Peanut cast an image of General Forshire standing not far from the colonel’s feet. When he was happy with the appearance of the image, he darted to the colonel’s hand and sank his teeth into Hardi’s thumb. The colonel bolted upright with a gasp of pain spilling from his lips. His eyes focused on the image of General Forshire and his mouth hung open in surprise. Peanut quickly searched his memory for snippets of Clint’s speech.
“Colonel Hardi. Come. South. Alone. Barrens. Now.”
While the colonel stared in confusion, Peanut dropped the illusion, and the image of General Forshire disappeared. Colonel Hardi rubbed his eyes and looked around the cave. Peanut clung to the shadows, hoping that the colonel did not return to sleep and forget the instructions. For several minutes, nothing happened then the colonel pulled on his boots and rose to his feet. He moved quietly through the cave and saddled a horse. Leading the horse out of the cave, he halted where the sentries could see him.
“I am going for a ride,” the colonel said softly. “I should be back tomorrow night. Maintain a tight vigil in my absence.”
“Shouldn’t someone go with you?” asked one of the sentries.
Colonel Hardi hesitated before answering. “No,” he said with a nervous sigh. “It was probably just a dream, but there is something to the south that I need to check out. If I am not back by tomorrow night, organize a search party, but remember my orders. The safety of the group is more important than any one man. Any search party must remain undetected.”
* * * *
The screech of an osprey drifted to the camp, and General Forshire’s men woke immediately and scrambled for their weapons. Before they could form a defensive posture, another screech drifted in from farther out. General Forshire strode swiftly towards the sound and soon found the sentry responsible for issuing the alarm.
“That might be Colonel Hardi out there,” Clint said softly.
“He did respond with our own alarm,” whispered the sentry. “What do you want to do?”
“Maintain a defense,” answered Clint. “I am going out.”
Clint moved off at an angle to approach the intruder from a different direction. As soon as he moved out of sight of the sentries, he felt a familiar weight on his shoulder.
“It is the colonel,” whispered Peanut. “I stayed with him to make sure he didn’t get lost.”
“Well done, Peanut,” smiled Clint. “Into your pocket.”
General Forshire stepped into the open and called for the colonel to come forward. Colonel Hardi appeared almost immediately, leading his horse. Clint led him into the camp and passed the word that the alarm was over. As soon as the colonel’s horse was tethered, Clint took him aside, and they sat near the edge of the camp.
“Are you a magician?” asked Colonel Hardi. “I had a vision of you earlier tonight. It told me to come here alone.”
“I know no magic,” smiled Clint, “but I am glad that you came. How are the men?”
“All safe and sound, General. There never was any kind of pursuit. I have the men training during the day. At night they split up in different caves.”
“Do you still maintain sentries beyond the caves?”
“Of course. It is the only way to ensure our safety.”
“Did you happen to see a large group come through this area recently?”
“Not personally,” answered the colonel, “but one of my men did. There were about a hundred riders. They were soldiers of a sort, but they didn’t wear any uniform that I am familiar with. They dressed entirely in black, but they also had something shiny upon their chests. At least that is the report. I can’t imagine dressing for stealth and then advertising your position with something that reflects light so clearly.”
“Were there captives with them?”
“Three. The captives were hooded and bound. My man reported that he thought they were female, but he was not sure. He didn’t dare try to get a closer look.”
“Where did they go?”
“Straight into the Barrier. The lookout feared that they might be attempting to surround us, so he followed them as far as he could. He said that they entered a ravine at the foot of the Barrier and didn’t come out again. What is this about, General? Are they looking for us?”
“No one is looking for you,” replied the general. “When they found Elfwoods empty, they abandoned the search. The group your men saw are mercenaries, highly skilled mercenaries if the stories are to be believed.”
“They were well skilled if the sentry was accurate in his telling. Who are the prisoners?”
“Emperor Jaar’s family, but do not repeat that. Do any of your men know this area well?”
