by Lance Wilson
“It’s going to be alright, you just stumbled upon a stone in the road, and it means nothing. Your goal lies far beyond this doesn’t it. I’m sure you’ll overcome this, you’ll fly again soon” Mellyruna says to himself in a whisper knowing that Griffin is too strong to allow this to stop him.
Chapter 14
Nagamasa
A rough weathered hand lightly brushes the tops of wheat as a man walks through the tall wheat towards a woman and child. In the background can be heard the faint laughter of a child. The man dressed in the Eastern elvish soldier uniform, is General Nagamasa. He quickly leaves this pleasant vision to return to the lands of the Vandalis elves where the armor-suited General stands amidst the mud and burned forest, cloaked in a fur cape that protects him from the cold winter air. The General contemplates the battle that is to take place. Turning to join the troops, a small Robin catches his eye as it sits on a bare twig and then flies away. The General Nagamasa smiles, watching as though a remembrance of his life as a prince when life was peaceful and innocent, but he is quickly brought back to the reality of the cold day… and to the soldiers who await his signal to begin the battle. As the cavalry rides past Nagamasa, soldiers are lining up for battle. Nagamasa walks along the ranks of the army. The soldiers rise as he approaches, looking at him with great respect and admiration. At the top of the hill, overlooking the battle field, sits Lord Oda sits atop his horse, surrounded by the Northern Praetorian guards. Back on the battlefield, Nagamasa approaches and addresses Quintus and Valerius.
“Lean and hungry. Still nothing?” Nagamasa says looking out into the cold winter day
“Not a sign.” Quintus says shaking his head.
“How long has he been gone?” Nagamasa asks taking a deep breath beginning to worry
“Nearly 2 hours.” Quintus says lowering his head.
“Will they fight, sir?” Valerius wonders his first time in battle now.
“We shall know soon enough.” Nagamasa says knowing that this is just the calm before the storm.
“Soldier, I ordered you to move those catapults forward, they’re out of range.” Quintus says growling at the soldiers readying the catapults.
“Range is good.” Nagamasa says raising his hand to stop the order to move them.
“The danger to the cavalry…” Quintus begins but is stopped by a glare from Nagamasa
“It is acceptable, agreed?” Nagamasa says knowing there will be looses, but this way the losses will be minimal zed.
In the distant, the cries of the Vandales can be heard—“ihr seid hunde” (you are dogs!). A horse rides from the Vandales line
With a headless horseman on its back… . ]
“They say no.” Nagamasa says recognizing the headless horseman; it was the ambassador he sent 2 hours ago to make peace.
The white and bloodied horse rides within the ranks of the elven soldiers. A Vandales comes to the forefront of the Vandales lines, waving the horseman’s head, tossing it into the mud.
“Ihr seid verfluchte hunde! (You are damned dogs!)” The Vandales chieftain shouts at Lord Oda, this is the problem with clan wars in the north.
As the Vandales calls out his cry, his mangy band of barbarians emerges from the forest, shaking and waving their spears and shields, ready to fight.
“People should know when they’re conquered.” Quintus says growling; he like Nagamasa is from the east and not from the cold north they fight in now.
“Would you, Quintus? Would I?” Nagamasa says remembering his brother Attonnan, and how he fought even as their land was taken from beneath them.
Nagamasa bends down and picks up a handful of dirt, bringing it to his nose to smell. He looks to the side and sees his hound, a wolf found in the north that took to him. Its yellow eyes gaze through its pitch-black coat the wolf eagerly watching him. They steady their gaze as though
Communicating with each other. Nagamasa rises and mounts his horse, turning to Quintus and Valerius.
“Strength and honor.” Nagamasa says smiling at them.
“Strength and honor.” Quintus replies putting his fist over his heart
“Strength and honor.” Valerius says smiling at the both of them.
“At my signal, unleash hell.” Nagamasa says and takes off to the front lines. His wolf breaks free from the handler and runs along side the horse
“Load the catapults; infantry form up for advance… archers ready.” Quintus shouts preparing for the battle to come.
