Parno's Company (The Black Sheep of Soulan Book 1)

by N. C. Reed

  “There is no shame in grief, Parno,” Feng said softly. “It is not a weakness to grieve for a friend.”

  “No, it isn’t,” Parno agreed. “But I can’t. . .I have to. . .” Parno broke off, unable to put into words what he was thinking.

  “You seek to shield your men from your grief,” Feng nodded. “You are a good man, my Prince, and a gifted leader. It is no wonder that your men love you.” Parno looked up at him, snorting.

  “They might have, once,” he said scornfully. “But now? Don’t try to kid a kidder, Cho. They can’t have any love for a man who led so many of them to their deaths.” He returned his gaze to the valley floor below.

  “You think not?” Cho asked him mildly. “Did you note, Parno, that none of your men fled you in the heat of battle. Even at the end they were loyal to you, knowing they were doomed to die. Loyal to the end, Prince. Not to Soulan, not to a flag, or a banner, or a King…but to a man who shared their hardships, who gave them a chance to be men. Someone who treated them as men. Never doubt that those who remain love you still. Follow you still, and will follow no other, I think.”

  “I’m not a leader,” Parno said gruffly. “Never was. Just a fool who thought he could change things.”

  “You have changed things for many,” Cho told him, “and will for many more. Your destiny awaits you, Prince, and you cannot escape it.” Feng stood.

  “You were born into gilded misery, Parno McLeod. You are accustomed to pain and suffering. You are alone against all that stands before you and that has made you strong. Very strong indeed. All things in your life have led you to this great crossroads that now lies before you. You can accept it or you can step aside. There are consequences for each action. Think carefully before you choose. There are things in motion that cannot be stopped, by you or any other man.”

  “The King and the Crown Prince are asking to speak with you,” he said formally. “They wait for you in your office.” Parno looked up at him.

  “What do they want?” he demanded.

  “They hold the key to your future, Parno McLeod. It is for you to decide if you will accept it or not.”

  *****

  At that same moment Tammon and Memmnon McLeod were discussing that future.

  Heatedly.

  “You’re practically signing his death warrant!” Memmnon raged at his father. “Is that how you repay him for saving your Kingdom?”

  “I don’t have a choice,” his father raged back, equally frustrated. “If I did, I would take it! But I don’t…you don’t!...we don’t, Memmnon! Not if we are to defend this kingdom and its people.”

  “It’s wrong,” Memmnon maintained stubbornly.

  “It is,” Tammon surprised him by agreeing. “and I’d give anything not to have to do it, but there is no choice. None. It’s this or nothing and we can’t afford nothing. Not anymore.”

  Their argument broke off abruptly as they heard Parno entering the outer office. The younger prince walked into his small office, looking at his father and brother with wariness.

  “I was told you wanted to see me,” he said neutrally. “I’m sorry it took so long. After the funeral, I took a walk.”

  “There is no need to explain, my son,” Tammon said quietly. “We understand.” Parno looked at his father carefully and saw that he really did understand. He shrugged.

  “I’m here, now,” he said, taking a seat behind his small desk. “What did you need from me?” The two men across from him looked at each other. Memmon’s face was set, thin lines at his eyes and mouth betraying his anger. He nodded in capitulation, reluctantly. Tammon studied his heir closely for another few seconds, then turned to his youngest son.

  “I have a problem, Parno,” he said without preamble. “A serious problem. One that could threaten the course of the war and bring about the downfall of the dynasty, taking this kingdom with it.” Parno’s eyes opened a bit wider at that.

  “I know the solution to this problem,” Tammon continued. “The only solution, in fact, if we are to survive…but that solution will create still more problems, both now and in the foreseeable future.”

  “That must be some problem,” was all Parno could say. Tammon snorted, and Memmnon’s face set even tighter, if that was possible. “What has happened?” He didn’t bother to hide his confusion. His father had never talked to him about anything of any importance.

  “Therron disobeyed a direct order from me, written in my hand, and delivered by my personal courier,” the King told him flatly. Parno blinked at that, stunned. Had his brother taken leave of his senses?

  “I. . .what?” Parno said.

  “He deliberately flaunted my orders in front of General Davies,” Tammon went on. “I have to relieve him. It saddens me that it has come to this, but I have no choice. I cannot let him disobey me. He is the Lord Marshall, but I am King. He has often argued with me, but never directly disobeyed me. Never. I cannot let this lie.”

  “I. . .I understand, Sire,” Parno nodded. “What has this to do with me?”

  “You and your men, all of the men at the Gap, are heroes, Parno,” Tammon spoke quietly. “I can’t send Memmnon, because of his position as Crown Prince. I can’t have any of my Generals relieve him. Some of them won’t react well to Therron being relieved as it is. There is only one person I can appoint in Therron’s place with any hope that it will not divide the army.”

  “That person is you, Parno.” Tammon lowered the boom quickly and calmly. Parno blinked slowly at that. What? Finally the import of the words sank in.

  “Me?” he demanded, his voice rising. “Are you insane?”

  “You,” Tammon nodded, ignoring his son’s outburst. In truth he didn’t blame him.