“Sergeant Treman knew where we would find caves, but I am not sure how well he knows the area. I didn’t bring any of my men with me tonight. Should I return and get him?”
“Tomorrow,” answered General Forshire. “You deserve some sleep. Have the sergeant and the sentry who saw the kidnappers return with you tomorrow.” Clint turned to leave and then turned back to the colonel. “Your sentry left a scrap of his uniform in a tree not far from here. Explain to the men the necessity of covering their tracks when they go out.”
* * * *
The morning sun shone brightly on the castle sitting atop the hill in the Dark Forest. Federation soldiers could be seen in the two towers flanking the main portion of the castle. Another dozen soldiers manned the wall on the sides closest to Garth Shado, but those very walls obscured the courtyard inside the gates.
“What does it look like?” Tedi asked softly.
Garth sighed and handed the telescope to the gypsy prince. “I can’t really see enough of the defenses from here, but I can estimate based upon what I have seen so far, and it doesn’t look pretty. If we figure two-dozen men on the wall alone, I would expect a detachment of at least one-hundred, probably more.”
Bacar, one of Juggler’s thieves, whistled softly. “And you plan to attack that with just the nine of us? I said that I wanted to be a warrior, not a corpse.”
“The soldiers don’t appear to be very attentive,” Tedi stated, ignoring the thief’s banter. “We would have to go in at night. We will not get close to that place during the daytime. They have a clear field of view covering all of the approaches.”
“I am not planning a frontal assault,” replied Garth. “I will get us inside the castle. The trick will be in getting out.”
“You plan to just march into the castle?” questioned Natia.
“No,” smiled Garth. “We are going to ride in.”
“I would feel more comfortable if I understood the plan,” sighed Bacar.
“Perhaps,” mused Garth, “but the plan calls for you to be ignorant of our mission, and I want your part played properly. You just have to remember that you are the corporal in charge of your men. You do not have a single independent thought in your head. You take orders either from Colonel Belasko or the captain of the company. Make sure that the rest of the men behave as well. I made Tedi a captain because I want them to believe that we have five squads with us and that we are only the advance team.”
“So we are just for show?”
“If everything goes well, yes, but if the fighting starts, the façade will be abandoned quickly. You and your men won’t need much instruction at that point. Just follow our lead. Inform your men that we will be moving out in a couple of minutes.”
“That was a bit harsh,” Natia said softly after the corporal had left. “These men are risking their lives for this mission.”
“It was necessary to keep them alive,” Garth replied. “The men will make fine warriors. I have little doubts about their abilities in that area, but they are not soldiers, and other soldiers will pick up on that if we are not careful. For now, they will just have to trust me.”
“I agree with Garth,” interjected Tedi. “The less Bacar and his men say, the better for all of us.” Tedi turned and looked at Garth. “If your method of entry fails, I still think we have a chance at
a nighttime entry, but it will be bloodier.”
“Let’s strive to avoid that. Natia, you will say nothing inside that any of the defenders can understand. You can mumble nonsense if you wish. In fact, that might be wise at times, but I don’t want them to hear a woman’s voice. If you need to alert Tedi or me, use your fingers. I will try to keep Tedi by your side at all times if I can arrange it.”
“Understood.”
“Let’s do it,” Garth said as he moved away from the edge of the forest.
The three Knights of Alcea walked back to the small clearing and mounted their unicorns. Bacar and his men mounted their horses and got into position to form an escort. Bacar and another thief took the point with the four remaining thieves bringing up the rear. Tedi and Natia followed directly behind Colonel Belasko. The small column followed the trail through the woods and emerged at the foot of the hill. While the forest trail continued onward, Bacar led the group onto the trail leading up the hill to the castle. As soon as the small column made that turn, a distant horn sounded from the castle walls.
