"Then it is true!" Ruir shouted. "They take our people as we wait here for conversations with the Grand Protectorate.”
He slammed his fists on the table, sending vibrations across it.
"Men of Ukka, prepare for our long awaited battle. We attack the pigs now!" he shouted.
There was a scurrying of sounds as men came from the entry area to see why there was shouting.
"We have not the strength for open battle against the numbers of before us!" Knasgriff said. "Sit down, my brother!"
Ruir snarled and began pacing.
Tvila leaned forward on the table and said, "When Kealin could not be found, ships with men came to each island within the nation. We chieftains were each given instructions that a council was to take place at Srun, in hope of a peace, or at least an ending of further hostilities."
"We were not given a choice in Kersa," Knasgriff sighed. "Legatus Varac sent at least ten men for every one of mine. I was taken by force here and with no contentment, I can say I at least arrived safely. It seemed we each have to take a few of our own guards with us, but no one else. Although, the box that the voice had come from, as you all saw before, was taken almost more quickly than myself."
"How many days have you stayed here?" Berie asked.
"Two, and not a further word has come of a council. I sent out three separate envoys by land to inquire, and all returned unhindered, saying that no one would speak to them at the gates of the fortress."
"And no ships by sea could come to us to offer aid off the mainland," Tvila said.
"It seems that though I sought you here in earnest, I hoped you had better news, and perhaps a way to use magic to help us."
"I know not of magic, but I can tell of the Second Legion and their Legatus Arsus," Euso said.
"The healing man has sniffed too many herbs!" Ruir jeered. "The Legions helping us? I think some sleep is needed for the little . . . "
"He says the truth," Berie said. "The Second Legion has turned against the Grand Protectorate, but I do not feel they will come in time to aid. It was with their Legatus that we saw another Legion, the Fifth Legion from the south, marching this way."
"Two whole Legions of men?" Colui pondered. ”That is assuming they do not bring any additional men from their other territories.”
"Over eight thousand men, at least," Knasgriff marveled. He stared down at the table, "No matter our place here, or at our islands — we could not hope to defend against so many for long. They do not wish to talk with us, but to destroy us all in simple battle."
"Why now?" Tvila asked. "They could have done this many years ago."
"Perhaps they know of our plan. That Maerin!" Ruir spat.
At that time there was a shout from the doorway of Srun.
"Chieftains!" a voice yelled. "A man baring the standard of Lunis has come, but he is injured!"
Around the table, everyone, even Colui, rushed down the open-air pathway to the atrium, where the men who had accompanied the chieftains to Srun had circled around.
"I am a healer, please move," shouted Euso, forcing his way to the center of the gathered men and to the person laying on the ground.
The man had many wounds across his body, and he looked as if he had swam the distance from the island. His eyes opened, and he panted, looking around as Euso checked his wounds and stopped the bleeding.
"Scouts near the shore spotted him. It looks like the rocks had cut into him," one of the other men said.
"Is there anyone else with you?" Knasgriff asked.
The man shook his head. "None with me," he said, gasping. Another man brought a cup of water. He took it, trembling still from the cold sea.
"Others, yes. Others were coming, but I do not know their fates."
"Where is that Maerin?" Ruir yelled, his tone turning harsh.
"Dead, Chieftain," the man replied. "I bring word that you must all flee this place. When word reaches the Legions of what befell at Lunis, they will march against you here. Know that Lunis has begun out to take back the Island Nations from the Legions, but their task is that of raiding. It is best, for no force of any size could face the Legions on land. I cannot assure that any help will come."
"Set more watches out," Tvila said. "We need word of approach well before it arrives! Began gathering supplies. We need to try to escape in the shroud of night!"
"We cannot move fast enough to escape," Knasgriff said. "For every watch we have, the Legions have many more."
The man struggled to stand even as Euso wrapped his leg.
Around them, the other men worked to package up things and gather weapons. A hasty movement would be near impossible, and what weapons they had were less than appropriate for prolonged battle.
