Brodie threw another log onto the fire. The chief’s hall was packed, with every officer and office-bearer present. The shaft leading to the outside was closed against the night air, blankets pushed in at the edges to keep out the draught. All around lamps burned, their yellow light sending shadows flickering off the walls.
Killop felt the aches from the hours spent in the lurching carriage through the snow back to the Severed City. He had stayed awake throughout, letting Becky and the Rahain family sleep, while he brooded on what to do. He had called everyone together when they had arrived an hour before dawn, after arranging accommodation for the family, and guards to watch their rooms.
‘The Holdings wouldn’t risk an invasion if they didn’t have enough soldiers for the job,’ Killop said. ‘This is what Kylon was talking about, all those thirds ago. If the Holdings are here to overthrow the Rahain government, then we must help them.’
He glanced at his captains. Larissa was nowhere in the crowd.
‘Dyam,’ he said, ‘how many fit and ready warriors do we have?’
‘Nine hundred and sixty-one Kellach Brigdomin,’ she said, ‘and one hundred and twenty Rahain.’
‘I’ll take eight hundred Kellach and one hundred Rahain,’ Killop said. ‘Dyam, you’ll stay here, as will Brodie.’
‘Where are you going?’ Brodie said.
‘The Rahain capital, it’s about fifteen days’ march from here.’
‘I’m coming,’ Kalden said.
Killop nodded. ‘You and Larissa will be my commanders, and Tiel for the Rahain.’
Kalden smiled. ‘When are we leaving?’
‘Are we all sure that this is the right thing to do?’ Draewyn said. ‘We have peace around us at last. We’ve only just recovered from the attack two thirds ago and winter will be hard enough without us losing our most able folk.’
‘We have enough stores,’ Brodie said. ‘We’ll survive.’
‘Can we not bide the winter, and see what happens?’ Draewyn said. ‘The wars between the two biggest nations in the world are of no concern to us. I’m glad they’re fighting each other, and I hope the Holdings give the Rahain a good kicking. But out here, we can live a free life, away from war.’
‘If the Holdings win,’ Killop said, ‘they’ll free all the slaves.’
‘You don’t know that, son,’ Draewyn said.
‘You don’t know the Holdings, and their hatred of slavery.’
‘I don’t agree,’ Draewyn frowned, ‘but you’re the chief.’
‘It’s fine to disagree,’ he said. He looked over the hall. ‘I won’t lead an unwilling clan to war. Does anyone wish to speak?’
‘I do.’
Killop looked over. It was Tiel.
‘Go on,’ he said.
Tiel pushed his way through the pressed bodies, and approached Killop.
‘Among the slaves of Rahain,’ he said, ‘the name of the Holdings, our nation’s most hated rival, is revered. We know the Holdings keep no slaves, and dreamed that one day they would come, and smash down the old ways that have kept so many of us in chains.’
He paused, his tongue flickering as the weight of a hundred eyes turned his gaze to the ground.
‘And now it might actually be happening,’ he said, his voice quiet. ‘We have shown our loyalty to the Severed Clan, proved it in the price we paid that bloody day when we were attacked. If we fight, and win, then we need never fear the approach of a Rahain army again, come to return us to servitude. I say we go.’
Killop nodded. ‘Does anyone else wish to speak?’
‘I’ve said my piece,’ Draewyn said.
The rest of the hall hushed.
Killop glanced at Bridget.
‘Time to vote,’ she said. ‘Those in favour, say aye.’
‘Aye,’ the hall roared.
‘Those opposed, say no.’
‘No,’ a handful cried.
‘The chief’s will passes,’ she said. ‘As herald, I declare that the chief’s word has been accepted by the clan. We shall send our war strength to aid the Holdings, and we will defeat the Rahain. Those who remain here will guard the children, and keep the future of the clan safe.’
Killop climbed up and stood on a stone bench. He raised his arms as cheers echoed.
‘We’ll leave on the third dawn from now,’ he said. ‘Go back to your squads and tell them the news. Dyam will prepare a list of the companies joining the warband. Gather here at sunset and sunrise each day until we leave.’ He nodded. ‘You all know what to do.’
