by Chris Ward
High above Rema saw eagles circling, and he knew that whatever happened that day, it would be retold in AlGiron that night.
Against this vast force he knew they were too few. Despite the amazing skills which the Edenwhood possessed, and whatever the magic of the Equin, it was beyond hope. Even Sylvion’s deadly blade could not seduce such a great number.
Surely there was no way?
He looked anxiously about at what was his to send out against this mighty foe. Back in the trees, at the very southern limit of what was once the ancient edge of Wildwood forest were the mysterious and impressive Equin. He remembered the moment these great creatures had emerged from the forest behind the ruins of Sylvion’s home. Three score had answered the plea which she had made to these mighty creatures, and when they came the earth had shaken. All who had watched had been rendered speechless for none had seen such an impressive sight. They came as one, lead by a huge white stallion named rightly Thunder, for when he reared, as tall as a house, his hooves alone upon the earth brought down a chimney standing unsupported in the ruins.
Rema recalled that day in the orchard when Sylvion had spoken of these beasts and how she loved them so dearly and what cost it had been to ask of them for help. She knew it would be death to those which responded, and yet her words had told of a deep need that some of the Equin had to be released from the magic which governed their eternal existence as beasts of the forest. She had come upon the idea that the mighty Wildwood forest once stretched further than its present boundaries and that if the Equin passed quickly between the remaining southern stands of timber they would not suffer greatly from the magic which ruled them, which meant that by leaving the forest they would die. This and silver arrows were all that they feared. These two were death to the Equin, and Sylvion had given days to convince her forest dwellers that they would be safe enough in travelling some distance south. In the end she had succeeded.
But now the trees had ended, and there was no protection out upon the Plains of Amrosi where they now stood and waited to go to war. The Equin could travel no further without great peril, and none knew how they might fare. The mighty creatures rested easily enough, hidden by the trees which grew up to and throughout much of the ruins of Fellonshead. And Rema feared for them against such weapons which stood before them, despite Sylvion’s claim that they could not die except by denying the ancient spells which ruled them, for although huge in size and mighty indeed to behold, they seemed no more than horses in the end. He knew that Sylvion was with them at that moment and he marvelled at the bond which she had with the mighty Thunder, for he seemed to listen to her words and understand her meaning.
Below him in the crumbled compound of the once mighty city were twelve score Edenwhood. Each were mighty to behold but so few in number. Anderlorn had stood by his promise and had arrived unseen a day before them. Of their number threescore were mounted on Scythercats, and Rema had kept them apart from the Equin, for he had no idea what harm these different beasts might do to each other. Of the two the Scythercats seemed far more likely to take war to the enemy, but unlike the Equin they had no magic protection, just speed and power and mighty jaws and massive claws which could tear a normal horse in two with but a single swipe. He had dared not ask Anderlorn what food they might feed these creatures for he knew that question could only be answered by the fallen on the battlefield. He shuddered at the thought.
It was then that an idea suddenly came upon him. The thought of food and Anderlorn’s direction that they had water and their foe did not...
Perhaps there was weakness here that he could use?
He immediately turned and called for Reigin, only to find the giant man was close by, as too was Serenna. They had approached quietly and unannounced and now stood looking out upon the field before them in silent contemplation.
‘So many Rema,’ Serenna spoke quietly in awe of what she saw.
‘Too many Serenna’ he replied. ‘Too many to be defeated by mad bravado.’ He turned to Reigin and gave his first command.
‘Call the eagle Reigin for I have use for it now.’
And so Reigin obeyed, and took the horn which he had been given and blew upon it a note which rustled the trees and grasses around them with a gentle shudder, but which went high up into the sky, and as they watched an eagle turned and swept gracefully around toward them. It did not flap its wings but fell from the sky with deadly intent.
‘It comes Rema, the eagle comes!’ Serenna cried in delight for it was wonderful to behold. The creature grew ever larger until as Reigin blew once more it circled over head, and all could see it carried upon its mighty back a youth of the Edenwhood, thin of body yet strong and able, at one with his airborne steed. The great eagle stretched out two huge talons and alighted on the parapet before Reigin. With a flap of its huge wings it steadied itself and then folded them back and stood eyeing them all with such a stare as only an eagle can offer. Its huge hooked beak looked easily able to tear a man on horseback limb from limb and it clearly had no fear of any.
The young Edenwhood leapt nimbly from the leather seat which carried him, holding a thin thong which guided the eagle as he chose. He stood proudly before Reign and spoke,
‘I am Rhyander son of Rhynos, this is Estreedian. She heard your call. We have come as commanded.’
Reigin smiled. ‘Welcome Rhyander. You and your bearer are a mighty sight to behold. I have called you indeed but it is to my commander Rema Bowman that you must answer,’ and with that he turned and indicted where Rema stood. The youth smiled and spoke.
‘What task would you have me undertake sira, for I will do it? Have no fear for there is none so swift and able as Rhyander and Estreedian upon the air.’
Rema smiled too and spoke warmly. ‘Well spoken Rhyander, I fear we have great need of your confidence this day. Indeed I have a task which might be worthy of your skill.’
