by Jon Bender
“Where is the traitor now?” Corin asked.
“He’s dead. We killed him,” Jaxom replied.
“Good. You saved me the trouble of publicly removing his head,” Corin said. “Alimar helped you?”
“If he had not been there, we probably would not be talking about it now,” Jaxom said.
“I suppose I have him to thank for all these creatures flying about our heads as well?” Corin said, sounding annoyed that he owed so much to a man he did not know.
“Yes, you do,” Celia said. “We would not have held as long as we did without them.”
Corin regarded her for a moment. “We will see about how to properly repay your death mage, brother. For now, we have to finish up here. Celia, take a small unit of the guard and retrieve the wagons. We will need the supplies they have by dawn, and the longer we wait, the more men will die from their wounds.”
“There is more,” Jaxom cut in.
“What more can there be?” Corin said.
“Before Serin died, he told us that Or’Keer was attacking Ale’adar tonight. He boasted that he was to rule there in the dark god’s name once we and the Southerners had destroyed each other,” Jaxom replied.
“We have no proof that what Serin told you is true,” Nelix said. “He could simply have been trying to goad you. We will send scouts to check on the situation in the capital. For now, it changes nothing. If Or’Keer has captured Ale’adar, we will simply take it back.”
“Nelix is right,” Corin said. “Celia, why are you still here? I gave you a command.”
Celia snapped a fist to chest and turned to go, but changed her mind at the last second. Leaning over, she kissed Jaxom on the cheek then did the same to Corin. It was one of the rare times that Jaxom got to see his stoic friend flustered. The proud king glanced around to see how many had seen the exchange. The ever-present Guard, who always had at least one eye on their King, were smiling and even Nelix was suppressing a chuckle.
“What are you slack jaws grinning at?” Corin yelled. For her part, Celia practically skipped to her horse before climbing into the saddle. Two of the mounted Guard, who were still smiling broadly, followed her as she rode north to find the wagon train. “She’s going to pay for that,” Corin said to Jaxom.
“No, she’s not,” Jaxom replied. “If you try, she’ll only do worse.”
“You’re right. A man should pick his battles,” Corin said with a note or resignation in his voice. Corin shook Jaxom’s hand before returning to his own horse, conferring with Nelix.
A sound behind Jaxom caused him to turn. He was solidly knocked to the ground as a soft body underlined with hard muscle collided with him. Adriana lay on top of him kissing him for a long time. She came up once for a breath before kissing him again, her long hair coming undone and draping over his face. Finally, she sat back, straddling his hips. Jaxom heard someone clearing his throat. Looking up, he found Brenin staring down at them with an amused look on his face.
“Glad you made it, my friend,” Jaxom said to the archer from his undignified position.
“And you, Jaxom. I can see that you two are busy, so if you don’t mind, Adriana, I will give our report to the king,” he said.
Adriana nodded, and Brenin left them. Jaxom tried to stand but was pushed back down for another kiss. When finished, she finally allowed him to climb to his feet. “How long do you think it will take to get our tent up?” she asked.
Jaxom smiled at her and looked out past the Guard. The battle was winding down as more and more of the Southerners retreated or surrendered on the spot. There was still much to be done, but the two of them had done their share. “Not long,” he replied.
As the last group of enemy soldiers laid down their weapons, a cheer erupted from the victors. Even winning, Jaxom could not help but feel what a waste the whole thing had been. If what Alimar said was true, the Southerners had only been pawns in Or’Keer’s game, tricked into fighting Ale’adaria to weaken both their kingdoms. In the end, the only true winner of this battle had been the dark god.
Chapter 30
Brenin and Alimar left the day after the battle to find out if Serin had spoken the truth. The archer returned alone, explaining that Alimar had some business to attend to in the North. Brenin gave the king Cribble’s written report, and Corin read it out loud to Jaxom. Cribble described the battle that had been fought and won within the palace. The Commander of the Guard had died in the fighting, and as the next in command, Cribble had assumed the role until the king returned.
