“Demons are a threat against all men and women, regardless of their allegiance, Lord Genela,” Trence said directly and firmly. “I have a responsibility to the One to ensure that they are warned of the danger, so they can prepare to defend their people.”
“You must do what you must, Brother. It is a Temple matter,” Keria said, looking hard at Genela, who sat back, his face twisted with irritation.
She looked at the rest of her council. “What must we do now?”
“We must begin the mobilization of our forces,” Reiden said. “With your permission, I will send orders to all of the nearby garrisons to make ready for battle. Even though Alleon sent word, I also want to mobilize the southern garrisons. If this army is as large as we think, we will need every soldier that we can muster.”
Keria looked around the table and asked, “Are there any objections to this?” Seeing none, she turned back to Reiden. “You may proceed, Commander.”
“I do not believe we can make any further military decisions until we have Alleon’s report,” she stated. “So, let us turn to the matter of these refugees who will arrive shortly. We will need to find room within the walls and prepare for the potential of more coming in as the enemy moves.” With that, she settled in for a long night.
…
Several days later, Keria was staring out of the windows, looking out across the plaza, watching the arrival of more refugees. They had begun arriving the day before, first in small groups, and then in ever larger parties. Most carried only the clothes on their backs, some coin, and small personal items.
With the influx of people, she had ordered the inns in the city to make all of their rooms available, with the crown paying a fair rate, to prevent any profiteering off of the refugees. That had been Norlan’s idea, a way to find room in the city without the refugees losing what little they had left.
She had asked Norlan to take charge of the housing of the refugees. He seemed a good choice, a commoner who was well respected and known by many of the tradesmen and merchants. He used his connections to find spaces within people’s homes and businesses to help relieve the overflow when the inns were filled.
He took a methodical approach to the task, finding rooms first, then space for the refugees’ horses and belongings, and then arraigning for food to be allocated to feed the newcomers. When she had asked about it, he had laughed. “You cannot make good steel haphazardly, Majesty,” he told her. “You need to make sure you have everything ready before you begin to heat the metal. Finding out that you are missing something after you have begun would mean all of that time was wasted and wasted time costs gold. In this, it was simple, these people needed shelter first, then food.”
“Excuse me, Majesty,” Helgrant said from behind her, interrupting her thoughts.
She turned to face him. “What is it, Commander?”
“Sir Alleon had just arrived, my queen,” he said quietly. “Your council is being summoned.”
“Please have someone find Mastersmith Norlan and ask him to join us,” she said as she started toward the council chambers. “I would like to have him present.”
“At once, Majesty,” he replied. He called over one of the nearby guards and sent him running off. Once the solider was away, Helgrant fell in behind her.
She arrived at the council chambers first and sat in her chair, her stomach churning with dread. Over the next ten minutes or so, the other members came in, each bowing to her before taking their seats. The room stayed fairly quiet, all conversations kept at a whisper. She saw that everyone was there except for Marcus.
The door opened again as Sir Alleon came in the room, his armor bearing scratches and small dents. Marcus and Norlan, who looked as if he had just run there, came in behind him. She heard some grumbling about Norlan’s presence, but she ignored it. She gestured for Norlan to take one of the chairs against the wall as Marcus came over to his chair.
“Sir Alleon,” she said in greeting. “Forgive the haste of this meeting, as I know that you have been riding for days and need rest. But we received your message days ago and know that your information cannot wait.”
“You are kind, Majesty,” Alleon replied with a bow. “I personally scouted this invading army. It is large, as least sixty thousand strong.”
“Sixty thousand?” Reiden asked, taken back by that number. “Are you sure? Without the southern garrisons, we can only muster twenty thousand soldiers and Guardsmen, plus another five thousand men-at-arms.”
“I believe that number is correct,” Alleon replied. “I saw large numbers of infantry and bowmen, several small cavalry units and multiple siege weapons. There were also many demons in this army. It was difficult to get a good count, as we could not get very close, but I estimate between three to four hundred, at the minimum, some of which I have never seen their like before.”