Nagamasa rides up into the forest where the cavalry await, his wolf running closely at his side. Nagamasa stops and addresses the men.
“Three weeks from now I will be harvesting my crops, imagine where you will be and it will be so. Hold the lines, stay with me. If you find yourself alone riding in green fields with the sun on your face, do not be troubled, for you are in Elysium and you’re already dead! Brothers, what we do in life echoes in eternity.” Nagamasa says and smiles at his men.
Barely seen, a soldier hands Nagamasa his helmet. Nagamasa turns to an archer and nods, giving the signal to “unleash hell” and a flaming arrow is shot through the sky. Back on the battlefield, the flaming arrow is witnessed and all hell breaks loose. Catapults fire, archers let loose, flaming arrows, defiant cheers from the mob. As Nagamasa leads the thundering cavalry down through the trees, shouts can be heard from Nagamasa and his men. The Legion advancing, then tortoise formation, then barbarians charge. Nagamasa’s’ wolf leaps through a wall of flames. The cavalry reaches the barbarians. Swords are flying as they attack each other. Nagamasa charges at a Vandales, slicing his head off as his sword becomes impaled in a tree. Nagamasa’s’ horse is felled when a Vandales thrusts a lance in its path causing Nagamasa to fall hard, into the mud, amongst the soldiers. Nagamasa looks stunned, but as a Vandales attacks him with his axe, Nagamasa parries each thrust before lashing out and cutting the Vandales’s legs from under him. The Vandales collapses. Another Vandales charges Nagamasa, who is still on the ground. Nagamasa manages to slide past the oncoming sword thrust. He punches the soldier, than stabs him. He climbs to his feet, still stabbing at the wounded Vandales. Nagamasa starts running, but collides with another legionary. Nagamasa turns towards the startled legionary, who can
Only stand there agape as Nagamasa raises his sword in a feral scream.
Vandales warlord finishes off a legionary, but before he has time to recover, another legionary rushes and stabs him in the side. The Vandales stumbles, but does not fall. Another soldier strikes him from the other side, but he still does not fall. Finally, a soldier strikes him from behind, a vicious thrust from above into his neck. Nagamasa punches a Vandales twice, before slashing him across the chest with his sword. Nagamasa hears another Vandales’s scream coming from behind. Startled, he turns to see a Vandales, whose clothes and chain mail are aflame, charging towards him with an axe. Nagamasa parries the first swing, but goes down. As the Vandales raises his axe for the final swing, a charging cavalryman rushes by with a timely swing of his sword, and the Vandales falls, saving Nagamasa from death. Another Vandales sees Nagamasa and charges, but only to be stopped in mid-swing by the Wolf
And just like a flash of lightning the battle that so quickly started has just as suddenly stopped Nagamasa and another legionary gathering themselves between the standards. The brutal battle is over, with legionaries wandering, slaying wounded Barbarians.
“Roma Victa!” Nagamasa shouts raising his sword high above his head.
Other legionaries raise their swords and cheer. Nagamasa stands amongst the dead and wounded, the remaining Elven soldiers at his side as he raises his sword and, exhausted, again cries out for all to hear.
At the top of the hill, Chieftain Lord Oda slowly leans his head back in relief of the victory.
Hours later and not far away at a roadway, guarded armored wagon is slowly moving along
. In it, Commodus and Maeraer, as they make their way to their father, Lord Oda.
“Do you think he’s really dying?” Commodus asks his eyes looking out the window
“He’s been dying for ten years.” Maeraer says his voice soft and velvety
“If he weren’t really dying he wouldn’t have sent for us.” Commodus says wondering what the larger plan of his father is.
“Maybe he just misses us.” Maeraer says not really caring, her father had sent her away since she was found to be a profit; she cannot fathom why her father would bring her back.
“And the Senators… he wouldn’t have summoned them if… .” He says but is stopped, true he was never close to father, but he always wanted some attention, and now to think that it might be too late.
“Peace, Commodus. After two weeks on the road your incessant scheming is hurting my head.” Maeraer says and leans back in the seat.