‘What sira would you have me do?’
‘I want to you to fly low over the enemy’s encampment, but above where any arrow might reach and find where they have placed their food and water. Such a large force needs great provisions, and water in particular. I would think it kept at the rear. I need to know all you can spy of these things, in particular what numbers guard these things and how far distant they stand from the trees. Can you do this Rhyander?’
‘I will return within two span,’ said the youth who sprang eagerly upon his eagle. With a sharp command the mighty bird flapped once, gave a fearsome shriek and then leapt high into the air. With a slow and powerful motion it climbed ever higher and circled the ruins upon which they watched; then with a sudden roll it went like ana arrow toward the enemy.
‘And so we go to war,’ said Rema solemnly. ‘This day will be a great test for all.’ He paused and took a deep breath.
‘Reigin, call the Edenwhood and all who hold command over other men and women. I will tell of my plan as soon as the eagle has returned. We have little time now. Let us get this done.’
*
King Petros stood proudly in full battle armour as he surveyed the battlefield before him. He had slept well and eaten a huge breakfast of freshly poached wild duck eggs and well grilled revelhare. The wine was still good quality although the steward had said a further day would see it exhausted and then a poorer fermenting would have to suffice. But the air was still, the sun warm and he felt at last in control, for his army was vast and they had reached the mountain Vaudim before his enemy. It’s tangled undergrowth and impossible rock falls stood behind them as a mighty barrier to any who would choose to sneak up from behind. The gatherers had done well in providing the information which allowed him to steal the initiative. He now controlled the field of battle. Finally things seemed to be going as they should.
‘Commander Leander has done exceedingly well Zelfos,’ he said to the bald advisor who stood with him. Zelfos too was impressed with the mighty force which stretched away down the slope, for they were camped on high ground.
‘The en
emy will have to come at us up the hill, and although it is a gentle rise it gives us the advantage.’ Petros continued, ‘The Lancers are first, the horsemen to the south ready to sweep in from the flank. We have five hundred archers who can quickly put four times that number of arrows into the sky. We can rain death upon any before they impale themselves upon our spears. Surely Zelfos we cannot be defeated this day?’ He took a deep breath and felt his pulse surge in triumph and pride.
‘It is a hard to see that any can stand long against us my Lord.’ Zelfos spoke honestly for the dull spark of humanity which remained within him was awed by the power which stood ready to do their bidding. At that moment he lifted his eyes and caught sight of the eagles circling high above. He shivered uncontrollably as though some greater power looked down upon his smallness.
‘Those eagles do not bode well my Lord, that is the only omen which seems to stand against us.’ He spoke with a quiver in his voice which he found he could not disguise. The king was immediately irritated. He did not want anything to upset this great feeling of superior strength and power which burned so mightily within his chest.
‘I wish you would stop worrying yourself over those damn birds. They have been with us many days. They do nothing but circle, perhaps they wait for carrion, I do not know, but should they come lower I have given orders to the Captain of the Archers to shoot them from the sky. He has six men ready at all times for this. They can do little but foul upon us from up there, and I am sure we will survive such a deadly attack.’ He spoke with great sarcasm and Zelfos bristled angrily at his words but spoke no further. The king’s steward standing to one side noticed once more Zelfos’ narrowed eyes and superior demeanour and felt a shudder of fear; he wondered why his King could not see the evil within this loathsome sorcerer.
At that moment a cry went up.
‘One is coming, the eagle, it travels fast. Shoot it down.’
The king and Zelfos watched in fascination as a huge eagle swooped above them. It had flown in from the east, low down and not from those circling high above. The rush of its mighty wings cowed many of those who watched and its huge talons which could be clearly seen sent a shiver through them all.
As it passed overhead a volley of arrows rose quickly toward it but none came close for it was still too high and travelled too quickly. Indeed the only damage came when two men died further down the slope as the deadly shafts fell back to earth amongst them.
‘It carries a rider!’
The call sent a chill through Zelfos, as King Petros stared heavenward with renewed interest at the majestic creature. Sure enough he could see a tiny figure perched upon its back and some deeper sense told him and all who watched that this was no ordinary eagle, and those higher up were likewise the bearers of some power which till then had been dismissed too easily.
Zelfos resisted the temptation to say as much to his king and indeed it was not necessary for they both knew what the other thought.
The eagle put on a great show. It swooped and circled as though looking for some prey. The whole vast army watched in awe as it moved about unchallenged above them, shrieking and flapping its enormous wings, with talons extended in a mighty show of strength, until it moved a little north and toward the tree line where the many wagons carrying the provisions and water barrels were arranged well back from the battlefront. It circled there three times, and then with a final shriek climbed high and flew fast back toward the ruin of Fellonshead which stood but three leagues distant on the southern edge of the forest.
The mighty bird was last seen as it disappeared into the fallen stones and trees which marked the lost city of the Edenwhood, and Zelfos found he could not restrain himself further.
‘That bird had reason for such a show. It has carried some knowledge to our enemy.’
