
‘You’re Prince Amrag’s half-brother? Of course that’s important.’ Lisutaris snaps her fingers and mutters a word, simultaneously causing a thazis stick to leap from one pocket of her cloak and Julia the Bad’s spell book to appear from another. ‘I’ll need a little of your blood.’
‘I knew it,’ sighs Makri, and looks unhappy. I leave the tent. Outside it’s hot as Orcish hell and troops are moving into position.
Chapter Twenty Four
It’s a struggle to reach Gurd’s position. Soldiers aren’t the only ones on the move. Now that the attack is imminent, non-combatants are beings sent to the rear. Cooks, tailors, metalsmiths, supply personnel and others make their way back towards the baggage train, some of them laden with goods, some hurrying as fast as they can. I’m hoping I can reach Gurd before Tanrose departs. I make it just in time, arriving as she’s slinging a sack of cooking utensils over her shoulder.
‘Tanrose, I need your help.’
Tanrose hands me a small parcel wrapped in a green cloth. She smiles. ‘I was thinking of you, Thraxas. This is the last piece of cake I could make.’
I’m so surprised by this thoughtful action that for one of the very few times in my adult life, I’m almost moved to tears. I stand there like a fool, not knowing quite what to say. Beside us, Gurd senses my awkwardness. He claps me heartily on the shoulder.
‘Best eat it quick, Thraxas, we’ll be in action soon.’
Gurd’s blow brings me back to my senses. I thank Tanrose profusely. ‘The world needs more people like you Tanrose. I’ll always be grateful for this piece of cake. However, that wasn’t why I needed your help.’
‘What’s the matter?’
‘Lisutaris told me I have to say something nice to Sareepa.’
Tanrose nods her head. ‘I can see that would be a problem.’
‘Do I really have to do it?’
‘You probably should.’
‘What were you planning on doing?’ asks Gurd.
‘Nothing. I thought we’d just go about our business as usual. Do I need some sort of farewell ceremony?’
‘You’re all in a lot of danger when you attack,’ says Tanrose.
‘No we’re not,’ protests Gurd.
Tanrose puts her hand on his arm and smiles. ‘I know you are.’ She looks at me. ‘Gurd’s been trying to convince me there’s no danger. I’m not a fool, Gurd. I know how dangerous this attack is. So will Sareepa. She’ll know none of you might survive it. So do the decent thing Thraxas, and tell her it was nice spending time with her, and you’re glad you had the opportunity.’
I’m not liking the sound of this. ‘It was nice spending time with her, and I’m glad I had the opportunity? Does that fit the bill?’
‘I think it will.’
By now officers are barking orders and troops are moving into formation. I thank Tanrose for the cake and leave quickly, allowing her a last few seconds alone with Gurd. I struggle through the throng towards my unit. Officers are shouting orders and dust is rising as troops move into position. On my way I run into Sareepa, who’s leading her Matteshan sorcerers towards the front. I grab her arm, not very elegantly, and pull her to one side. I manage to blurt out the words as instructed by Tanrose. ‘It was nice spending time with you. I’m glad I had the opportunity.’
Inside I’m writhing with embarrassment. It has to be one of the most inappropriate things ever said in wartime. I’m expecting Sareepa to either burst out in mocking laughter or, possibly, punch me. Neither happens. Instead she leans over, kisses me on the cheek and says ‘Thanks. It was nice spending time with you too.’
Sareepa walks off, leading her sorcerers into action. I don’t know if they heard the exchange or not. When I reach my unit’s wagon, Anumaris is standing beside it.
‘What are you doing back here?’
‘Our Commander instructed me inform you that you have no authority to dismiss me. ‘ Anumaris speaks quite defiantly. I don’t intimidate her. She has the commander on her side.
Rinderan appears. ‘Everyone ready?’ The young sorcerer is nervous though he’s trying not to show it. He’s never been in action before. Like Anumaris, he’s been roped into supporting the central assault force. Lisutaris will have sorcerers positioned throughout the army, maintaining the dragon shield as best they can, but she’s recruited many of them to support her as she leads the troops through the trench. Already I can see many rainbow cloaks heading towards the command tent, some of them sorcerers from foreign guilds I don’t recognise.
We pack our belongings in the wagon. Droo appears, yawning.
‘What do we do with the wagon?’ wonders Rinderan.
I shrug. ‘Leave it here. We should have sent it back to the baggage train but I forgot to organise it.’
‘It will be fine,’ says Anumaris. ‘Either we win then we can come back for it or we lose and we won’t need it.’ She’s picked up the fatalism of the experienced soldiers around her. Either that or she’s pretending she has. I suspect she’s really as nervous as Rinderan.
