by David Wells
Alexander and Isabel walked into the council chamber, and the room fell silent. Isabel wore the Medallion of Glen Morillian for all to see, but she didn’t take her seat. Instead, she stood beside Alexander as he stepped up behind the chair at the head of the table. He waited until the representative from Headwater started to speak before he drew his sword and slowly pushed it through the table top. He eyed every one of the delegates in turn.
“I am the wielder of the Thinblade, the Master of Blackstone Keep, bearer of the Mark of Cedric, and the rightful King of Ruatha. Deliver this message to those whom you serve. Stand with me and I will count you as my friend. Stand with Phane and your life is forfeit.”
He pulled the sword from the table and pointed it at the delegate from Headwater. He was a squat little man with a pot belly, stringy hair combed over a balding pate, and beady eyes that were set too close together for his round face.
“Tell your master that he will survive only if he surrenders immediately and abdicates his authority. Otherwise, I will take his head with my very sharp sword.”
Without another word, Alexander sheathed the Thinblade, turned on his heel, and strode from the room. He spent the rest of the evening talking quietly with his parents and friends about everything that had happened since they left Glen Morillian. It had been only about a month, but it seemed like so much longer.
When he told his parents about his plan to go to the Fairy Queen, Bella seemed startled and alarmed but didn’t offer any objection. Alexander didn’t press her, but her reaction wasn’t lost on him either. His mother was a wise woman who had trained with a witch coven in the mountainous forests east of Highlands Reach. He made a note to himself to question her about it before they said their goodbyes tomorrow.
The next morning on their way to the Rangers’ encampment, Alexander rode next to his mother. They were quiet for several minutes after they left the city. He knew she was waiting for him to ask her about her reaction to his plan. He thought it over carefully before he began. His mother was very smart, and he had learned from long experience that it was always wise to have his thoughts in order before he started a conversation with her on any subject of importance.
Finally he said, “You were startled to hear my plan to go to the Fairy Queen for help.”
She looked at him and nodded, but didn’t offer anything more for several minutes. Alexander waited patiently.
“The fairies don’t see the world the same way we do. They may ask a price greater than you are willing to pay for their help.” She looked over her shoulder at Isabel, and Alexander felt a little flutter of fear settle in his gut.
“What do you mean? And what does Isabel have to do with it?” Alexander asked with more edge to his voice than he wanted.
His mother looked over at him and smiled gently. “You love her.” It wasn’t a question. “I’m glad you’ve found someone who brings you joy. She’s a strong woman and she clearly loves you. If you go to the Fairy Queen, she will test that love in ways that may break your heart.”
“I don’t understand.” Alexander was starting to worry that he had committed himself to a course of action that would cost him dearly.
“The fairies value love above all else, so their price will almost surely have something to do with love. I don’t know what it will be or if it will hurt you or Isabel, but I fear it will.” Bella looked at her son with worry and compassion. “I don’t know any more than that. The fairies keep to themselves and rarely allow outsiders into their valley. What I’ve told you I learned from my coven mother during my training.”
Alexander was silent for several minutes. He weighed the potential cost and felt the burden of his duty bear down on him without mercy. He loved Isabel more than anything, but he had to stop Phane from getting the Sovereign Stone. If he failed at that, nothing else would matter. He would never have a chance at a life with Isabel. And countless thousands of others would never have a chance to live or love either.
He remembered the summoning. Isabel said she was willing to pay any price. Alexander desperately hoped that it would not be too great a price, but he realized that he had to pay it no matter the cost to him personally. There were so many other lives depending on him.
“Whatever the price, Isabel and I will bear it together,” he said.
“I know, Alexander. That’s what I’m afraid of.” Bella smiled at her son. “You’ve always been so determined once you make a decision. You’re like a force of nature. I knew when you told us your plan that I wouldn’t be able to talk you out of it, but it’s important that you prepare yourself. The Fairy Queen will test your heart.
“On another matter,” Bella continued, “your sister seems to be quite fond of the young bard. What do you think of him? Is he worthy of Abigail?”
Alexander looked at his mother and saw that she was serious. He hadn’t really considered the question before. They had traveled together and he knew Abigail and Jack had become close friends, but he hadn’t asked his sister how serious her feelings were. But then, his mother was always much more sensitive to such things than he was. When he faced the question, he couldn’t help but smile.
“He is. Jack has helped me in many ways. His advice is sound and his knowledge is valuable. He’s stood by our side at every step of the way and his colors are clear and strong. But mostly, he makes Abigail laugh and he treats her with respect.”
“Good. Lucky said as much when I asked him,” Bella said. “Abigail deserves someone who will make her happy.” Then she laughed and said, “Anatoly even likes him.”
They crested a small rise and saw the Rangers’ encampment spread out in neatly organized units below. Isabel spurred her horse into a gallop when she saw her brother. She was off her horse and talking excitedly to Duane when Alexander and the rest of the party rode up. A number of Rangers took their horses to a picket line, and Duane stepped up to him with a crisp salute.
“Lord Alexander, it’s good to see you well,” Duane said. “I trust Isabel hasn’t been too much trouble.” He gave his sister a playful look; she poked him in the ribs.
