by Auryn Hadley
She looked at them, trying to remember their faces and the smiles they wore. This was how she wanted to remember her soldiers, not twisted and bloody with death. As she stood there, they began to kneel, all eyes looking up to her.
"Laetus, Kaisae," Ilija said softly, bowing his head to her.
The men behind him did the same, the words of respect sliding across the lips of every soldier crammed into the barracks. "Laetus, Kaisae," they said together.
Sal's ears relaxed against her head in astonishment. "Thank you," she whispered, the words meaning more to her than they ever had.
Chapter 27
Jase stepped on the table beside her, the list in his hands. "B'fore I read this, I wanna tell ya all that Sal speaks fer us both, and I wanna thank ya all fer accepting us."
"Ok, then shut up and kiss her!" a man called from the second floor. Others agreed, and one muttered, "We wanna see that it can be done."
Jase turned to her solemnly. "Cessivi, sae van corvae il ahvir," he said, then pulled her to him. As the men began to cheer, he kissed her deeply, and Sal let him. Like before, his hands slid down her waist until his fingers caught at the opening against her back. Then he pulled her hips to his. She melted into him, ending their kiss with a gentle bite on his lip and flicking her eyes to his. Jase refused to look away.
"I see you've learned," she whispered, the rowdy noises around them drowning out her words. He only nodded, so she turned to face her soldiers. "And if any of you try that, I'll let him gut you." Laughing, she hopped lightly to the floor, leaving Jase alone on the table.
"Listen up!" he yelled, and the men fell silent. "Here's the list. These're the units that'll begin mob'lization in the morning: Archers, 1st, 7th, 23rd...." As Jase called out the units scheduled to meet the Terran force, Sal grabbed Ilija.
"Thank you," she told him, looking up at his face.
He smiled at her softly. "Hwa told me about it, and I wasn't sure I said it right, but we all mean it. You've done good by us, Sal. You've probably saved at least half their lives. Remember that when it gets rough, ok?"
"I'll try. First, I have to get to a council meeting. Tell Jase to come to my office when he's done?"
"Yes, sir." Ilija stepped back and saluted her, his fist over his heart in the Anglian style. Sal nodded at him and turned for the door.
Roo, can you get me a link to Arctic? she asked.
Yes. I already touched him earlier, when you told the King, so he knows you'll need him.
Thanks, little one, Sal said, waiting for the strange shift in her head that meant she'd been passed to a new link, staggering slightly when she finally felt it.
Sal! Arctic greeted her.
Hey, man, nice to hear from you. I have bad news, though.
Yeah, you usually don't send to me to tell me the good stuff. What this time?
Terric's already in Anglia. They're about two to three days from Dorton.
Fuck. Ok, that's bad on a whole new level. What's your plan?
I've got about a thousand in the first push, if the report is right. Another six behind them. The troops here are good enough, but we'll take heavy losses. The King is not a fighter, so I've got complete control of the tactics.
High ground, Sal. Are your men skirmishers or head on? Arctic asked.
Anglia's always fought head on, but I've been drilling in alternate tactics. The first group is mostly mounted, though.
Then go for wet ground. It'll slow the horses. You want your men on a hill to give the archers a better angle. If you can, find open ground. Every tree in your war zone means a shot missed. Keep the archers tight, but multiple groups of them, and space the pikes out between them and the front line. Use the cav for skirmishing, and break their push.
Ok, I got that. Anything to be wary of? she asked.
V formations. They'll pierce a pike line easily. If you see one, get the archers to focus fire on them. Who do you have on the King?
Verdant Shields. Yeah, I made an elite unit. Eight men. They aren't too bad either, she said.
Ok, then have the King make a rush across the line but don't let him get greedy. The men will need to see him engaging. It'll raise the morale.
That's easy enough. Dom's not too hyped about combat. Ok, can I get Blaec from ya now?
Yeah, hang on, Arctic told her, as she slid through the link.
I'm getting briefed, sweetness, Blaec said, and Sal waited for him as she made her way through the palace. When he spoke to her again, his mental voice sounded concerned. Three days, that's all you have?
Yeah. We had a rider come in tonight. He said they can't be too far behind him. Otherwise we wouldn't have a clue. They're coming through Gallicor, Blaec.
