When the fuel from the two bonfires was exhausted, Keira pushed her hands out in front of her, and the blade of fire roared towards the gatehouse battlements. It met the walls with a crash of flames, screams, sparks and blinding light. Keira grunted, and dug her heels in as she pushed. The blade, thin at its leading edge, began slicing through the red-hot rock of the battlements, peeling it off like a knife through an onion. The entire top of the fort was glowing, and great cracks began splitting its wall, jagging down from where the fiery blade was cutting through the blocks. The gatehouse tower toppled and fell, cut through by the sheet of fire.
Keira panted, and dropped her hands. Fern gave her a skin of ale, and she drank it down, while the Sanang warriors watched in awe, their chants of kill-kill low and droning.
The firewitch sat on the ground and admired her handiwork, a weedstick hanging from her lips. The top half of the gatehouse fortress was roaring in flames, its stones growing red. Smoke was belching from every arrow slit, along with the cries of those being roasted alive.
Kylon walked over to her, and asked her something. She nodded, and Kylon raised his arm. Horns echoed across the front, and the Sanang hordes began their advance towards the wall, their pace slow and steady.
Keira stood, passing the smokestick to Fern, who held it at arms-length.
She signalled for the last two bonfires to be lit, and they went up in seconds, thick black smoke curling above their roaring flames.
‘I had those two doused in oil,’ Keira grinned at him. ‘Sticks to anything it lands on.’
Agang gazed on in silence, his heart pounding as he watched.
She turned to the walls, waiting, watching the warriors quicken their advance. They entered bow range, and crossbows shot out from above the walls to either side of the fort, felling the front ranks of Sanang.
Keira raised her arms, and two long, whip-like streams of flame rose from the bonfires. She flung her palms out, and the two fiery whips tore across the face of the wall, clearing the battlements of imperial soldiers with a spray of fire. Troopers fell, aflame and screaming, and the Sanang warriors charged, their ladders carried to the front ranks as they approached the walls.
Keira turned to face the enormous Midfort gates, standing solid and strong at the end of the road ahead of her. Charging Sanang warriors were nearing it, and Keira lifted her right hand, her fingers formed into a spearhead. A thick coil of fire rose from a bonfire, and sped like an arrow towards the gates. As wide as a barrel and fifty yards long, it tore through the air above the heads of the advancing Sanang, who dived to the ground. It hit the centre of the gates, and blew them off in a great explosion, fragments of steel and wood flying through the air.
The fire arrow continued into the entrance tunnel, blasting through the debris that had been piled up behind it to keep them out. Flames and smoke vomited out from the broken gates, and the Sanang warriors roared in triumph and got to their feet, resuming their charge.
Agang watched the howling warriors run through the gates and into Midfort. Soon thousands were bunched up before the gatehouse, shoving to get through, while ladders had been placed in over a dozen positions against the walls. He bowed his head.
‘Did you fucking see that?’ the firewitch yelled at him.
Agang said nothing.
Keira banged on the bars. ‘Come on,’ she grinned. ‘That was fucking amazing and you know it.’
He stared at her. ‘You’re the most dangerous person in the world.’
She beamed. ‘Thanks.’
Fern passed her a drink.
Keira sniffed it. ‘Got anything stronger? Sanang ale tastes like donkey piss.’
Fern rooted around in her pack, and produced a bottle.
Keira bit the cork and spat it out. She took a swig. ‘Aye, that’ll do.’
She patted the girl on the head.
‘You’ve been a good helper today,’ she said, ‘and you whine a lot less than Flora and Niall. Even Leah’s been getting on my case these days.’
‘I hate the Holdings,’ Fern said. ‘I don’t care if you kill them all.’
Keira raised an eyebrow. ‘No, just the ones in our way.’
Kylon came over.
‘Good job,’ he said.
Keira frowned at him.
He ignored her expression. ‘It’ll take a while for all of the warriors to get through. After that, we’ll have to go after them. We can’t leave them too long in the town. They’ll all get drunk and wasted on dreamweed. The imperials will have an army somewhere close by, probably rushing towards us. We’ll need to be in a position to defend ourselves soon.’