There was some muttering around the room at that. Keria held up her hand and the room went quiet again. She gestured for Alleon to continue.
He looked sympathetically at Marcus. “While this army did not stop, your holdings were destroyed as it passed.”
“As long as most of the people were able to escape, it can be rebuilt,” Marcus replied. “Where was the army when you last saw it?”
“It had passed through the coastal hills and was moving in an easterly direction. We followed it close enough to have some skirmishes with its outriders, but were able to fight our way clear. I did leave some scouts behind to continue to track its movements.”
“Do you believe that this army is coming here?” Keria asked.
“I cannot say with certainty, Majesty, but its current path of march indicates another target,” Alleon replied. “A map may help us decide.”
Reiden went over to a wooden shelf on the other side of the fireplace. He rummaged through the parchments and pulled a large rolled up map out. He placed it in the center of the table, holding down the edges with cups and his dagger. Everyone stood and look down at it. The map represented Sanduas, as well as the border areas of Beragan, Aletonia and Morisan.
“I would estimate that the enemy is here,” Alleon said, pointing to an area to the northwest of Sanduas, near the border with Beragan. “It does not seem that they have made the city their priority, as it would have been easier to land farther south and take advantage of the Royal Highway. That does not mean that they will not turn south, but it seems a strange strategy to move that many men and equipment that far out of the way.”
“That would indicate that they seek to move into Beragan,” Reiden stated, studying the map. He traced the outline of the Gray Ridges. His finger stopped at an icon on the map. “Or they are moving against the Keep of Tomaris.”
“We will know that answer soon,” Helgrant said as he pointed to the area near the northern border, tracing the blue line that represented the river. “The Blue River travels into Beragan, ending in the Great Lake. The river is not easily forded, so they would need to turn north soon to pass around the lake. If they do not turn north, then we can assume that they are driving for the Keep. If so, I believe that they must make for the bridge near the crossroads.”
Reiden nodded in agreement. “I will dispatch more scouts to follow the river north and intercept the enemy.” He frowned as he continued to study the map. “The hills to the west close with the river north of the city, making an attack from that direction difficult.” He pointed to icon for the bridge. “We should dispatch engineers to the bridge and prepare to destroy it. If this army crosses the river, they could easily turn south and be at our gates within three days. As Helgrant said, there are no places along the river to ford an army of this size. If we can keep them on the west side of the river and they turn south towards the city, we can use the narrow area along the hills to trap them against the river, offsetting their superior numbers.”
“However, we would need to delay them to give the engineers time.” He pointed to an area near the northern end of the hills. “There is a place that would suit our needs.
The hills split in a large arch, forming a bowl. If we can draw them in, it would give us the advantage of elevation and the ability to place soldiers on their flanks. We could build hasty fortifications that would slow any charge and give us the ability to concentrate our forces. We will send the cavalry to engage them and draw them to us. But to have a chance of success, we must gather all of the soldiers and depart quickly.”
There was general agreement with the plan, but Genela stood. “I have no doubts that your plan is sound, Commander, but to do so would leave the city unprotected. How will we defend the city if the army is in the north?”
“We will order the southern garrison to mobilize and come to the city,” Reiden stated. “However, we do not have time to wait for them to arrive before departing. We can seal the gates when we leave. There are enough provisions to provide for the city until the garrisons arrive. It is a risk, but the bigger risk is to allow this army to march unchallenged to our north.”
“If I may, Majesty?” Norlan asked, standing behind those at the table.
“Please, Mastersmith; I want your view on this,” she told him.
“There are men in the city who have military experience or know how to fight,” Norlan said. “We could gather those men with this experience and form a watch to help protect the city until the soldiers arrive. If need be, we can have the older boys join as well.” He looked at Reiden. “Surely there are retired soldiers whom you trust that can provide instruction and leadership.”