Two weeks later, the battered army reached the capital. Seeing the walls of Ale’adar as they crested the final hill seemed to breathe new life into the men, who perked up and widened their stride. They were greeted by a crowd of cheering people waving and offering food to the tired soldiers. Corin instructed Nelix to get the men and prisoners situated, and to have a messenger send for the priests to aid the more seriously wounded. Corin pulled Jaxom to the side and ordered him to go get some rest. Not arguing, Jaxom led Adriana to the palace and through the stable gates.
Once inside the stable yard, the boy who had handled his mounts previously looked up from where he was pouring water into a trough. Seeing that the other stable hands had found work to do elsewhere, he sighed and walked over to where Jaxom and Adriana had dismounted. Adriana took her bow and quiver from her durgen’s saddle. “No dragons today, Magus?” the boy asked.
Jaxom could not help but smile. “Not today. This horse is of the living variety and will need the normal tending.”
The boy made a show of inspecting the animal, pretending to doubt that what Jaxom said was true. Finally, acting satisfied, he took up the reins of his horse and Adriana’s risen mount and led them away. As Adriana moved towards the door to the bathing rooms, something stopped Jaxom in his tracks. The durgen was under his command to do as Adriana instructed, but he had never changed that command to follow the boy. The young man simply led the risen away as if expecting that it would follow, and it had. On a slight suspicion, he performed the test that Darian had shown him weeks ago, directing the unformed energy at the boy. He felt that energy being drawn in then actively pulling from Jaxom. The young stable hand stopped midstride, confused and looking about for the source of the strange sensation. Jaxom stopped the flow of energy. Adriana paused near the door, waiting for him as he walked over to the boy and placed a hand on his shoulder.
“What is your name, son?” Jaxom asked.
The boy looked up at Jaxom with irritation. “My name is Laiden, and I am not your son,” he replied with a sternness not often found in one so young.
“My mistake, Laiden,” Jaxom said. “How old are you?”
“I will be fifteen in two months,” he said, now more curious than angry. “Why?”
“This is the third time you have helped me out. I thought I should at least know a little about you,” Jaxom said. If he was a budding death mage, as Jaxom suspected, this was not the place to tell him. “My name is Jaxom.”
Laiden looked at him with suspicion. “Okay Jaxom, but I have work to do,” he said, indicating the reins in his hands. It was as much of a dismissal as one in his station could give to a mage. Smiling, Jaxom bowed slightly to the boy, who bowed awkwardly in return before moving toward the stables.
“What was all that about?” Adriana asked.
“Nothing, I just never learned the boy’s name.”
From the skeptical gleam in her eyes, Jaxom could tell that she did not believe him, but she let the matter go as she continued into the palace. Following her in, he could tell by her straight back and rigid step she was not happy, but he did not want to air his suspicions about the boy until he was sure. Jaxom followed Adriana as she marched through the halls, even though it was apparent she had no idea where she was going. Finally, she accosted a passing servant.
“Where are the baths?” she demanded.
The servant mumbled directions, and Adriana stalked off. Jaxom, wise enough not to say anything, quickly followed behind. He k
new he should feel bad about making her angry, but if anything, he thought she was even more beautiful like this. They passed the bathing attendant on the way in, who gave them a slight nod. Finding the first available room, Jaxom gestured grandly as if inviting her to dance. Sticking her nose high into the air, she maintained her silence and walked by as if he were hardly worth her notice. He chuckled quietly at her display before moving to close the door behind her.
“And where do you think you are going?” she asked, placing a hand on the door.
“To find a bath of my own,” he replied.
“There is room enough for two,” she said, grabbing him by the front of his shirt and pulling him in before slamming the door closed.