‘I didn’t listen to a fucking word of that,’ Keira said. ‘Just thought you should know.’
Kylon gave her look that would have melted a lesser being, but Keira just laughed.
He turned and strode off, his head bowed.
The firewitch caught Agang gazing at her. She stood for a moment, then passed him the bottle. He took a long drink then passed it back.
‘He has a dark soul,’ Agang said.
‘Who, Kylon?’ Keira said, grinning. ‘I’m sure he loves people to think so. He’s a cuddly wee bear on the inside, but.’
‘Why are you doing this?’
She looked at him like he was an idiot.
‘The empire needs to fall,’ she said, ‘and I’m the one who’s going to bring it down.’
There was a sustained scream from beyond the gates, and they fell silent, gazing at the walls. The crowd of Sanang waiting to get into Midfort was still thousands strong, and groups continued to scale the ladders along the walls to either side. Niall and Flora joined Keira and Fern by the wagon, then Leah arrived, and they shared a few smokesticks as they watched the fall of Midfort. In the cage beside them, Agang noticed that Leah and the two Holdings stood a little apart from the firewitch, their expressions grim.
After a while a messenger ran from the diminishing horde of warriors by the gates, and sped up towards them. Kylon stepped into the scout’s path, questioned him, then accompanied the scout up to where Keira was standing.
The messenger fell to his knees. ‘Keira firewitch, Keira firewitch,’ he repeated.
‘Get the fuck on with it.’
‘An entire imperial army is in Midfort, Keira firewitch,’ the messenger cried. ‘There are no civilians in the town that we’ve seen. The imperials are dug in on the eastern side of town. Chief B’Dang requests some mage assistance.’
‘Does he, eh?’ Keira smirked. ‘Wee tosser.’ She glanced at the two remaining bonfires, which were still ablaze, through burning lower than before. ‘Distance and numbers?’
‘Range is between two and a half to three thousand yards. Chief B’Dang estimates thirty to forty thousand imperial troops are in the town.’
‘All right,’ she said. ‘Tell him it’ll start in twenty minutes.’
The messenger got to his feet, bowing, then sped off down the hill.
‘Are you not going to give them a chance to surrender?’ Agang said.
‘No.’
He shook his head at her, but she had already turned away.
‘Get the two bonfires under control,’ she said, ‘and I’ll need a spotter on the wall.’
Leah stepped forwards as Kylon shouted out orders to the fire teams.
‘I’ll do it,’ she said.
Keira nodded.
Leah turned to Niall. ‘You’re coming.’
The trooper frowned, and nudged Flora. ‘I’ll swap with you, if you want. I don’t mind looking after Fern.’
‘Fuck off,’ she scowled. ‘Do you think I want to watch thousands of Holdings get burned to death?’
‘Do you think I do?’
‘Stop fucking about and come on,’ Leah said, setting off for the gatehouse.
Niall spat on the ground and chased after Leah.
‘See,’ Keira said to Kylon. ‘All yer worrying was for nothing. The imperial army is exactly where we want them, the stupid fucks.’
Kylon shrugged. ‘We got lucky,’ he said. ‘And it’s not over yet. There are still thousands of them left to kill.’
‘When have I ever let you down?’ she grinned.
‘What happens after?’ Agang cried out.
Keira turned.
‘After you’ve destroyed the world,’ Agang yelled. ‘What then?’
‘You’re a fool,’ Kylon said. ‘We’re not destroying the world, we’re saving it. If we’re ruthless, it’s because we’re running out of time to stop the Emperor’s plan.’
‘You’re all insane,’ Agang cried. ‘Fucking mad. Do you hear the words you’re saying?’ He gazed at the faces staring at him. ‘Flora?’ he said. ‘Do you believe it?’
The white-faced witch squinted at him. ‘Do you think I’d be here if I didn’t? We slaughtered our way through Sanang, and now we’re doing the same to the Holdings. We have to see it through to the end, we have to stop the Emperor, otherwise all this will have been for nothing.’