He stepped down, and the crowd began to disperse.
‘Do you have a minute?’ Bridget said to him. ‘Alone?’
‘Aye,’ he said. She walked to her room, and he followed her in and closed the door.
‘What is it?’ he asked.
‘I didn’t hear my name mentioned as one of those remaining.’
‘That’s right.’
‘I want to stay.’
‘What?’ he said. ‘I thought you’d be up for it. This is what we’ve been planning.’
She smiled. ‘Killop, you know me better than anyone else, and you still don’t really know me at all. I hate war. I hate fighting. I only ever joined up in the first place because my two sisters did, and I refused to be left behind by them. I never wanted to be a warrior, and now… well I think I’m good at what I do, running the city while you’re out raiding. I like it.’
‘You’re better than good at it,’ he said. ‘Of course you can stay. I’ll miss you though.’
‘Thanks, Chief.’
‘You’ll make a great chief yourself one day.’
Her face reddened.
‘I need to ask you something,’ he said. ‘Do you know where Larissa was this morning? Is she avoiding me?’
‘She went out hunting last night,’ Bridget said, ‘but she might also be avoiding you. You can’t keep stringing the lassie along, Killop. You need to let her know if you want to see her again.’
‘I don’t know what I want,’ he said. ‘When I think of her, sometimes I feel happy, other times I dread running into her. Larissa’s done nothing wrong, but I feel like I’m betraying Daphne.’
‘It’s been seven thirds since you heard of her death,’ Bridget said.
‘And what?’ he said. ‘Is that long enough? Or not? The pain feels as raw as it ever did.’
‘Then maybe you’re not ready.’
He said nothing, but knew Bridget was right.
‘You have to tell her,’ she said. ‘Will you?’
‘Aye.’
Two days later, Killop realised that he still hadn’t said anything to Larissa.
He had seen her more than once over that time, but always in the context of large meetings, where all of his commanders were present, and he had never found a convenient moment to talk to her alone.
Brodie had organised a few drinks in the chief’s hall for the evening before they left. He had been forced to restart his spirit production, as all of his stock had been used to destroy Likiat’s forces, but the ale was getting better all the time.
Killop was in the drill-hall, speaking to Tiel, and giving a few words of encouragement to his Rahain shield teams, but his mind wasn’t on it. He half-hoped Larissa would be at the chief’s hall later, half-hoped she wouldn’t.
‘Thank you for speaking to us,’ his Rahain commander said.
‘No problem.’
‘Are you returning to the hall now, Chief?’
‘Not yet,’ he said. ‘One last group to meet.’
‘We’ll see you at dawn, Chief,’ Tiel said, a grim smile on his lips.
Killop nodded. He walked through an arched entrance and up the stairs to the fire mages’ chambers.
He knocked and entered. The main training room was empty, so he walked to the far end, past the open shaft leading outside. The afternoon’s light was fading, and snow was falling. He went through to the mages’ common room, a small chamber with chairs, a table, and a fireplace. Dean and Lilyann
were packing, their clothes and things spread out over the chairs.
‘Mages,’ Killop said, ‘how are you both?’
‘Can I have more space on a wagon for my stuff?’ Lilyann said. ‘This little pack I’ve been given doesn’t fit half of what I need.’
‘The wagons are for food,’ he said. ‘Twenty day’s supplies for nine hundred warriors.’
‘One more bag won’t make much difference.’
‘If you can carry it, you can bring it.’
‘What if I carry it for a couple of days, then put it on a wagon once there’s space?’
‘You don’t need any of that shit,’ Dean said. ‘Most of it’s make-up, mirrors and hairbrushes. And clothes like you’re going to a party.’
‘Fuck you,’ she said. ‘If I’m going to torch the Rahain, then I want to look good. Everyone will be staring at me.’
‘Put everything you need into a bag and give it to me in the morning,’ Killop said. ‘I’ll find space for it.’
‘Thanks, Chief.’