"What is your name, messenger?" Colui asked.
"Dargi, sir."
"In what capacity did you serve Maerin?" Ruir asked.
"A chief of servants, though of no special skill."
"If you are able, please tell us of your chieftain," Knasgriff said to him.
"I feel it is ill to speak unkindly of him, but there was darkness upon him that those closest had noticed. I know not what it was, but he had late meetings and I heard shouting frequently. Even his wife had distressed so as to spend most nights in the town inn. You see, her sister owns it and . . . "
"About Maerin!" Ruir roared again.
"It was a year ago, and I tell you had he not told me anything, and just before his death I would not even believe these words. My master, Maerin, had worked a deal with a man who claimed he was of great power in the Grand Protectorate and was sent as an adviser for him, but to come and go as he pleased. Passage of the palace became allowed to those that had red tridents on their hands. I do not know why these strangers were allowed such freedom, but they were.
“The leader of these men said he had been chosen to obtain great power and rule the Island Nation as a person of authority in the Protectorate. He told him that unless he followed his commands, that destruction would come to all the Island Nations. His spies were everywhere in the city, and thus Maerin had turned to paranoia, leaving his room very little, afraid to anger them, even though at the time we closest to him thought he was just sick.
“Many changes came over many months. If any were caught in Lunis speaking ill of the Grand Protectorate, Maerin had them imprisoned. I guess the Protectorate simply needed more people under its power, but we became slaves in our homes. I do not know for sure, but he seemed to be trying to free himself of what tormented him at night. In anger he struck his wife, and she left him and hid in the city. It was then he demanded the man return, but he did not. Maerin left soon to meet you others, but upon returning an anger was upon him.
“The men of the red trident came that night and informed him that he was no longer needed for whatever reason, and of that I do not know more. It is unfortunate that at that time he told them that those of magic had returned, but their Order need not worry that their 'sudden upheaval would empower all beat down by the masters of lies'. It was then the leader of the men, though not of the red trident, turned a sudden black color, himself. A shadow befell the palace and the host of men departed upon their ship. When at last the shadows receded, and we of the palace could stand, we rushed to the chieftain. He had aged to that of mere bones and gray hair.
“I do not know what curse befell him, but he sought to tell us all of this, but in many more words, rambling on as he did. At first light, he died. His wife wept and took his ring in new power of Lunis. It was then the Legions came, and I fear they searched out those of magic. As more of the Legion came, I heard whispers of a gathering of the chieftains, as well as questioning of the people about Kealin and other strangers from afar."
Knasgriff knelt to the ground and said, "It well you have recalled your master's words."
"You are Knasgriff, yes? It is you and the woman of Bovika he wished to seek forgiveness from, for he knew of the blades sent for your necks."
Shouting from outside interrupt
ed the shared look between Tvila and Knasgriff.
"Legions! The Legions march upon us!"
"We cannot leave," Tvila said. "Mind the supplies! Get them to the inner hall."
Dargi coughed, then somehow gained strength to stand.
"That is almost all I have to tell, but the last is not a surprise I feel. The Legions mean no meeting here. For the Grand Protectorate has very little time for loose ends, and even if they can find those they search for or they fail, they will squelch any issue from us, of the Island Nations."
"The prison ships," Euso said. "They must have carried word of revolt in the islands."
"Or that they have captured Sviska and Garoa," Berie suggested.
With that, a silence fell upon them. Colui went to the door of Srun and looked out. He stood for a moment. The sea breeze came upon the man, furling his robe and gray hair. He looked up to the sky, and then turned back to the others.
"Long have I ruled New Srun, but never have I felt the honor I have now to stand next to my Island Nation brothers. We talk of the elf that defended this place long ago, but I remember the time where we held this ground against the enemies that slammed against our great walls alone. I remember the screams of our men as they fell, taking with them at least ten each of those that rose sword against us. I feel honor to die here, if that is my fate.