Alexander took his hand. “It’s good to see you, too, Duane. How are your parents?”
“Father is busy training soldiers and mother is organizing the distribution of supplies. They both seem to be in their element. In truth, I think they both look years younger now that they have things of importance to focus on.”
Alexander smiled. “I’m glad to hear it.” He took a deep breath. “Duane, I need to speak with your officers. How quickly can you assemble them?”
Duane gave Duncan a little glance of confusion before answering. “Give me ten minutes.” Alexander nodded and Duane strode off, calling out orders.
Alexander stood with his father and Anatoly. Jack was nearby talking with a Ranger about their journey to New Ruatha, and Lucky had wandered over to a cook fire surrounded by another group of Rangers. Bella drew Isabel away to have a private word with her.
Alexander turned to his father and asked, “How ready are the Rangers?”
Duncan frowned. “Not ready enough. Each company has a number of seasoned Rangers, but the majority of them are young and inexperienced. They have heart and they’re proficient with their weapons but few have actually been in a fight.”
Alexander nodded at the sober assessment. “Is Duane ready to lead the legion?”
“He’s as ready as he’s going to get,” Duncan said. “He has some good officers with long years of experience to rely on and he’s well trained. All that’s left is the test of battle and that one can’t be simulated. If he isn’t ready, you’ll find out soon enough.”
Chapter 11
Bella stepped behind a tent with Isabel in tow. “My dear, I need to speak with you about Alexander’s plan with the fairies.”
Isabel looked at her future mother-in-law with wide eyes. She knew Alexander respected his mother a great deal, so she desperately wanted her approval. The private nature of the conversation had her feeling a little ne
rvous. She nodded for Bella to continue.
“The currency of the fairies is love,” Bella said. “I fear that the Fairy Queen will test your love for my son.”
“I’ll pass her test,” Isabel blurted out and then blushed.
Bella smiled and put a reassuring hand on Isabel’s arm. “If the test is simply a measure of your love for Alexander, then I believe you will, but it may be more difficult than that. I’m telling you this because I want you to be prepared. My son loves you. I can see it when he looks at you.”
“I love him too, Lady Valentine,” Isabel said earnestly.
“I know. Hold on to that love. Whatever the Fairy Queen demands, you must keep your love for my son alive in your heart. I don’t say this to protect his heart—as much as I want to. I say this because it will be very dangerous for you both and for Alexander’s plan if your love for him falters in the presence of the fairies. They would see such a thing as a sign that Alexander is not worthy.”
Isabel looked a bit wild-eyed at the prospect that her feelings for Alexander could put him and his plan to save the Seven Isles in jeopardy, but when she searched her soul, she found a calm certainty that reassured her and filled her with confidence.
“I love Alexander and there’s nothing in the world that will ever change that,” she said with her head held high.
Bella nodded. “My son has chosen well.”
They came out from behind the tent just as Alexander was climbing onto a wagon to address the assembled officers. The crowd fell quiet as all eyes turned to their King. He appraised the crowd for a moment before he drew the Thinblade and held it high for all to see. There was a hush, then a murmur, and then a deafening cheer. Alexander sheathed his sword and motioned for silence.
“The war has begun. A force of fifty thousand marches on New Ruatha. The city has adequate defenses in place to repel the attack, but Headwater is mustering another force of equal size. If that force is allowed to join the fight, New Ruatha will be greatly outnumbered.”
He paused for a few moments as he assessed the Rangers arrayed before him.
“Your task is to stop Headwater from fielding their second army. You will divide your forces into companies of a hundred Rangers each and move into the lands controlled by Headwater. You will raid their supply trains and depots, assault the small units moving to assemble with the main force, and attack the noble estates that are supplying the food and equipment necessary to support their army.
“Force them to keep their soldiers near Headwater to defend their own homes. Kill what enemy you can, but that is not your primary purpose. You must simply prevent them from sending their second army to New Ruatha. Make them afraid. Hit them hard and fast, then run away before they can muster a counterattack. Bleed them a little at a time. Cut them from the shadows and vanish. Never give them a fair fight. Never stand your ground. Ground means nothing. Lives mean everything.
“Your first standing order is to survive. Do not risk an engagement that you cannot win. Do not attack where they are strong. Use your speed to find the places where they are weak and hit them without mercy. When they send forces to attack you, run away and circle around to take them apart a piece at a time.
“Our purpose is not to prove our valor on the battlefield. We are not here to seek glory in war.” Alexander paused and looked down for a moment, remembering those who had died by his command. When he continued, he spoke more quietly, “I used to believe that war was about glory and triumph, but I have since learned that war is about death and pain.
“Make it the enemy’s death. Let them suffer the pain. I command you to survive today’s battle so that you can fight the battle tomorrow. Then survive tomorrow so you can return to your families. The enemy is fighting for ambition and power. They seek subjugation and plunder. Their cause is small and unworthy. They deserve to lose.
“We fight for the safety of our families. We fight to preserve a world where love and life can thrive. We deserve to win. Prepare your Rangers. We ride in an hour.”