  “You are insane,” Parno murmured. “Father, there is no way that I can be Lord Marshall. Therron already hates me. This would drive him into a homicidal rage! I would never be safe from him!”

  “I know,” Tammon’s voice was sad. Almost weak. “Was there another way, I swear I would take it, my son, and not put you in this difficult place…but there is none. This Kingdom stands on the verge of ruin if we cannot turn this war around. I need a fighting soldier commanding the armies of Soulan. Your brother will need it, when he assumes the Crown.” Parno looked at Memmnon. The Crown Prince’s face was carefully neutral.

  “What the hell are you talking about?” Parno demanded. Tammon sighed.

  “I’m not a young man, Parno,” he said quietly, “and I’m not always well. I’ve known that for some time but the strain of this war and the strain of Therron’s actions have made it even more apparent. I am able to rule, for now,” he assured his youngest son, “but for how long, I cannot know. This is a problem I have to deal with. Now,” he added, with heavy emphasis. “While I am still able.”

  “This really is the only way, Parno,” Memmnon told him, helping his father out. “You have done a great thing in defending the Gap. As the architect of that victory, the only victory to date in fact, you will be acceptable to the army, as well as the people…and you have the ability. You proved that at the Gap.” Memmnon’s voice held a note of pride.

  “I. . .I argued against it, because of the trouble it will cause you with Therron, but in truth, I have to agree with Father. This really is the only solution. I am forbidden, by law, from leading our armies in the field. Otherwise, I would do so, and take Therron’s wrath upon myself.” Memmnon concluded.

  Parno studied his brother closely for a moment, deciding that Memmnon spoke truthfully. He nodded ever so slightly.

  “The Inspector General of the Army will bring Therron up on charges of insubordination and failure to follow a binding order of his sovereign,” Memmnon said coldly. “His actions could have cost us everything, had you not held your ground. He did as he did because of personal reasons. He must pay the price for it.”

  “He could. . .the penalty for those crimes is. . .” Parno trailed off.

  “He won’t be executed,” Tammon’s voice was hard, “but he wi
ll be stripped of his position, duties, and rank. He will no longer have any authority in the army. Nor,” the King added, his voice quieter, “will he occupy the second seat of succession.”

  “What?” Parno’s shock could only grow at that.

  “That will also fall to you, my son,” Tammon told him carefully. “Sherron cannot hold the throne, save in the absence of a male heir. Once Memmnon has fathered an heir, then you will be released from that duty, save for the need of a regent. Which we all hope won’t be needed,” he added, smiling thinly at Memmnon.

  “Father, I don’t. . .I don’t think I can do it,” Parno managed to sputter. “I haven’t the training that Therron has, nor the know how, and I no longer have Darvo to keep me from making mistakes,” he added, his voice cloudy at the mention, or even thought, of his late mentor.

  “I have thought of that,” Tammon nodded. “But you do have the ability to inspire men, Parno, and to get more from them than even they know they are capable of. You’re a leader, boy, and right now I need a leader.”

  “I will assign Enri Willard to you as a military adviser. He has almost as much training and know how as Therron, and more sense. He’ll also be loyal to you, rather than to Therron. He will serve as your Chief-of-Staff for all intents and purposes. With the rank of Brigadier.”

  Parno looked for some way to convince his father that this was a bad idea. If this happened, sooner or later he’d be forced to kill Therron. Kill his own brother. In all honesty, the idea didn’t disturb him as much as he thought it should, but something else did. He looked at his father, eyes narrowing with suspicion.

  “You know that one day I’ll have to kill Therron, don’t you,” Parno said flatly, his voice hard. Tammon hesitated a minute, then nodded.

  “That is likely,” he agreed. “As I said, if there was another way, I would take it. I would not put this on you, were the stakes not so high.” Parno shot a look at his brother, whose face was once again blank.

  “Are you doing this so I’ll be the one who has to deal with him? So that neither of you will have to do this deed?” His voice was harsh now and his eyes flinty. Parno had killed many men in the last week. He was beyond fear of anyone or anything. Both his father, and his brother, looked uncomfortable.

  “You are, aren’t you?” Parno chuckled scornfully. “Using me to fight your battles for you. Do your dirty work.”

  “No,” Tammon’s voice took on a hard edge now. “I’m using you to defend this kingdom! Just like I’ve used everyone else. I must have a Lord Marshall who can and will follow my orders. One that can and will fight! That can turn this army around and lead us to victory. The trouble you may or may not have with Therron will be because of that and nothing else.” Parno’s snort told both men what he thought of that.

  “There is no one else, Parno,” Memmnon told him. “It has to be this way. Please,” he added quietly. “I’m asking you to do this for Soulan, if not for us.” Parno’s eyes narrowed even further at that.

  “Well, if I were to do it, it would be for Soulan. That much you at least have right,” he almost growled. “I owe the two of you nothing.” The last word was almost a hiss. Both his father and his brother recoiled as if struck physically.