And Arctic gave you the basics for your tactics. You know your men. Put them where you need them and just trust your instincts. You're good at this, Sal.
I'll try, love. I'm a bit scared. I've never done anything like this, she admitted.
Just plan it like any op we've done before. Your tactics are good. There's nothing you can do about what you don't know, so just try to close all the holes you can.
I wish you were here, Blaec. I just told the army, and Dom bought the alcohol for the celebration tonight.
Dom? Blaec sounded amused.
Yeah, the King. Yes, we're on a first-name basis. No, he won't try to touch me again.
Sal felt Blaec laughing in her head. Well, I think that clears it up. You think Anglia can hold out for a week or so?
Yeah, I'm pretty sure. Why?
Because we're almost there. I wanted to surprise you, but it sounds like you need a morale boost yourself.
Ayati, you're coming into Anglia? Sal asked, shocked and happy.
Already here. We're just south of Eriwald. But I'm not taking Kaisae from you.
Why not? I took the damned position just to get an alliance, and now I'm neck deep in this shit. Blaec, I'm an assassin, not a leader!
Well, the rumors down here don't agree. Sal, they're talking about the iliri who's changing the nation, and they aren't upset about it. The populace is sure that because of you, Anglia will win the war. I can't replace you. The people won't take it. I'll help you, but I think you did a bit too good of a job of charming them.
Sal laughed and knew Blaec would feel it across their link. Well, that's not a complaint I've had before. Things are different here. They have no hate for us. I haven't heard the term scrubber used since the Terran assassination attempt. Oh! I almost forgot!
Well? Spill it, don't keep me waiting.
You know how we all talk about wishing we could grow old and become grouchy together instead of dying in battle?
Yeah, he thought, but only Zep and I aren't conscripts.
Well, the King of Anglia offered it to us tonight. He's serious, too. I didn't accept, but I thought you should know. He's offered freedom for all iliri and said he'll gladly welcome the Blades if we chose to defect, granting us equal rank in the army here.
Damn, Blaec said. I don't know how I feel about that. I mean, that's one tempting offer.
It is. Sal agreed. Don't tell the men yet. I haven't told Jase, either. I just thought it's something you should know. Either way, we still have an army out to kill us, and there are some things about home that I miss, but freedom is a very tempting offer.
First, Blaec decided, let's kick the shit out of Terric, and talk about long term plans later. With all of us up here, it does make it something we have to consider. I'll run it past Arctic.
Good call. Ok, I have a council meeting to attend. Ride fast, love?
I will, my dear. Stay safe for me? Blaec begged her.
Always.
As the link closed, Sal closed her eyes and tried to relax. Eriwald was just under a week away. Five days if they pushed hard. Knowing she had her brothers so close made this a little easier. Sal took a deep breath and opened the door to her office. Inside, a pile of maps lay strewn across her desk and the councilors were grilling the northern guard. The po
or man gaped at them, his eyes wide.
"My Lords," Sal said, as the nobles turned to her. "Step away from my soldier. This man just risked his life for Anglia. Show him some respect, or get out of my office. We're at war."
Chapter 28
Four days later, Sal stood atop a low ridge watching the road. A bay horse sped toward her, the green-clad rider low on its neck. Sal looked across the battlefield before her, spring taking a grip on the empty hillside. Delicate flowers made dots of color in the brilliant foliage of the new grasses but the trees held only buds, and there was no sign of the enemy forces. She took a deep breath, touching the aged bars on her shoulders, and forced herself to relax.
"He rode hard, kitten, and we mobilized well – even if it took longer than we wanted. We prolly just beat them. Wait for the scout b'fore ya start ta panic," Jase whispered to her.
"I am," she told her lover. "I'm just not very good at it."
The bay slowed to a canter as it climbed the hill, coming to a halt a few paces from where she stood. The rider slipped off, and Sal gestured for someone to grab the horse and walk it out. The soldier pulled his helm from his head as he reached her, then saluted crisply.
"Kaisae, they're coming. It looks like about twelve hundred. At least half are heavy cavalry, some with lances, but I saw a lot of shields, too," he reported.
"How far behind you?"