I am old, but am not dead yet. This day, and as long as I and those of our people reside upon the seas or upon these stones, I will fight until my arms are severed and I cannot even bite the enemy!”
The old man lifted his hands and shouted, "To arms! Chieftains, there is no escape from here now! But to battle the Island Nation goes, and we will kill as many as we can before the end!"
"That is right, Colui of New Srun!" Ruir also shouted. "We shall stand and fall together!"
A roar of cheering came from the other men of the Ukka, and the remaining chieftains looked at one another.
"We shall seal the doors. We can hope it holds them out long enough for aid," Tvila said.
Knasgriff stood tall and looked around to the men as he shook his head. Berie stood next to him as Tvila joined them.
"No aid shall come this day," he whispered to them. "Berie, I wish to speak to you alone."
He walked her away from the others.
She held her bow in hand. Slats was busy with the others, carrying supplies.
"Do you not wish to flee? This is our battle and may very well be our last. You must escape this place. Two of you could get by them, I am sure."
Slats had overheard his question to Berie and joined them.
"We will not abandon you," Slats said. He held his ax outward. "We fight beside you.” He turned to those around him and yelled, “Slatnichor of Harrodarr will fight alongside those of the Island Nation!”
Ruir raised his fist to the air. "Yes! A dwarf shall stand with the mighty Ukka. We shall fight well together! But come, you need some form of armor for that body of yours."
Berie shook her head at their jeering before looking back to Knasgriff.
"An escape will provide itself,” she said. “Your people defended mine, as well as myself, years ago. It is time for me to repay that debt."
"Very well. Thank you both," he said to them. "But please, elf, follow me to where your bow will do more good."
Slats motioned for her to go. "I will help them move the stores. Go." The dwarf and Ruir were to find him armor in the meantime.
Berie followed Knasgriff back toward the open walkway, and he went to a narrow door behind a pillar, hidden for years untouched. He twisted the lock and pulled the door free. He took hold of a torch behind them and led her up the dim stairwell. The sea air was strong going up and as they came to fresh air not dinged from the closed confines of Srun, the chilled wind struck Berie as she looked upon the sea.
Crumbled rocks and broken crenelations littered the battlements. The siege from before had left it in horrid shape. However, a nimble elf with a bow, hidden in the shadows, could be effective here.
"Although we have no other archers as it is, you will do well to take a few as they approach. What is left of this ruin is the keep of the fortress of Srun. The crenelations here will offer some cover."
He led her to the high wall that stood above the gateway. The last of the supplies passed through it, then it closed under them just as they looked over.
"The earthen ramp here is called the Ocean Path; it is the one way toward the doors. However, they may use ladders to scale the cliff side. It is not common for the Legions to seek battle at night. I feel the lack of moonlight above is both a curse and blessing to us this day."
Knasgriff and Berie looked out over the fields. A long line of moving troops approached, marked by a torch every few yards. They looked like nothing more than a string of lights on the plains. Though Knasgriff could not see as clear, Berie could see their armors’ unnatural shine much better and the lack of light meant little.
"Legatus Varac will not expect an able defense. They do not question our numbers, but this being the situation, they may not react as well if attacked. If you can spot the standard bearers, kill them. We need to cause as much confusion as we can."
Berie nodded, and the advice from Knasgriff was well received. He bowed to her.
"This place was defended once by your ancestor. I know you will defend it as he did. If, and as I feel it may be, when, retreat becomes necessary, make your way not to the stairwell, but the walkway that crosses the ocean below. A path leads atop the grand hall where you can descend. That is where we will fall back when the gates are breached."
"I will kill as many as my bow will allow," she told him.
"That I do not doubt, Berie, last of the elves."
Down in the entryway the doors were sealed. The Ukka, being the largest of those within, lifted heavy timbers and braced the doorway.
Slats finished moving supplies and stood near Colui and Ruir, as well as Dargi.