  “I warned you not to ignore the heartland,” Parno seethed. “I warned you that the Gap left us vulnerable. But when I point out problems, you snort at them. When I ask where my men are to go, Therron claims they’re worthless—and you, both of you—” this directed at Memmnon, “agreed with him which left me in the position of having to defend the Gap against your own orders!” He sighed, trying to let go of his anger. The other two McLeod’s said nothing. There was nothing they could say. Every word Parno had spoken was true.

  “This war is far from over,” Memmnon finally spoke. “Your victory aside, we are losing, Parno. Everywhere. Times are desperate. Please, don’t allow personal feelings to cloud your judgment or keep you from your duty.”

  “My duty?” Parno was incredulous. “I’ve done my duty, Memmnon. Time and again, and it cost me dearly. Every time. Don’t dare speak to me again of my duty. What have you done?” The challenge was quiet. All the more wounding because of it.

  “Enough,” Tammon declared, rising. “I had thought. . .well, it matters not. I cannot make you accept this, Parno. You know that. The decision is yours to make.” He paused for a moment, considering his words carefully.

  “I’ve been no kind of father to you,” he said finally. “I can’t change what I’ve done to you. I would, if it were possible, but I can’t. I’ve been a fool for your entire life. You have no reason to be loyal to me or to do as I ask…and I am asking. This isn’t about you, or me, or Memmnon. Its not even about Therron when it comes down to it. It’s about whether or not our people live under Norland domination in the future. About whether we live free, or as slaves.”

  “I will take my leave, now,” he continued. “I have said what had to be said. I don’t blame you for your feelings and I won’t blame you if you refuse. I ask that you at least consider it, but don’t consider for too long. We haven’t the time to spare.” With that Tammon walked from the office with as much dignity as a man who knew he was a fool could muster. Memmnon stayed behind for a moment.

  “I know it’s asking a great deal of you,” Memmnon said softly, “and I wish there was no need of it. By rights you, and your men, should be through with war. But the war is only just beginning, brother, and I tell you, truthfully, that we are not doing well.” He sighed softly.

  “Please do this if you can.” Memmnon said. With that, Memmnon, too, departed. Leaving Parno alone.

  Alone to contemplate the greatest decision he had ever had to make.

  “Darvo, what should I do?”

  *****

  Parno walked slowly through the camp later that afternoon. Those soldiers who were fit for duty were working, repairing gear and equipment damaged at the Gap. Judging whether gear could be repaired or if it must be replaced. Many of the wounded were involved with bandages covering their wounds.

  All paused as they became aware of their Prince among them, watching. Not only the Black Sheep, but the remnants of the other units that had fought at the Gap. Even so, there were far fewer than had once walked these grounds.

  “Evenin’, milord,” man after man nodded respectively. Parno returned their greetings almost automatically. He sensed no hostility among them. Not toward him, at least.

  “Evening, men,” Parno finally said, loud enough that all could hear. Gradually work stopped as the men on the field gave Parno their attention.

  “I wanted to thank you,” Parno told them earnestly. “What you managed to do at the Gap may have saved our land. I know the cost was high,” he fought to keep his composure. “Many of our mess mates will not sit at table with us again in this lifetime.”

  “And I’m sorry,” he continued. “I’m sorry it was necessary and that you suffered like you did.”

  “You’re sorry?” one man spoke, standing straighter. Parno recognized him as one of Chad’s men, but couldn’t think of his name. “Beggin’ yer pardon, sir, but I can’t see as how this is your fault. With respect, milord,” he added.

  “He’s right, milord,” another nodded, this one from what remained of Brian Landers’ regulars. “This wasn’t any of your fault. It’s just war, sir. The Nor attack, we defend. Would o’ happened was you there or not. Only difference you bein’ there made was that some of us are still alive and the Nor lost. Can’t see where as you got need o’ bein’ sorry for that.” Others growled their agreement, heads nodding.

  “As to that,” another spoke, “we’d like. . .that is, with your blessin’, sir, we’d like to be a part o’ your Regiment. I think I speak fer all of us, when I say we’d follow you anywhere you wanted to lead us, milord. Into the Nor country, or straight to hell itself, come to that.” Again, growls of agreement flowed from the assembled men.

  “I appreciate that,” Parno smiled…and he meant it.

  �
��Then we can?” the man pressed. “I don’t mean to be insolent, milord, it’s just that, well, if’n we can’t stay with you, then we’ll have to go somewhere for reassignment soon, and we’d really like to follow you whereever it is you’re aimin’ ta go.”

  Parno looked at him for a moment, then nodded dumbly. “I’d be proud to have any of you as part of the Black Sheep. I don’t think any of them will mind, either.”

  “We don’t,” Brenack Wysin spoke. Parno looked to see the giant blacksmith standing to the side with perhaps thirty of the Sheep. They all nodded.

  “Be right glad to have you boys,” one said, smiling, “and more than glad to share the work details with ya,” he added with a snicker. That drew laughter from all over the grounds.

  “Very well, then,” Parno nodded again. “I’ll see to it. Is there anything else you need?”

  “Some of us have family ‘hind the lines,” one spoke softly. “Mayhap we can get to ’em, maybe? Bring ’em here?”