"An hour? That's a guess, Kaisae. They're walking slow, letting the horses breathe. I'm pretty sure they know we're here, though."
"Thanks, soldier. Dismissed," she said, turning to Jase. "You ready for this?" she asked him.
"Yeah, I've been waiting fer this."
"Ok, let's start setting up," Sal decided. "Jase, get the archers out and start spreading the pikes. I'm putting Ilija on the cav."
"Yes, sir," he said, nodding before he hurried away.
"Colonel!" Sal called at Ilija's head over the crowd. He heard her and turned. "Organize the cav for me. They're coming. I don't want to give Terric a chance to rest up."
"Yes, Kaisae." Ilija snapped a salute.
Sal turned again to stride through the mingling soldiers, men stepping out of her path. At the King's pavilion, she slipped through the door without notice. Dominik stood in the center of the room with a page strapping his armor on. The kid looked like Jarl.
"Sire, they're coming," Sal told him.
He swallowed loudly. "Ok. What are my orders, Kaisae?"
"Stick with the Shields. Jase, Hwa, Roo and I will be floating where we're needed most. We can still outfight most of your men. Ilija is your commander. Listen to his orders. If you disobey him, I will have him haul your ass back here and tie you into this tent, do you understand?"
"Yes, Kaisae. Perfectly," Dom said, ducking his head.
"You'll get a pass, maybe two, but stay the fuck away from the main fight. I'm sorry, Dom, you aren't that good, and we can't afford to lose you."
He chuckled. "Don't worry, Sal. I'd much rather be sweet talking women than trying to make any glory. I'm scared shitless. I'm more than happy to have Ilija walk my ass through this."
"Good," she said, smiling. "Dom, have you ever been in battle before?"
"No. Shit, I never wanted to be."
"If you like it too much, if you feel the need for more, tell Ilija."
"What do you mean? I'm about to piss myself," he said.
She looked at the page. "Excuse us, please?"
"Kaisae, I need to finish -" he tried, but Sal cut him off.
"I'll get the straps. Right now, I need the King alone."
"Yes, Kaisae," he said, slipping from the tent.
Sal stepped toward the King, reaching for the buckles on his pauldron. "Dom, your eyes are hazel. I see hints of muted green in them. You have iliri in you somewhere. It's probably a small bit, but it's there."
Dominik nodded, standing still while she reached for the next strap.
"It's probably nothing, but when you see combat, when you smell the blood, or taste it, or hear the screams – it's different for each of us – you may find that it's no longer as terrifying as you think. If you cut a man and like it, or if you need just one more kill, to hear just one more scream... Do you understand what I'm saying?" she asked, looking into his eyes.
"I could be like you?" His voice sounded terrified.
"It's not likely, but it's possible. If you are, tell Ilija. Shit, tell Hwa. I'll take care of you, sire. I'll show you how to deal with it."
He nodded. "Thank you, Sal. I hope not, but I promise I'll tell them. Is it really that bad?"
She laughed, the sound shocking the King. "No, ayati, no. It's amazing. It's better than amazing. Imagine the best lover you've ever had, then imagine five of her at once, and each is twice as good. That's the maast."
"Well, maybe I hope I get it then, because that sounds pretty amazing."
She finished the last buckle and slapped his armored shoulder. "Ok, you're strapped in. Flex, move and bend. Tell me if anything is too loose of if it pinches?"
Dom tried, pointing out a few adjustments, and Sal made them. When he felt his armor fit well, they made their way from the tent. Side by side, they walked to the horses. Ilija waited beside the King's grey mare, a horse Sal had helped him pick from the stables.
"How the fuck do I mount in this?" Dom asked, the resin armor weighing him down.
"Kick your leg back," Sal explained, and he did, shocked when she grabbed it. "Now jump." When he obeyed, Sal lifted, giving the King the reach he needed to make the saddle.
"Damn, can I get one of those too?" Ilija joked, and Sal stuck her tongue out at him. "Real professional, Kaisae," he said, stepping up on his own mount before calling his unit to him. Unlike the regular army, the Verdant Shields wore a pale grey, the color nearly white. Sal smiled at the irony as she made her way for her own mare.