“He’s made his decision, he’s going to announce it! He will name me… . The first thing I shall do… when… is honor him with games worthy of his majesty.” Commodus says thinking of how the arena will fill with cheers in his fathers honor.
“For now, the first thing I shall do is have a hot bath.” Maeraer says and smiles at her little brother.
There is a knock on the wagon as it comes to a halt. An unseen attendant calls out—“Your Highness” as Commodus steps out.
“We look to be almost there, Sire.” The attendant says looking around.
“Where’s the Emperor?” Commodus asks one of the many battle weary soldiers near by.
“At the front, Sire. They’ve been gone for 19 days. The wounded are still coming in.” The soldier says with almost a sneer seeing his perfect clothing and perfectly groomed hair. Pampered palace brat is the only thing he can see.
Commodus snaps his fingers and his personal horse is quickly brought to him. Commodus mounts his horse, looks back at Maeraer and hesitantly asks—“kiss?” to which she kisses her hand and tosses her hand his way
On battle field a light snow continues to fall. Nagamasa has found his sword impaled in the tree during battle. He removes the sword and as he turns, Lord Oda walks up amidst the soldiers as they stand and bow in his honor. Lord Oda walks to Nagamasa
“You have proved your valor yet again, Nagamasa. Let us hope, for the last time.” Lord Oda says smiling at his most valued general
“There is no one left to fight, Sire.” Nagamasa says with a chuckle, he has fought for Lord Oda most of his adult life now.
“There is always someone left to fight, Nagamasa. Tell me, how can I reward my greatest General?” Lord Oda says and places a hand on Nagamasa’s shoulder
The battle weary Nagamasa, face splattered with the blood of his enemy, body drained from the exertion of the battle, thinks
Momentarily, remembering the robin on the tree branch.
“Let me go home?” Nagamasa says thinking it is time to stop the fighting, time to settle down, start his family
“Ahh. Home.” Lord Oda says lowering his hand and looks around.
Lord Oda and Nagamasa, walk together through the debris of the battle, amidst the soldiers who are cheering as they pass.
“They honor you, Lord Oda.” Nagamasa says and smiles at his friend
“It is you, Nagamasa. They honor you.” Lord Oda says knowing full and well the troops are honoring there general, not there lord today.
Nagamasa stops momentarily and raises his sword overhead. The army cheers even loader. In the distant, Commodus and his guards atop their horses, witnesses Nagamasa with his father, hears the cheers and quickly races down to them.
“Have I missed it? Have I missed the battle?” Commodus asks eager to meet his father.
“You have missed the war.” Oda says with a slight chuckle.
“Congratulations. I shall sacrifice 100 bulls to honor your triumph.” Commodus says a bright smile on his face eager to win his fathers approval.
“Save the bulls, honor Nagamasa. He won the battle.” Oda says and places his hand back on Nagamasa’s shoulder.
“General.” Commodus says a bit of contempt in his voice
“Highness.” Nagamasa says and give him the traditional salute
“Rome salutes you and I embrace you as a brother. It has been too long old friend.” Commodus says and actually embraces him.
Oda begins to take a few steps away but stumbles quickly catching his balance. Commodus quickly offers his arm to his father but Oda brushes it off.
Commodus appears embarrassed that his father would not accept his help, and looks at Nagamasa with envy and scorn. Oda gets on his horse and Nagamasa quickly hands his sword to Quintus while he assists Oda in settling onto his horse.
“So much for the glory of the clan” he says lightly to Nagamasa as he chuckles
It is later in night and the camp is filled with music and laughter. Nagamasa enters, washes his hands in a bowl of water, seemingly stained with the blood of the battle. Nagamasa looks into the crowd and sees Marcus and Commodus within. He then moves toward Quintus and Valerius
“General!” Quintus says smiling at his commander.
“Still alive?” Valerius says smiling at Nagamasa
“Still alive.” Nagamasa says chuckling
“The gods must have a sense of humor.” Quintus says placing a hand on Nagamasa’s shoulder
“The gods must love you.” Valerius says and laughs out loud
“Back to your barracks, General, or to Rome?” Quintus asks cocking his head.