‘Droo, you’re not coming with us.’
‘Yes I am.’
‘You’re not. I need you to go back to your Elvish reconnaissance unit for the rest of the day.’
The young Elf looks upset. ‘I want to join in the attack.’
‘You can’t. The wall breeching unit is for sorcerers and experienced warriors only. Teenage Elvish poets are not appropriate for the occasion.’
‘But you’re all going.’
‘Droo, depart. I want you as far away as possible. Anumaris, Rinderan, prepare a spell for ejecting this Elf if she doesn’t pack her things and leave immediately.’
Faced with this, Sendroo gives up. Very unhappily, she packs her few belongings and departs, grumbling all the while that it’s not fair she’s not allowed to join in the first attack. We watch her go.
‘I’m glad you sent her away,’ says Anumaris. ‘I didn’t want to see her killed.’
Neither did I. In truth, I don’t regard either Anumaris or Rinderan as particularly suitable for the first assault, but their sorcerous power is needed. I pick up my shield.
‘Time to go. Is anyone going to say “Captain Thraxas, we saved you this beer specially for the occasion?” And then produce beer?’
‘No,’ says Anumaris.’
‘I really didn’t think of it,’ says Rinderan.
I shake my head. ‘As a security unit, you’re a disappointment.’
Trumpets sound. We walk forward. The confusion is lessening as the attack force takes shape. Lisutaris is standing near the trench with a group of powerful sorcerers. In front of her are the miners, ready to advance into the trench one last time. Wood has already been set near the breach, and they’re carrying more. Flanking Lisutaris are soldiers from the Sorcerers Auxiliary Regiment and flanking them are troops from Simnia and Samsarina. Behind are Niojans and an Elvish contingent, all ready to rush into the city when the wall comes down. Rinderan and Anumaris take their place with the sorcerers. I walk through the crowd to where Makri, in her full set of light Orcish armour, is standing beside Lisutaris. Lisutaris has a leather chestplate beneath her sorcerer’s cloak, and, something I’ve never seen her wear before, leather breeches. On her feet are a pair of sturdy boots. It’s the first time she’s ever appeared in anything resembling military uniform. Many of the other sorcerers have adopted similar attire. Obviously they’re not expecting it to be an easy matter, entering the city. A few feet away, Tirini Snake Smiter is wearing a dazzling rainbow cloak and pink and yellow shoes. As an outfit for storming a city, it could hardly be more unsuitable. You have to admire her, I suppose.
Coranius the Grinder appears, grim-faced as always, ready for action. As one of our most powerful sorcerers he’ll be accompanying Lisutaris. Other powerful figures
appear - Gorsoman, the senior Simnian sorcerer, Hendrith Seawave, the most experienced Elvish sorcerer in the army, and Harmon Half Elf, a Turanian who’s just arrived from his duties with the navy. There’s another senior sorcerer from Samsarina whose name I can’t recall, a Niojan, and Sareepa, who looks calm, refreshed, and ready for action. I look back at the assembled troops. Attempting to hide behind the legs of a very large infantryman is Ensign Droo. The young Elf has apparently decided to disregard my orders and join the attack. Unwise, but it’s too late to do anything about it now. Lisutaris’s officers are having final words with their Commander. When they withdraw, leaving Lisutaris flanked by her senior sorcerers, Makri steps directly to one side of her and I step to the other.
Gorsoman the Simnian raises his eyebrows. ‘Are those two coming with us?’
‘Yes,’ replies Lisutaris.
‘Shouldn’t we sorcerers be closest to you?’
‘I want them beside me. Captain Julius, order the diggers into the trench and signal the Auxiliary Regiment to advance. Sorcerers, follow me.’
Chapter Twenty Five
I’m walking along the zigzag trench. It’s in good repair, wooden panels on the walls and wooden slats beneath our feet. Our sorcery has protected it, exactly as planned. It bodes well for our attack but I’m worried. Lisutaris believes that Deeziz the Unseen is waiting for us directly ahead so she’s withdrawn a lot of sorcerous power from the shield. It still arcs above us but there’s less force protecting it. As we advance, a hail of missiles and projectiles rain down from the walls, pounding on the barrier. The ability of the shield to protect us is not my only worry. There’s still the final results of Makri’s calculations to be reckoned with. Major Erisimus and his miners have to complete the excavation under the walls, plant more wood, set it on fire and depart quickly. Our sorcery is still protecting them but if Makri’s final calculations are wrong, anything could happen. Sorcery twisting the wrong way through some strange dimension resulting in a huge explosion, according to her. I’m not sure if that’s a realistic assessment or just the result of paranoia brought on by the drugs Lisutaris has been feeding her.