The Blades' horses stood calmly beside the grauori. Sal didn't make a fuss about getting herself into the saddle. From Arden's back, she could finally see the soldiers moving into position. Below them, the lush green meadow was filled with winter runoff, the ground soft but looking solid to a casual glance.
"I want both of you to keep an eye on the King," she told the grauori. "You can make it through the battle easier than us, so don't wait for my word, just keep him safe."
Yes, Kaisae, they said in unison.
Sal took a deep breath, flushing her stress out with it, and moved to the top of their hill. Up here, her view of the coming army was unobstructed, but still, no enemy soldiers were in sight. Next, she scanned the horizon. That's when Jase slipped beside her, Raven just brushing her knee. Around them, the Anglian army was forming up in tidy blocks of green. Armor clanked, and men grumbled. The sound of fear was almost as prevalent as the smell of it.
The wait seemed to take an eternity before pikes with purple and black streamers peaked in the distance. Sal looked once more at Jase, and he nodded then flicked his helm closed. She reached behind her to pull hers from the saddle, sliding it on her head and securing it to the bezor beneath. Their eyes met once more, and she squeezed her mare forward. As the pair of them walked toward the front of the line, they could hear men whispering the words of respect. "Laetus, Kaisae," spoken softly from hundreds of her soldiers. The words became her resolve. These men were trusting her, and she would make sure their lives weren't wasted.
Sal and Jase stopped halfway across the muddy field, watching the enemy approach. The cavalry spread across the line before them, but the only sounds were the clink of resin and acrylics in the light breeze. Two figures broke from the enemy line and trotted toward the center of the field. Sal pushed Arden forward to meet them, Raven matching her step for step. When they neared, the enemy soldiers halted out of weapon's range, and the iliri did the same.
"Surrender now, and we will allow the King to keep his throne. All he has to do is swear allegiance to the Emperor!" the first man yelled across at her.
Sal smiled behind her helm. "Why would he do that? The Em
pire has already tried to kill my King – and the assassins died. If your men come any further, the same fate awaits them."
The second man laughed. "You Anglians have no idea what you face. Your army might be bigger, but it's not better. The Emperor only wants to cleanse the iliri taint from the lands. Cooperate, and we have no interest in this pathetic country!" he screamed.
Sal reached for her chin and released the buckle. Jase did the same. Together they slipped their helms from their heads, the sunlight catching her white hair and making it appear to glow.
"This is my army," Sal yelled loud enough for her soldiers to hear. "These are my men. This is my country! You know the histories as well as I do. We were here first, so you must not have heard me. Get your asses off my damned Iliran soil. I will only say it one more time, and next it will be to your Emperor as I stick my white iliri arm down his pathetic divine throat. Is that clear enough for you to understand?"
The men didn't bother to reply. They simply turned their horses and raced back to their lines. Sal and Jase shoved their helms back on as they rode, allowing the mares to canter easily across the muddy field.
Ayati, I love you when you're angry, Jase said in her head, and Sal laughed, glancing at him once more.
Just wait, killer, because I'm about to get really pissed, she teased, as they reined in the mares at the front line. "Where are my pages?" she screamed, and a group of boys in green ran to her horse. "You," she said pointing, "East, you, west, and you, top side. Tell the archers to aim well and fire freely at any man in their range. They do not need the horns for permission. Now, run!"
The boys streaked in the directions she'd given. Sal watched as the orders were passed and each archer nocked his bow, some kneeling, others standing, all of them ready. Across the meadow, a deep horn sounded, and horses began to move.
Roo, Sal said, open us up.
She felt her packmates slide into her mind. Their emotions mingled with hers, all of them anticipating the bloodshed. The Anglian army waited in silence as the thundering hooves of the Terrans grew louder and moved closer. The expanse of grass between them suddenly felt too small, yet infinitely long at the same time. The fevered excitement of anticipation surged across the link, and from Hwa's ears she heard the first string loose, one arrow screaming across the sky. A Terran soldier cried out and slumped against his horse. Sal looked at Ricown as he nocked another arrow to his bow, smiling. Again he loosed, and again a soldier fell. Then the music of bows began to grow as the Terrans came into range of the Anglian army. Horses and men screamed. Bodies crashed into the mud. But the men pushed forward, the back lines of the Terran army slowed by the bodies of their fellow soldiers.