When Reiden nodded, Keria spoke, “I believe that your proposal has merit, Mastersmith. I will approve it, if you agree to lead this watch.”
Norlan looked uncomfortable, but nodded. “If you wish it, Majesty, I will do it.”
“Does this address your concerns, Lord Genela?” she asked.
“I still fear that the risk is too great, but I understand the reasons, Your Majesty,” he replied. “If the council agrees this is the course of action, then I will support it.”
“Does anyone have any objections?” she asked. As she looked around, she saw general agreement.
“Very well,” she said, straightening. “We will follow Commander Reiden’s plan. I expect the nobles to go with the army, to oversee your men-at-arms. Commander Reiden has overall authority on military matters. Brother Trence, please gather your clerics.” She looked over at Reiden. “Commander, prepare the army to march.”
CHAPTER NINE
Nodding to the people as he passed, noting the surprised looks on their faces, Marcus turned and rode up the small alley, Daen at his side and leading another horse. They approached a stone building at the end of the alley, a sign hanging over a brightly painted door. The faded letters of the sign read The Happy Warrior. Below the name was a painted scene of a knight in armor, a wide smile on his face, holding a tankard of ale. Marcus tried to keep his expression neutral, but he could not help but smile slightly at the picture. This seemed the perfect place to find Nathen.
He dismounted and went inside, Daen close behind. The room was small and dark, with the only light coming from a small window near the bar and single candles on the tables. He spotted Nathen immediately, sitting at a table with two other soldiers, tankards in hand. Marcus recognized them as members of the Royal Guard, Reman and Lane. Those two had been friends since childhood, their families living next to each other, and had joined the Guard together. Nathen shared their love of drink and women, so they were often found together in the taverns.
Shaking his head, Marcus went over to their table. Reman and Lane saw him first, their eyes going wide, and quickly stood at attention, but Nathen was preoccupied whispering to the serving woman sitting on his lap. When he finally noticed the other two standing, he craned his head around. He smiled widely at Marcus and Daen as they approached.
“Have you come to drink with us, Marcus?” he said gregariously. “I will admit to being surprised. You can be such a prude at times.”
“You know that I have not, Nathen,” Marcus said, frowning slightly. Prude, am I? “I do drink, just not as often as you do. That may indeed make me a prude, but we can discuss that as we ride. The time for drinking is over. The army is almost assembled and will be ready to march shortly. There will be no more ale for any of us until we drive the invaders out.”
“Why do you think I am here?” Nathen replied, draining his cup. Setting it back on the table, he leaned in and kissed the woman soundly. Marcus saw Daen roll his eyes at the sight.
“Will you miss me, my darling?” Nathen asked as he broke the kiss and gently helped her to her feet. He stood and reached out to brush her face with his fingers. “I am off to defend you and all of the good people of the city from the demon hordes.”
“Of course, my lord,” the woman said, smiling, as she kissed his hand. “You are always the best tipper.”
Marcus hid a smile with his hand, but Daen laughed openly at that. Nathen did not seem to mind as he smiled widely. He plucked a gold coin from his purse and pressed it into her hand. “That is why I like you, dear girl; you’re honest.”
Tossing another coin on the bar, Nathen turned to Marcus. “What are we waiting for?” he said grandly. “We don’t want to miss the fight.”
“You are right, of course, Nathen,” Marcus said as he gestured to the door. “After you.” With a laugh, Nathen gave him a bow and went outside, the rest following.
As Reman and Lane set off for the barracks, Marcus, Daen and Nathen climbed onto their horses. They went back up the alley and turned towards the palace.
“You know, Nathen, you are a knight now,” Marcus said as they rode side by side. “You may want act a bit more dignified.”
Nathen laughed. “I’m happy the way I am, Sir Lord Prince Marcus,” he replied. “I will leave acting dignified to you.”
Marcus chuckled and slapped Nathen good-naturedly on the back. “I will try to meet your expectations.”