The King swore and did his best to return his previous state of mind, but he could not. Once more it seemed that Zelfos understood some deeper things which passed him by. With another loud oath he called for his commander and in short time the giant Leander was before him.
*
Rema laid out his plan. The others listened in silence and slowly came to see the genius of it. There was no dissent and it was agreed. Anderlorn stood with Sylvion. The pair had met the night before with some little awkwardness, but both had soon won the other’s respect and knew that the battle before them would, if won, set right past troubles and deep sorrows. On it hung the hopes of all in Revelyn who wished for peace and justice. They had both pledged service to this great cause and to a lasting peace between their peoples henceforth. But each knew that much sorrow must come to pass before they could finally set to right what history had left in its wake.
Goodman Cantor was there and three of his best riders, Griffin, Remur and the wonderfully graceful Clarynda were to lead the highlanders. Reigin too was to ride with them. His unmatched ability would make the difference in the dangerous task which Rema had set them.
Cordia and Rhynos had petitioned Elder Anderlorn to ride with the Edenwhood, and they too were present. Cordia stood with Reigin and the delight each had with the other was obvious to all despite the coming battle.
Scion and Ofeigr stood side by side and listened in sombre silence. Serenna stood alone. She grieved for many things, but knew in her heart that her grief would be greatly multiplied that day or the next, but her heart was steadfast in resolve. She would give of her best and accept the death which was to come. Her eyes caught Rema’s at the end of his speaking, as he stood up and took breath and waited for a challenge to his plan. None came, and he saw this lovely friend of his childhood and his youth watching him. She smiled in such a beautiful way, and her eyes seemed full of tears and sorrow. He smiled back and nodded. He was about to say some words of encouragement for he knew she was deeply sad and he feared for her, but Sylvion was then at his side and took his arm as though she wanted his attention. When he turned back Serena was no longer watching.
‘I will do as you say Rema,’ Sylvion spoke quietly, ‘but I know that this blade I wield will turn the battle for us. You must let me use it and not wait till we have lost too many good men.’
Rema held her hands. ‘Sylvion I will not let you be lost. We fight for you. If you die then there is no other to take the throne. You will use the blade, but how it works when all about can be held in its thrall, both ours and theirs causes me great disquiet. I ask that you do not use it before I give the order.’ He looked deep into her eyes and saw her struggle with this authority, but with an effort she saw the wisdom of his words and so agreed.
‘I will wait for your command Rema,’ she replied, but in that moment he suddenly doubted her ability to do so. She continued as he struggled with this thought. ‘I fear for my Equin now. I will lead them out. They have need of my presence, of this I am sure.’
‘You will lead them out.’ Rema agreed. ‘But then Sylvion you must let them go.’ And so he stood tall and spoke for the final time to those who waited for his command.
‘Come, let us go to war and give of our best. The cause is just.’ He held his strange bow above his head, and spoke with a powerful conviction.
‘For Revelyn, AlGiron and Queen Sylvion. For Justice and better times for us all.’
Then they all held their weapons aloft and gave a great cry, repeating some of Rema’s fine words as they saw fit. And so it was sealed. Though small in number they would go to war against the greatest army which any in the land had seen or dreamt of in half an age, and dark and evil forces which had never been known since Revelyn had existed.
*
‘Captain Leander, what knowledge of our enemy?’ King Petros inquired of his giant commander, as he stood once more before his tent having just taken some small refreshment. He was looking out across the plains which stretched off to the east all the way to the Eastern Upthrust which stood quite clearly before them. He turned to face Leander who saluted in the manner of all Revelyn soldiers in the field, bringing a right fisted hand across his chest to a
place above the heart.
‘We are well presented desire, and ready for battle. The enemy, if one can call them that, or perhaps some part of those that oppose us are at present hidden in the ruins of Fellonshead. Two gatherers spied them out last night. One did not return. The force there is small but has some creatures amongst it which the gatherers could not properly explain.’ He was about to continue when the King’s steward, ever vigilant, interrupted.
‘Excuse me sira but the enemy has taken the field.’
Both Petros and Leander turned to face the plain. In the distance below the ruins of Fellonshead a small force had emerged and was taking position opposite them.
‘Distance Leander?’ Petros demanded.
‘Less than three leagues from where we stand my Lord, about one and half from our front line. Well out of arrow range at this moment.’ The commander eyed the enemy and made quick and accurate judgement of numbers and distances.
‘Mostly foot soldiers at present. Now some creatures. Not horses.’ He paused then swore softly, not in fear but amazement. ‘They are cats, bigger than the sabrecat, much bigger, as big as a horse. Never seen such a creature desire. They are ridden. Fearful beasts.’
All in the king’s vast army watched with curiosity but little fear as the force opposite them slowly took up position. They felt confident in their great numbers despite the strange foe which confronted them. Until one sharp eyed Lancer who was closer than the rest suddenly cried out.
‘They are Wolvers, all of them Wolvers!’ A ripple of fear ran through the front lines and was transmitted like a pebble thrown into a pond throughout the other waiting soldiers who could not see so clearly.
This news was quickly relayed to their commander who informed he king.