“Remember to remain silent,” Garth warned. “If the commander of the garrison is thorough, his men will be trained to extract information out of you. Anything you say has the potential for destroying the entire operation. If you get pressed, softly explain that Colonel Belasko is very strict and talking while on duty is forbidden. Also remember to maintain a professional appearance. No slouching or leaning against walls. Stand erect as if you are proud to wear the insignia of the Eleventh Corps.”
“Officer on the wall,” Tedi warned softly.
“And look wary as if you can handle trouble should it arise,” Garth continued, “but do not appear threatening. There is a fine line between the two, so concentrate on playing your part properly.”
“It’s the Eleventh,” a voice called from the wall. “Open the gates.”
The giant gates creaked as they slowly opened. Garth avoided the temptation to look up at the men manning the wall above him. He kept his eyes forward and saw an officer standing in the center of the courtyard. Bacar led the group through the gates and halted in front of the officer. Colonel Belasko dismounted and walked forward to stand before the officer.
“Good morning Captain Ergard,” Garth said as he stared into the officer’s eyes.
“You have me at a disadvantage, Colonel,” replied the captain as he saluted. “I do not recognize you.”
“You should remedy that, Captain,” the colonel smiled thinly. “If you remain a part of the Fifteenth Corps, you will be shipping out for Alcea soon. I am Colonel Belasko. May we talk inside?”
Captain Ergard raised an eyebrow as he glanced at the black-cloak. He returned his eyes to the colonel and nodded.
“Captain Markel,” ordered the colonel, “dismiss the men and bring the mage inside.” Captain Ergard opened his mouth to object, but Garth gave him no opportunity. “If you will lead the way, Captain Ergard.”
The captain sighed inwardly and nodded. He waved towards the main entrance to the castle and then turned and started walking. Tedi ordered Bacar to dismiss his men and then led Natia towards the castle. As soon as they passed through the doors to the large entry foyer, Garth turned to face his fellow Alceans.
“Remain here. I will speak to Captain Ergard in private.”
Captain Ergard anxiously led the colonel to the nearest sitting room. He was not used to intruders in the castle, but he was unsure of his place with a superior officer pushing his way in. He closed the door and waved the colonel towards a comfortable chair.
“We do not get many visitors here, Colonel. May I ask the purpose of your visit?”
“There is only one purpose for coming to this castle,” replied Colonel Belasko. “You protect a valuable piece of property for King Harowin.”
The captain’s eyes narrowed with alarm, but he didn’t speak right away. Garth continued to stare at the man, measuring his character.
“Property is an odd choice of words,” the captain finally said. “This castle is under the control of General Montero. If you have business here, I should have been forewarned of your arrival.”
“You most certainly should not have been forewarned,” Colonel Belasko replied sternly. “General Montero controls the Fifteenth Corps, but King Harowin controls all of Ertak. I have been ordered to have a mage check on Prince Harold.”
“Impossible!” Captain Ergard said, rising to his feet and drawing his sword. “No one sees the prince without General Montero’s permission. My orders are to imprison anyone attempting to do so.”
Chapter 26
Prince Harold
Colonel Belasko remained seated when Captain Ergard leaped to his feet and unsheathed his sword. He gazed at the fear and alarm on the captain’s face with a calm, unconcerned demeanor.
“I am carrying out the will of King Harowin, Captain,” Garth said calmly. “Are you prepared to be denounced as a traitor to your country?”
“I have my orders,” the captain replied forcefully, his sword pointing in Garth’s direction. “General Montero was quite specific in his instructions. He will stand by my side.”
“The heir may be your commanding officer, Captain, but he will not be standing by your side when your neck snaps at the end of a rope. The best General Montero can do for you is to plead for mercy from his father. Is that what you are hoping for?”
Captain Ergard was beyond the point of reasoning. His lips curled as he stepped closer to Garth. “Get up. You can make your case to the dungeon master while I send a runner to General Montero.”