‘The deaths we’ve caused,’ Kylon said, ‘are insignificant compared to the annihilation that will follow if we fail.’
Agang blinked, then started to laugh, tears flowing down his face.
Keira smirked. ‘You can thank us when it’s over.’
Chapter 24
Holiday Visitors
Slateford, Rahain Republic – Winter’s Day 506
Frost had turned the neat mansion gardens a sparkling white. On the path were one large set of footprints, and a smaller set to the side, as Karalyn toddled by Killop, holding onto his hand. The sun had come out that morning after days of cloud, and he had wrapped her up against the cold and taken her for a walk.
He paused, as she bent over to pick up a stone from the path.
She had asked for her mama when she had awoken, as she had every day since Daphne had left for the capital. Killop had stopped smoking keenweed in case she had been trying to contact them, but there had been no sign of her. Without the narcotics to send him into a deep sleep, Karalyn had been in his dreams each night. He had been wary at first, but had begun to enjoy it. She had taken him on night flights over Slateford, copying what Daphne had done, and he had felt her emotions soar through him as they flew over the villages and fields of the estate.
In Daphne’s absence, Karalyn’s mind sought him out often, and he began to anticipate whatever it was she wanted, whether food or her nappy changed, before she could ask. Bridget and Bedig had both expressed surprise at Killop’s growing skills, and he had detected a hint of envy in the Brig man.
‘Beetle,’ she said.
‘No, wee-bear,’ he said. ‘That’s a stone.’
A squirrel ran across the path, its grey fur flashing in the frost.
Karalyn pointed. ‘Hedgehog.’
Killop smiled. ‘Close.’
She ran after it, chasing it into the bushes.
Killop rubbed his hands together, and breathed long and deep. The chill air was crisp and fine, and he could close his eyes and almost imagine he was back in Kell. Apart from the sound of Karalyn scampering about the bushes, there was complete silence, and were it not for his worry over Daphne it would have been the perfect morning.
Where was she?
He had no doubts about her abilities, but stray crossbow bolts were no respecters of skill. The Old Free rebel army was still blockading the estate, and no word had gone in or out for days. Anything could be happening beyond their borders, and all they could do was wait.
‘She’s going to get her clothes dirty, Chief,’ he heard Draewyn say.
He opened his eyes, and his smile dropped.
‘Good morning, Draewyn,’ he said. ‘Happy Winter’s Day.’
‘And to you,’ she said, pulling the child from the bushes.
‘Let her play,’ Killop said.
Draewyn ignored him, brushing down Karalyn’s coat with her hand.
The squirrel dashed out from under the bush and raced down the path.
Karalyn shrieked, and sped after it.
Draewyn tutted as the child evaded her grasp, and she turned to Killop and raised an eyebrow.
‘Surprised to see you out and about so early, Chief.’
‘We might be the only two adults in Slateford without hangovers.’
‘If you’d wanted a drink, you should have asked me. I’d have babysat. The chief should be out enjoying himself with his clansfolk on Winter’s Eve, not staying in changing nappies.’
‘Thanks,’ he said. ‘Bedig also offered, but I wanted to spend it with my daughter. We went to a few parties to say hello. It was a late night for her.’
Draewyn frowned. ‘Left holding the baby, Chief? While her mother’s off doing pyre knows what in the city. It’s worked out quite well for her, hasn’t it?’
Killop glanced at Karalyn up ahead on the path, and began walking after her, Draewyn following. He had to control his feelings. He could feel anger rising in him, and knew he had to calm himself before the child picked up on it.
He reached Karalyn and took her hand.
‘Dada,’ she said, handing him a stone.
He smiled, then turned to Draewyn, saying nothing.
The Domm woman frowned.
‘Are you feeding her properly?’ she said. ‘She could do with a bit more weight on her, she’s like a frail wee doll.’
‘Daphne says she looks and acts twice her age, compared to Holdings children.’