In unison, a hundred officers saluted, fist to heart. Duane stepped onto the back of the wagon and began calling out orders. Less than an hour later, the legion of Rangers was moving north to skirt the enemy forces and drive deep into their territory.
Alexander sat on his horse and watched the units moving off across the open plain. “I’ll be riding with your company, Duane,” he said. “Oh, and you’ve been promoted. My father will be commanding all of the forces of the Ruathan army, so you’re in command of this legion now.”
Duane was genuinely surprised. “Thank you for your confidence.” He looked like he was about to say more but thought better of it.
***
They rode for nearly a week before they reached the lands governed and protected by Headwater. The legion separated into a hundred companies and each went their separate way according to their assigned areas of operation. Rally points were defined and standing orders were issued.
A day later, Alexander lay on his belly, with Duane on his right and Isabel on his left, looking over the crest of a small hill. Their company of Rangers was mounted and ready to ride but hidden from the road beyond. Scouts had reported that a food convoy was traveling up the road from the estate of a minor noble beholden to Headwater. It was late afternoon and they’d been waiting an hour or so for the supply train to come into sight.
The convoy was a hundred wagons long, packed heavily and moving slowly, with an escort of twenty soldiers on horseback. This would be the first engagement for the company of Rangers, and Alexander was glad to see that the odds were stacked decidedly in his favor.
When they returned to the company, Duane split the force into two units so they could attack from different directions. Several minutes passed, then Isabel opened her eyes, breaking contact with Slyder. She nodded to Alexander and Duane. Alexander gave the command and each unit spurred their horses into a gallop. Alexander led his unit around the front side of the hill to charge directly at the advancing column, while Duane led his unit over the top of the low hill to come at them from the side.
The enemy soldiers saw Alexander first and formed a column of cavalry four wide and five deep. They were armed with heavy spears and shields. Alexander led fifty Rangers in a loose formation. The enemy clearly thought their heavy weapons and larger horses would give them the weight they needed to defeat the lighter armor and smaller horses of the Rangers.
The Rangers fanned out to give the enemy less of a target. The enemy didn’t break formation; they charged with raised shields and lowered spears. Alexander drew his sword. It felt light and sure in his hand. He watched the soldiers hurtling toward him, and calm settled into his soul. He was in a fight and he had a blade in his hand—but not just any blade. He held the Thinblade, the Sword of Kings.
The Rangers loosed a volley of arrows. Most were deflected by the enemy’s shields but a few found their way to their targets. Abigail drove her arrow straight through the shield of a lead rider and into his chest. The enemy cavalry expertly avoided the fallen in their midst and re-formed into a column.
A moment later a volley of arrows from Duane’s unit caught them on the flank and thinned their ranks by half. The column broke under the chaos and the soldiers charged into the larger force of Rangers without the strength of a cohesive formation.
Alexander picked his first target and barreled toward the onrushing soldier. They locked eyes and the enemy raised his shield and his spear in preparation for the strike. By unspoken agreement, they would pass each other on the right. The engagement happened with blinding speed. Alexander slapped the flat of his blade against the haft of the spear to push the point past his shoulder and then swept his blade into the enemy shield. He knew the Thinblade was a thing of wonder and surpassing power, but he was shocked at how terrifying that power actually was in a fight.
His blade hit the face of the enemy shield and sliced through it at a diagonal angle, cleaving the soldier’s arm off between the elbow and wrist. Then it
caught the soldier across the chest and cleaved him cleanly in half. His arms came free as the blade passed through him like a sharp knife through paper. He came apart in a spray of blood, pieces of his body thudding to the ground one after the other.
The soldier behind him watched the spectacle in terror and surprise. He was so shocked by what he’d just witnessed that he was unable to make a clean strike with his spear. Alexander leaned over the neck of his horse and the second enemy spear passed just inches over his back. The moment the tip passed, he sat up and swept his blade back toward the enemy and cleaved his head off with a single stroke.
The charge faltered and the next enemy Alexander faced didn’t have much momentum behind him. He moved in on horseback and expertly jabbed at Alexander with his long spear. The point glanced off Alexander’s dragon-steel chainmail and tore his shirt. He flicked the Thinblade through the haft of the spear and took off the first three feet, then spurred his horse forward and thrust through the enemy’s shield and into his heart.
He turned to see a spearman intent on running him through topple off his horse from a clean stroke by Anatoly’s war axe. The battle was over as suddenly as it had begun. A few of the Rangers sustained injuries but none were lost in the fight. The enemy soldiers were dead to the last man, most with arrows sticking out of them. Duane set to work rounding up the men driving the wagons and securing the horses of the fallen soldiers. Lucky tended to the wounded Rangers, and Isabel scouted the horizon through Slyder’s eyes for any additional threat.
Alexander stood before the group of teamsters. They were unarmed and looked like simple workmen. They had fear in their eyes.
“Who will speak for you?” Alexander asked.
There were several nervous moments of silence before a burly man with grey hair raised his hand.
“Very good. Stand up and tell me your name,” Alexander commanded.