They did not spend the whole day locked away in the constantly warm waters, but he was not surprised to find that hours had passed when they finally emerged. Jaxom felt more drained than when they had gone in, but happily so. Dressed in clean clothes and washed, once they had got around to that, they moved to the nearest dining room where they both had their first decent meal in weeks. Afterwards, they went to his rooms where he unbelted his sword, placing it in its customary spot, and was pleasantly surprised when she placed her bow and mace next it. Somehow, it seemed as if that simple arrangement represented what they had become to one another. Dressing down, they both crawled into his bed, and with more than an hour of daylight left, both fell quickly asleep.
Jaxom was awakened by a knocking at the door, instantly angry at being disturbed after just getting to sleep. Adriana moaned and rolled away as he got up and walked to the outer room, opening the door to find one of the Guard standing there.
“King Corin has requested your presence, Magus.”
“The king said he would not need me till tomorrow,” Jaxom replied annoyed.
“You arrived yesterday, Magus,” the guard said, confused.
Jaxom looked to the small window that let light into the room and noticed that it was at the wrong angle for the afternoon. They had slept through the night and into the morning. “Very well, let the King know I will be there shortly,” Jaxom said.
When he walked back into the bedroom, Adriana was tucking a white shirt into dark brown pants. “I have not slept so well in weeks,” she said.
“It seems that we have hardly slept at all since we first met,” Jaxom replied, dressing as well. “There is no need for you to come if you don’t want to.”
“What else am I going to do? Wander around the palace? Besides, I think I have earned the right to be at the meeting,” she said.
She was right, of course. From the moment they had entered Teriken Forest, she had taken on the fight as her own. “Then we should get going,” Jaxom said.
Nodding, she reached into the cabinet to retrieve her mace and handed his skull pommeled sword to him. As he belted on the enchanted weapon, he leaned over, giving her a small kiss before leading the way.
Two of Corin’s personal Guard stood on either side of the entrance, and both saluted him. Corin was in his usual place at the head of the table, speaking quietly to Nelix. Scattered around the room were all the people Jaxom had come to consider friends. Near the table, Tamrick was speaking to Darian with a very serious look on his face. Off to the side Da’san was conversing with Cribble and Brenin, who were enjoying a glass of wine from a pitcher on a nearby table. Near them, stood Tamrick’s sister, Danika, Brenin, and Celia. The archer said something funny that sent the two women into fits of laughter. Tucked into the corner alone, with his arms crossed, was Alimar. “Just because people have begun calling you the hero of Ale’adaria does not mean you can make your king wait,” Corin said in a stern tone.
He had no intention of letting his friend get the better of him this time. “Forgive me, Your Majesty,” Jaxom said, bowing deeply. “I shall not let the title go to my head.” Jaxom heard someone scoff at his display. Jaxom guessed that Cribble was responsible, and his suspicions were confirmed when Corin glared at the man. Cribble who cleared his throat uncomfortably.
“You have no idea what I am talking about, do you?” Corin asked with a sly grin.
“None,” Jaxom replied.
Corin burst out into his deep belly laugh. “Of course, you don’t. If you would spend more time paying attention to what is going on around here, and less lounging about in tubs and beds, you might have an idea,” he said. Adriana lifted her chin slightly and fixed the king with a withering glare. Now it was Corin’s turn to look uncomfortable. “Well, since you have been otherwise… occupied,” he said tactfully, “stories have spread throughout the city about how you conducted yourself these past weeks. You have earned a reputation.”
Jaxom shrugged at the statement but said nothing. Corin straighted and continued on when it was apparent he was not going receive a reply. “That is enough of singing our friend’s praises. Many in this room deserve laurels, but I am afraid there is still work to do. General Nelix, please update us about the army’s condition.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Nelix said in his usual stoic tone. “Currently, we have twenty-eight thousand men who are battle ready, and another five will be fit in two months. Four thousand prisoners are currently under guard. Many of our supplies were used in the campaign. Though we have enough food to last another two weeks, we have to send men home to their holdings soon, or there will be nothing left to eat.”