‘But isn’t she half-Kellach Brigdomin? You should be feeding her up, encouraging her to grow.’
‘Leave her to develop at her own rate,’ Killop said, fighting feelings of annoyance. ‘She’s the only half-Holdings, half-Kellach child in the world, as far we know. Let her find her own pace.’
‘Well,’ she said. ‘What do I know? I only had four children of my own.’
‘And I’m grateful for your advice.’
She squinted at him, pursing her lip.
‘I see that the saga of Bridget and Bedig is still going on,’ she said. ‘On, off. On, off. I never know what I should say to them, because their relationship changes day to day. And I never thought I’d see Bridget acting like a teenage lassie. I’m not sure her mind is completely on the job.’
Karalyn frowned, and Killop took a breath, trying to fight his anger.
He smiled. ‘What a beautiful morning.’
‘Eh?’ Draewyn said. ‘Oh, aye. I suppose it is. What’s that?’
She pointed up at the sky, and Killop turned to look. Above the horizon to the north was a tiny dark speck, with a cluster of even smaller specks above.
‘Winged gaien,’ he muttered, hope filling his heart.
He began walking back towards the mansion, Karalyn’s hand in his, and Draewyn next to them.
‘Who do you think it is?’ she said. ‘Have you had word that anyone was coming?’
He shook his head, his eyes on the approaching black dots in the sky.
‘Mama?’ Karalyn said.
‘I don’t know, wee bear.’
They walked under the arched trellises that marked the edge of the gardens, and came out into the courtyard in front of the mansion. It was empty, and a fresh wind was blowing across it. By the entrance to the mansion two guards stood, leaning against a pillar. Their eyes were closed, and their faces pale.
Killop strode up to them.
‘Good morning,’ he cried, and the pair jumped.
‘Chief,’ one groaned.
‘Anything to report?’ he said.
They glanced at each other, shaking their heads.
‘No winged gaien approaching, for instance?’ He pointed at the sky.
The guards squinted.
‘Sorry, boss.’
‘Good time last night?’
‘Maybe too good, boss.’
Killop laughed. ‘Just as well it’s Winter’s Day,’ he said, ‘otherwise you’d both be cleaning the toilets for a third.’
‘Sorry, boss.’
He nodded. ‘One of you, go fetch Bridget, and
wake up the guards on dayshift.’
The shorter guard saluted and ran inside the mansion.
‘You’re too soft on them, Chief,’ Draewyn said, as the other guard looked away, her face red. ‘I’d be happy to oversee some punishment for sleeping on duty.’
Killop bit his lip. He had kept his temper for ten days, determined not to pass bad feelings onto his daughter, and wondered if folk thought he was acting strange. Were they used to him shouting all the time and getting angry?
‘Not on the holiday, Draewyn,’ he said, ‘but if they do it again, they’re all yours.’
He watched as the flying carriage drew closer. After a few minutes a squad of militia came out from the mansion.
‘Squad leader,’ Killop said. ‘Take up position to welcome the carriage, but stay ready. We have no idea who’s inside.’
‘Aye, Chief,’ she nodded, and the squad moved down into the courtyard.
As the gaien flew nearer, Killop caught a glimpse of the star insignia on the side of the carriage.
‘Imperial colours,’ he said.
‘Is that good or bad?’ Draewyn said.
‘Let’s see.’
His heart was pounding, and he tried to control his breathing. Karalyn was quiet beside him, gazing down at the steps leading to the mansion doors.
The four large winged beasts circled overhead, then began to lower the carriage into the centre of the courtyard. Once it had landed, a Holdings trooper clambered out through a hatch on the roof of the wooden structure, and unchained the gaien, who flew off towards the mountains to the south. The trooper climbed down to the ground, and banged on the carriage door.
It fell open, and two more Holdings troopers peered out. They saw Killop and the Kellach militia, then took a step outside, swinging their crossbows over their shoulders and holding their hands out-stretched.
Killop began walking towards them, as other troopers disembarked. At the rear, two were helping someone to the exit.
The Magelands Box Set Page 124