‘The rules can be bent for mages,’ he said. ‘Dean, is there anything you want?’
Dean paused, his mouth open. ‘Just maybe some of my books?’
Lilyann rolled her eyes.
‘Put them in a bag,’ Killop said to the boy. ‘We’ll take them.’
‘Why do you have to be so boring, Dean?’ Lilyann said. ‘You’re always reading those stupid books.’
‘Shut up,’ said Dean.
‘I’ve been watching your progress,’ Killop said. ‘You’ve both improved so much. I’m proud of you, the whole clan is. It’ll be a hard slog through the snow, but you’ll be travelling with the commanders. Every officer has seen war at close hand. Take their advice if they offer it.’
They nodded. Killop could see fear in their eyes, despite the nonchalant expressions.
‘See you in the morning,’ he said.
He walked out of their room, and back through the caverns and tunnels to the chief’s hall, where the drinking had begun.
There was a roar when he entered, and the gathered folk raised their ale to him.
Someone passed him a full mug, and he took it and drank it in one, to cheers.
He scanned the crowd as he made his way to the great limestone table. Bridget was there, with Brodie, Kalden and Draewyn. Dyam was sitting, writing in a book as if she were alone in the hall, but there was no sign of Larissa.
‘Bridget,’ he said as he took a seat, the others budging up to make space for him.
‘Chief,’ she smiled, filling his mug.
‘You seen Larissa?’
‘Aye,’ she said. ‘She was heading up to the northern gate to check her company’s supplies.’
Killop frowned.
‘You haven’t fucking told her, have you?’
‘Not had the chance.’
Bridget scowled. ‘Come on.’
‘Too busy.’
‘That’s just what she said,’ Bridget sighed. ‘Oh well, you’ve got tonight, otherwise it’s going to be fucking awkward tomorrow.’
‘I’m going to bed,’ he said. ‘I’m knackered, and I want a clear head in the morning.’
‘And what am I supposed to tell her if she shows up?’
Killop stood. ‘Whatever you like, Bridget. See you in the morning.’
He picked up his mug, and passed groups of drinking Kellach, sharing a few nods and greetings, until he reached the door to his room. He took a lamp from the wall and went in.
His small chamber was cold, and as sparsely furnished as it had ever been. He sat on the mattress, and drank his ale, the sounds of the Kellach in the hall muffled by the heavy door.
Tomorrow he was marching to war.
He finished the ale, turned the lamp down, and went to sleep.
He dreamed of snow, of being lost in a blizzard. Somewhere, out of sight beyond the swirling flakes, was everything he had been searching for, but his legs were buried deep in the drifting snow, and no matter how hard he tried, he could never get closer.
The door opened, and a lamp shone a dim light from the entranceway.
Killop sat up.
There was no noise coming from the hall.
He squinted, but whoever held the lamp was shrouded in shadow.
‘Is it morning?’ he said.
‘No.’
It was Larissa.
She closed the door, and put the lamp down on the little table.
‘We need to talk,’ he said. ‘I’ve been meaning to catch you these past few days, but…’
She untied her robe and let it fall to the floor.
He gazed at her, his words dried up.
She got onto the mattress, her naked body pressing against him.
‘We can talk tomorrow.’
Chapter 25
Manumission
Tahrana City, Rahain Republic – 1st Day, Second Third Winter 505
Agang paused, his personal detachment of guards fanning out around him. The cavern was in shadow, with only the flickering of fires from houses burning providing any light. He could see dozens of lamps, hanging from the high ceiling, and mounted on the walls, but none were lit. He stepped over the body of a dead Rahain soldier, and moved forwards again, leading his warriors towards the source of the loudest fighting.
Over to his left by a burnt-out shop front, a row of kneeling Rahain were being beheaded by a Sanang squad, children and civilians among the victims, while to his right hedgewitches were patching up wounded warriors.
Ahead, the vast cavern narrowed into a series of high-arches, with broad tunnels leading off, all of which had been barricaded.
Agang studied the lines of Sanang at the front, who were attacking the main barricade in the central tunnel. Just behind them, he saw his commander.