“Home. Find a wife, make a son, have a harvest.” Nagamasa says his eyes glazing over at the idea.
“Nagamasa the farmer. I still have difficulty imagining that.” Quintus says shaking his head.
“You know, Quintus, dirt cleans off a lot easier than blood.” Nagamasa says smiling at his friends.
“Here he is.” Commodus says as he begins to approach Nagamasa.
“Highness.” Nagamasa says with a polite bow.
“Senator Gaius, Senator Falco. Beware of Gaius, he will pour honeyed potion in your ear and you will wake up one day and all you’ll say is Republic! Republic! Republic!” Commodus says making introductions to Nagamasa and the two senators that are with him.
“Well, Rome WAS founded as a Republic.” Gaius says smiling at Nagamasa and Commodus
“Yes and in a republic, the senate has the power. But Senator Gaius is not influenced by that, of course.” Commodus says smiling at him but there is a kind of low seething anger in the voice.
“Where do you stand General? Emperor or Senate?” Gaius asks looking hard at Nagamasa.
“A soldier has the advantage of being able to look his enemy in the eye, Senator.” Nagamasa says and smiles at him.
“You know, with an army behind you, you could be extremely political.” Gaius says looking at him knowing that Nagamasa could easily be a force in politics.
“I warned you, but I shall save you. Senators. I’m going to need good men like you.” Commodus says leading Nagamasa away from the senators.
“How may I be of service, Highness?” Nagamasa asks keeping his voice casual, but a red flag quickly flies up in his head.
You are a man who knows what it is to command. You give your orders, the orders are obeyed, and the battle is won. But these senators, they scheme and squabble and flatter and deceive. Nagamasa we must save Rome from the politicians. Can I count on you, when the time comes?” Commodus says placing his hand on Nagamasa’s shoulder, the grip a bit tighter then Nagamasa likes.
“Highness, when your father releases me I intend to return home.” Nagamasa says letting Commodus know exactly what his intentions are.
“Home, well no one has earned it more. Don’t get too comfortable—I may call on you before long. Maeraer is here�
�did you know? She has not forgotten you. And now you are the great man.” Commodus says smiling at him, he knows that Nagamasa and Maeraer met many times before, when he first came to the north to fight for her father.
Meanwhile back in Maeraer’s tent her and her maid are seen peering out from the tent to where Commodus and Nagamasa talk. Eyeing Nagamasa,
Maeraer murmurs “Nagamasa”. Quietly Oda enters the tent and they quickly stop when he catches their attention.
“If only you had been born a man. What a Lord you would have made.” Oda says looking over at his daughter
“Father” She says with a smile and tenderly kisses him on the cheek.
“You would have been strong. I wonder, would you have been just.” Oda says smiling at his daughter; she is darker now and seductive. Much like her mother.
“I would have been what you taught me to be.” She says still smiling at him.
“Oh. How was your journey?” Oda asks and sits across from her now.
“Long—uncomfortable. Why have I come?” Maeraer asks knowing that this is a matter of business and not reminiscing. Her father like many others has found the value of her as an advisor.
“I need your help… with your brother.” Oda says taking a deep breath.
“Of course.” Maeraer says lowering her head.
“He loves you, he always has and. he will need you now, more than ever. Enough of politics, Let us pretend that you are a loving daughter and I am a good father.” Oda says knowing that he has many flaws with his daughter, but has loved her nonetheless, even if she was taken in war and not conceived in love.
“This is a pleasant fiction, isn’t it?” Maeraer says and smiles at him, at least he is admitting that he was wrong.
It is now later in the night, almost midnight as Oda sits in his tent hunched over his desk, writing on a tablet. Nagamasa enters and Oda hears him enter but does not look up.
“You sent for me Lord” Nagamasa says closing the flap on the tent behind him.
“Tell me again Nagamasa, why are we here?” Oda asks now straitening up from his desk.