“For now, keep whatever men you need to guard the prisoners and send the rest home. I am sure their families are eager to have them back,” Corin said. “We will need to construct a temporary holding area for the prisoners, but I want them well treated. Send an envoy to the Southerners to discuss terms for their release. From what Magus Alimar told us, it is likely that individuals loyal to Or’Keer were responsible for the attack. We may find allies where before we had enemies.”
Nelix listened, showing no emotion until the mention of making allies with those responsible for the deaths of thousands of his soldiers. His face tightened, which in the General’s case was an outright objection. Jaxom understood his feelings, but he also realized that Corin was already thinking about the future. The kingdom’s weakened state left them vulnerable, not only to Or’Keer, but also to others who might decide to take advantage of the situation. If the Southerners had been manipulated by the dark god, they had common ground on which to build an alliance, as long as Or’Keer no longer had influence over their court.
“Now, for the mages,” Corin said looking from Darian to Tamrick and his sister. “How many of age are left?”
“Our losses were heavy. We have less than sixty capable, Your Majesty,” Tamrick said. “It will take us several generations to reach the strength we once had.”
Corin nodded as if expecting the news. “Speaking of traitors, have you elected a new leader?”
“In a way, Your Majesty. An almost unanimous vote of all the mages decided that there shall no longer be only one. The three of us here have been elected to the new council and are now responsible for the castle’s leadership,” Danika said.
“I am glad to see that the mages came to a decision so quickly,” Corin replied before turning to regard the priest. “Da’san, I asked you here to learn how the temples intend to move forward, knowing the dark god is growing in strength.”
Da’san met Jaxom’s eyes sheepishly, almost as if there was something he wanted to say. “If a similar attack happens within the city, we will help in the defense. Beyond that, the temples will offer no more aid than they have in the past,” Da’san said.
“In other words, they will hide behind their walls, hoping it will all just go away,” Corin said, his voice cold with anger.
“I am afraid so, Your Majesty. Not all of us agree with this decision, but we are the minority,” Da’san said, looking at the floor in shame.
“Raise your head. You have earned the respect of those here and many more.” Corin said his voice warming.
Da’san met the king’s eyes. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Corin waved
away the gratitude. “We will simply do this without them. It would have been nice to have the temples to counter the priests loyal to Or’Keer, but no matter. I already have plans for new strategies that will give us an advantage,” he said. “Magus Alimar, as a show of his allegiance, has agreed to provide those flying monstrosities to our cause. He has ten available now and promises more to come in the future. They will form a new force of scouts that will be led by Brenin and Lady Adriana.” Brenin looked shocked while Adriana seemed not affected, her expression suggesting that the promotion was nothing less than expected. “What of it, Captains? Do you accept the responsibility?”
“Ye… yes, Your Majesty,” Brenin stammered. Adriana nodded her head briskly.
“Good, you will work together to form two separate units under each of your commands,” Corin said. “Commander Cribble, how does the Guard stand?”
Cribble perked up. “Three hundred and thirty-two of the thousand we had, Your Majesty. Our losses were severe. If it were not for Da’san, we would have been wiped out to the man.” Again, the priest shifted as if to speak up but said nothing. He wondered what had happened to make his friend act so strangely.
Corin shook his head slowly. The Guard had lost two thirds of its number. What was left could barely patrol the city let alone defend it. “The recruitment and training of new men is a priority,” he said, looking to Nelix and Cribble who nodded together. “General. I want you to help the Commander find applicants for the Guard from amongst the army. I am sure many have recently proven capable of the honor should they want it. Then send word to the holdings to begin recruiting and training of their own.”
“It will take time to gather and train so many men your majesty,” Nelix said. “But I will see to it.”
“We need to refill our ranks as quickly as possible if we are to be prepared for what is coming. Or’Keer will not give up on us so easily. This was simply his opening move. While we were occupied with the Southerners, the situation in the rest of the kingdoms has only gotten worse. Now there are rumors that a true army of this dark god is gathering in the turmoil, with no one able to oppose it,” Corin said.