‘Mandalecht,’ he called.
The one-eyed old warrior turned and saw him.
‘My lord,’ he said, wiping the dirt from his face, and trying to straighten his uniform. ‘What are you doing here? It’s too dangerous.’
‘I stayed away from the fighting at Rainsby,’ Agang said, ‘and again through the great mountain tunnel. I can no longer stand aside while my men die for me.’
Mandalecht nodded through furrowed brows. They walked away from the front, the commander’s staff officers gathering round.
‘What’s the situation?’ Agang said.
‘The western caverns of the city have been taken, my lord,’ he said, ‘but we have yet to link up with the Holdings forces that were attacking from the north.’
‘I know Field Marshal Howie is throwing everything she has into the battle,’ Agang said.
Mandalecht pulled a map from his jacket and unfolded it.
‘We’re due to meet up here, my lord,’ he said, pointing. ‘That’s through the main tunnel exiting this cavern, but the snakes have blocked it up well and good, and their crossbow snipers are covering every approach. I’ve sent Lomecht with a regiment south, to see if they can outflank this position. Another one is clearing out the caverns behind us, making sure we didn’t leave any snakes behind.’
‘Sir,’ a company leader cried, running towards them through the piles of debris. He skidded to a halt when he saw Agang. ‘My lord.’ He bowed.
‘What is it, Captain?’ Mandalecht said.
‘Something’s happening beyond the barricades, sir,’ he said, pointing at the arched tunnel entrances.
‘What?’
‘The Rahain forces are pulling out, sir.’
Mandalecht glanced at Agang.
‘Maybe our allies have broken through,’ Agang said. ‘Clear the tunnel.’
‘You heard the chief,’ Mandalecht shouted. ‘Get those barricades down.’
Officers relayed orders to the warriors in the front lines. They surged forwards, keeping their shields high, but no bolts came at them. Within minutes, the Sanang were swarming over the barricades, hauling away the broken wagons, wooden beams and rubble the Rahain had used to block the cavern’s exits
.
Agang led the commanders to the front, past the sprawling bodies where warriors had been shot down. The wood from the barricades was being hurled onto bonfires, which were roaring, sending black smoke up into the cavern, their flames licking the ornate chandeliers.
‘Look out!’ a warrior cried, as one fell from the ceiling, smashing onto the road below, showering a squad of warriors with glass and metal fragments.
Damn these holes in the ground, Agang thought. He had lost more soldiers in a few hours of close fighting in the caverns than he had over the rest of the invasion. Like snakes, living underground. A flash of hatred for the Rahain passed through him, a feeling of base disgust for the enemy. They deserved no pity.
Agang helped out at the front, pulling away large beams of wood, and clearing bodies. The warriors around him saluted and nodded, and he could see their appreciation that he was there in person. For a while he almost forgot he was their chief, almost their king, as he sweated with the effort of manual labour. The heat from the bonfires grew, and the flames began spreading to the side streets of the cavern.
A statue that looked a thousand years old toppled over, consumed by fire, its marble body parts spilling over the broken flagstones.
The warriors cleared the last of the blockage from the main tunnel, and Mandalecht ordered a company through. Agang followed with his guard, and the remaining regiments came behind. The tunnel was wide and high, and covered in murals of the countryside, fields, and sky above painted blue with white clouds. A few of the wall lamps were flickering, and in their light he could see openings on either side of the tunnel, leading to houses, shops, places to eat. Agang marvelled at it all. To think he had been proud of the size of his town of Broadwater, when it could fit into what he had seen of Tahrana City many times over.
Apart from his warriors marching through, the tunnel was deserted, with signs of a chaotic departure all around. They came to a crossroads, and the lead company paused. Mandalecht came up to Agang with the map.
‘We are here, my lord,’ he said. ‘We need to go straight ahead, but I’m worried. If the snakes have withdrawn their forces to the left and right, they may try to cut us off.’
Agang nodded. ‘One regiment down each,’ he said. ‘And we’ll carry on with the rest to the centre of the city.’
The Magelands Box Set Page 78