The mirth faded as they approached the palace and saw the gathering of their forces. Most of the army and men-at-arms had mustered outside the city walls, in the field just north of the Royal Highway. The Royal Guard and some of the city garrisons were in the courtyard, assembling weapons and supplies, as they prepared to join the rest of the army.
The three friends rode through the gathering, Marcus returning the salutes as they passed. At the palace gates, two old men in the armor of the Royal Guard stood at attention. They had served the crown in years past, pensioners that had stepped forward to offer their services again. While they were past their prime, both carried themselves with dignity and, Marcus noted, a seriousness of purpose. He sensed that they had not forgotten how to use the spears in their hands or the swords on their hips. While he would worry for Keria’s safety while he was gone, he was confident that these men would do their best to honor those uniforms, if the need came upon them.
There were many older veterans that had stepped forward and joined the City Watch. They dug out their old armor and uniforms from chests and closets, wearing them with pride, even though some did not fit as well since age and weight had taken their toll. While Norlan was nominally in charge, he had left the organization of the Watch to his second, a gray haired man named Jansen.
Jansen had been in the Royal Guard many years before, serving for decades before retiring when Dominic was still commander. A veteran of many battles, he had been the commander overseeing the new recruits when he decided it was time to leave, known for his tough, but fair, demeanor. He was well respected, had the confidence and support of Commander Helgrant, and still looked tough-as-iron.
Even as he thought of him, Marcus saw him standing at the base of the stairs leading into the palace, speaking with Norlan. Though his close-cropped hair was completely silver, the man held himself with the confidence of one much younger. His lined face, with his squared jaw and hard dark eyes, still radiated an aura of danger. He was slim and sinewy, his armor neat and spotless, and his swordhilt showing the wear of many years of use. A hard man even now, Marcus thought
. I don’t think I would want to be his enemy.
As he got closer, Marcus overheard Norlan, dressed in his thick breastplate and holding his spiked maul, discussing the organization and positioning of the Watch. Norlan stopped when Jansen pointed in Marcus’ direction.
“Greetings, Prince Marcus,” Norlan said with a small bow. There was a twinkle of humor in his eyes as he glanced at Nathen. “I see that you found your wayward friend.”
“It was not too hard, Commander Norlan,” Daen said. As the leader of the City Watch, Keria had granted Norlan that title. “We only had to follow the sound of bawdy songs, badly sung, and the smell of day-old ale.”
While Nathen sputtered in indignation, Norlan laughed and even Jansen cracked a smile. “I’m glad to see that you have such refined friends, my prince,” Norlan said.
“They say that friends are a blessing from the One, but in my case, they may be a test of my patience and forgiveness,” Marcus said lightly. Daen and Nathen shared an exasperated look at that.
Norlan chuckled, but his smile slowly faded. He stepped closer to Marcus. “Helgrant has ordered the Guard to be ready to depart by mid-afternoon. Reiden wants to get the army marching quickly. He is concerned about making it to the selected ambush location in time to intercept the invaders.”
“Then we will gather our belongings and be ready as well,” Marcus stated as he dismounted. He looked over at his friends. “I must see the queen before we leave. I will meet you back here in two hours.”
Nathen, a smile playing on his lips, had a look like he was prepared to say something sarcastic, but Daen nudged him, glancing meaningful at the people all around them. Nathen nodded and simply replied, “We will see you then, Your Highness.” The two rode away, heading to the far side of the palace.
“I will have someone take care of your horse, my prince,” Jansen said, motioning for a young man standing nearby. When the youth approached, looking unsure of himself in his uniform and mismatch pieces of armor, Marcus could see that he was only fifteen or sixteen. He knew that they were recruiting the older boys into the Watch, but this one seemed much too young to be carrying a spear. Norlan and Jansen have to work with what they have, he thought grimly. He handed the boy his reins, giving him a nod and word of thanks.
The Eternal Darkness (The Jake Thomas Trilogy - Book 3) Page 12