Garth sighed heavily as he stared at the captain. Being careful not to let his eyes stray upward, the Knight of Alcea brought the two longest fingers of his right hand inward to touch his palm. The movement meant nothing to the Federation captain, but it meant a great deal to the fairy lingering near the ceiling. Bitsy cast a sleep spell on Captain Ergard. Garth watched as the captain shook his head as if to clear his mind. The sword dropped from the captain’s fingers and hit the floor, followed closely by the captain’s body. Colonel Belasko rose from his chair and stepped over the body. He moved calmly to the door and cracked it open. Tedi and Natia stood not far away, and he signaled for them to join him. They quickly crossed the floor, eased into the room, and shut the door.
“Stand by the door,” instructed Garth. “Natia you stand in front of Tedi. Act as if you just cast a spell to put the captain to sleep. Tedi, when you see him starting to awaken, open the door a crack and close it hard enough for him to hear it. I want him to think that you two just entered the room and magically put him to sleep.”
Garth walked back to the captain’s body and picked up his sword. He stepped over the body and sat down, holding the captain’s sword before him. Minutes later, the captain stirred. Tedi opened the door as instructed and closed it firmly. Captain Ergard’s head snapped towards the sound. He gasped at the sight of the black-cloak standing near the door. Without taking his eyes off the mage, he frantically sought his sword.
“I thought it would be safer if this blade didn’t remain within your reach,” Colonel Belasko smiled thinly.
Captain Ergard’s head swiveled, and he stared at Colonel Belasko. He saw his own sword in the hands of the colonel. “How dare you!” he swore.
Colonel Belasko rose menacingly, the sword pointing downward towards the captain. He stepped away from the plush chair and waved the sword at it.
“Enough,” Colonel Belasko barked sternly. “I am trying to save your stubborn life. Get up and sit in the chair. It is time for you to understand the king’s plight.”
“The king’s plight?” the captain snarled with disgust as he rose cautiously and moved to the chair. “The king wants Prince Harold dead, and he has sent you to assure it. You may kill me, but you will never leave this castle alive.”
“You are ill informed of the king’s desires,” replied the colonel. “We mean the prince no harm.”
“I do not believe you,” retorted the captain. “
The king has always wanted Prince Harold dead. Were it not for his brother’s intervention, the king would have already had him executed.”
Colonel Belasko sighed and shook his head. Juggler had informed him of the struggle within the royal family over the fate of Prince Harold, but the thief had not been able to explain it all. The captain’s words brought clarity to the situation and highlighted Garth’s miscalculation. His mind whirled, seeking the words to turn the situation around.
“Times have changed,” Colonel Belasko said softly, “and the king has had a change of heart. I am not sure if you have been informed yet, but the Fifteenth Corps will be part of the attack on Alcea. King Harowin holds a great fear that General Montero will not come back from battle.”
“General Montero will return,” the captain retorted, but not with the same level of animosity as before. “We will all return.”
“You will not be going to Alcea, Captain Ergard. You and your company will be transferred to the Eleventh Corps. You will be reporting to me. This castle is too vital to the kingdom to turn it over to fresh defenders. Prince Harold deserves a company that is already familiar with him and the castle. Your loyalty to the prince has also been noted. That is one reason I seek to keep your traitorous words within this room. I can understand your motives, but others might not.”
Garth tossed the captain’s sword on the couch and eased himself into a chair. The captain’s eyes clouded with confusion, and his brow creased heavily.
“King Harowin has been having dreams lately,” Colonel Belasko continued. “In each dream, he sees his eldest son struck down in battle. Whether these dreams are prophetic or not, the king’s thoughts about Prince Harold have changed dramatically. He now seeks a cure for the prince’s condition.”
“A cure?” echoed Captain Ergard. “All sorts of cures were tried during the prince’s youth. Nothing worked.”
“Are you suggesting that we give up hope?”
“Certainly not,” balked the captain. “I am just reminding you that every cure known to man has been tried before.”
Heirs of the Enemy Page 33