"We will form lines when they get closer," Colui said. "A shield wall will be placed at the walkway, and when the door is breached men will die upon stacked shields.
Slats smirked and said, "I choose not to die."
"You cannot hope to kill eight thousand men yourself," Ruir said. "A good death is all we can hope for."
Ruir passed him a large round shield.
“To prolong your life.”
"You are right," Slats replied, taking the shield, "But between you and me, we can split them to a mere four thousand each. That is a much more manageable number, and that at least has a better chance!"
Ruir let out a boisterous laugh. "I like you dwarf! What is it you did before, I mean, at the city you were at?"
"I made pies, actually, I burned them. And made some wine, too, as well as quite a deal of log splitting and serving the master of the estate!"
Dargi laughed though it pained him. "A servant?!" he asked.
"Yes, that is what he said. I do not believe him, but it means that you, servant, should also take up arms," Ruir told him, smacking the arm that Euso had bandaged.
The man winced in pain. "Fine, if I can still use my arm!"
Slats looked around at the weapons the men held. The blades were a sheen white, a crystalline-like texture.
"These weapons were made at the old dwarven forge?" he asked Ruir.
"Yes. I had my men load them in the boat and carefully hide them. I assumed no one else would have weapons, so I brought what I had. The Legions never checked, and I, of course, never told 'em."
He winked and flashed a mischievous grin.
Berie looked out from the battlements. The sky began to glow with the coming twilight before morning. The marching sound of the host of men grew louder.
Wishing to be unhindered with her bow, she removed her long coat to keep her arms and legs bare and free. She kept her veil atop her head.
Moments passed and a fog began to rolling off the sea, shrouding the fields. Although she could make a shot at this distance, she felt it
better to wait until the men were more battle hungry and had less thought to defend themselves on approach.
She could still see the legionnaires clearly, her elven eyes cutting through the mists. The men had lowered their shields and knelt.
A host of horsemen gathered at the fore of the Legions and then rode in unison, bearing the flags of the two legions.
They ascended the Ocean Path, the trotting of the horses proceeding the neighing as they stopped just before the door.
Berie had the shaft of an arrow in her hand while looking downward. She notched it and drew back on her bow.
A loud voice then said, "Chieftains of the Island Nation, we do thank you for your cooperation in dealing with the half-elf Kealin. However, the Grand Protectorate has sought your immediate execution for crimes committed against the Legions.
“I, Speaker of the Fourth Legion, name as follows, those who have been determined guilty: Knasgriff, Chieftain of Island Nation Kersa, for the killing of Legionnaires by the Half-Elf found acceptable in your eyes; Tvila, for her open remarks of disdain of the Grand Protectorate, witnessed by a spy among her people; Ruir, found to have weapons as such being a direct violation of previous treaties, and as such . . . "
A gruff voice shouted from the doorway, "You can have my weapons! Just come in here and ask for them yourself!"
The speaker of the Fourth Legion had nothing to say in reply and continued: "For Colui of New Srun and all others within, you have been condemned to die also for association with those guilty of other crimes. It is with this that we seek you give up now so that no further lives will be taken."
Silence befell the fortress.
The speaker's horse began to stand unsteady and stomped its hooves. The standard bearers looked around. An uneasiness was upon them.
"Silence is not an option. We will take such silence to mean you refuse to surrender. So be it, those of the Island Nation."
The man turned his horse. With the others behind him, he began down the Ocean Path. Berie pulled back on her bow, her arrow aimed for the speaker, himself. It was then shapes emerged from the dark regions around the road. There were flashes of silver, and the horses jumped in surprise as men with large spears jabbed into their chests dropping, each of them one by one. As those of the Legion fell, other men appeared to jump upon them, hacking at their bodies with swords.
Saints of Wura: Winemaker of the North, Arcane Awakening, Reckoning in the Void (Saints of Wura Books 1-3 with bonus content) Page 53
