by Rick Brown
The enemy started climbing over the dead to get out of the hallway. I had no more gravel, so I threw my dagger again, hitting the few remaining men as they tried to squeeze out the doorway. "Whilhoit! Report," I yelled down the stairs.
“Two of our men down, Sire.”
“Understood. Secure the doors while they are in retreat. Barad go up to the King’s bedroom and guard that door. That will allow Captain Trigg to guard from inside.”
Barad nodded in confirmation and sprinted up the stairs.
I followed Barad back upstairs as he took his place outside the door. I gave him a reassuring squeeze on his shoulder as Trigg and I went inside.
“Have they gone?” The king asked.
“No, just regrouping.”
“Lord Faluth, You’re a military man. What do you think is next,” I asked.
The lord thought for a moment, “Fire.”
“My thoughts as well. They don’t want us alive, and I estimate we killed maybe a third of their men.”
“A third?” asked Merret. “I thought you estimated that they had near one hundred men. How have we killed a third of them?”
“Not us,” Trigg interrupted. “Him,” He said as he nodded to me. “If we survive the night it is thanks to King Eberon and his magic.”
“Can your magic fight fire?” Stiven asked.
“I don’t know, it’s not something I’ve tried before.” I went over to a candle and stared at the flame, thinking about it for a moment. There is always water, but I don’t know how to just make water. Next to the candle was a snuffer, which gave me an idea. I created a shield around the fire, making it as tight as I could to the flame. I made it solid in my mind. After a second the flame burnt out, filling the small shield with smoke. I turned to the others to see them smiling.
“I’m not sure how well it will work if they fire a bunch of arrows at once, but at least we stand a chance. Captain Trigg, can you request Sergeant Whilhoit to have his men start patrolling the house looking for fire?”
"Yes, sire!" He said as he left the room. I grabbed the last of gravel and went to the window again. I swung it open and looked out ready to pop up my shield. It seemed like they learned their lesson. No one was visible outside the tree line. Within the trees, I could see fires being started. It was a long reach, but I began snuffing out their flames. I could hear their cursing from the window.
I ran to a room facing the front of the house and started snuffing the fires they had out on the lawn. There was no tree line here to protect their men. I once again threw my gravel and guided it out to their soldiers. You could hear their screams as the gravel tore through their ranks. As the soldiers started taking cover, and I let the gravel drop.
I could feel sweat running down my forehead and back. I sat on the floor for a moment and gasped for breath. Using this much magic was exhausting. I stood and returned to the king’s chamber. Barad looked concerned as I passed.
The king also looked worriedly at me as I went into the room. “Your Majesty, are you ok?”
“The use of magic takes a toll, I am growing weak,” I said as I slumped into a chair.
“How many of them remain?” asked Lord Faluth.
"I would estimate they are down to half. Maybe fewer. It was hard to tell how many I killed just now in the dark. Lord Faluth. Let's play our game of strategy again. You are attacking a house with overwhelming numbers. Somehow the house has not only repelled your attacks but took half your men while doing so. Fire doesn't appear to be an option. What do you do?"
The lord thought for a moment. "For now, I hold. Maybe request reinforcements. Possibly send out for magic users of my own." I nodded. It made sense. I looked at the window and could see some light finally shining through the slates in the shutters. Maybe with daylight, we can see what we're up against, I thought. Not that it would matter much. I’m spent.
Captain Trigg went to the window, opening the shutters just enough to peak through. “I can see movement in the trees. No one is exposing themselves outside the tree line.”
“Will you be able to do more magic,” Trigg asked.
I shook my head no. “Other than maybe knock down an arrow or two, no. From here on out we fight with steel.”
King Kendrick stood from his seat, a determined expression on his face. “Lord Faluth. Could I borrow a sword? I left mine at the palace.”
"I would like one too if you have another," Ryan piped in.
“Of course, we can find some downstairs,” Lord Faluth said, with a fatherly smile. I smiled with him. We all knew this was the end. It took courage to accept that and face it with dignity.
“I will need one as well,” Merret joined in.
“I guess I will too,” added Stiven with a sigh.
It was Trigg who stopped them from going downstairs. "If I may, gentlemen, let me send one of our men to collect your swords. The downstairs isn't secure. No reason to rush things." With that, the captain left to issue orders for swords to be brought up.
"Shame I don't have my family sword with me, I would have liked to hold it in battle. Still, at least this way it won't become a souvenir over someone's mantle." He walked over to me and put his hand on my shoulder. "I wish to apologize to you, my friend. You were my guest, and I've failed to protect you. To the contrary, it is you that have protected us."
"No need to apologize, Your Majesty. Without your acknowledgment, our cause was doomed. For that I am grateful."
Captain Trigg returned to the room carrying four swords. He handed them out to the men and then turned to me. “Sergeant Whilhoit has spotted a dust cloud on the horizon.”
“I see, did he say how long?”
“He estimated twenty minutes.”
Stiven looked confused. “Why do we fear a dust storm?”
"It's not a storm, Mr Waith, a dust cloud is caused by a lot of riders coming fast down a dirt road." I turned to Lord Faluth. "It looks like you were correct again. They've been waiting on reinforcements." He nodded in reply. "If you will excuse me, gentlemen, I think I will finish getting dressed."
I walked down the hall and returned to my room. I was still wearing only my pants. I put on my suit that had made at Crowler’s and knelt to make a quick prayer to Alynon, asking for a miracle.
Feeling better I rose and went back to the hall. Taking a deep breath, I walked over to Barad. "Ready to spill some blood?" I asked him.
“Hells, yes I am. You’ve been hogging all the action.”
“Well, the action was there, all you had to do was jump down the stairs into the middle of it.” I teased.
“I’m not jumping down the stairs. You know I’ve got a sore knee.” He said as he followed me down. “Besides, you were throwing all that magic stuff around. Man’s just not safe around you.”
“Whilhoit!” I called as I came to the bottom of the stairs. “Are your men ready?”
“Itching for action, Sire.”
"Today, I'm Lee," I told him. He just smiled.
“No, Sire. Today you are most definitely King.”
I gave his shoulder a squeeze and walked over to a soldier watching out a window.”
“So what are our friends outside doing?”
I'm not sure, but there was a lot of activity a few minutes ago, and now all is quiet."
“They must be readying for their reinforcements,” Whilhoit said as he walked up behind me.
“Likely they are, yes.” My eyes went to the sky looking for the dust cloud. It was close now, having turned off the highway and was coming down the road to Faluth’s house.
King Kendrick and the others came down the stairs. Kendrick looked ready for action. His eyes were hardened and his grip was on the pommel of his sword. He walked up to me. "Your Majesty, will you do me the honor of standing beside me as we confront these villains?"
“Nothing would please me more.”
The Soldiers opened the doors for us as we stepped out into the yard. The king and I stood shoulder to shoulder as we marched o
ut to meet our attackers. The yard was littered with the fallen. My magic overnight had hit more than I realized. There must have been thirty bodies scattered about. I turned my eyes to the road, watching for the arrival of the enemy.
“Good Gods!” Kendrick exclaimed as they came into view. Each man wearing the red colors of Vaelin and Colonel Smith leading their charge. Behind him rode Bri and Lenux. I stared stunned. Of all the options possible, I doubted this outcome most of all.
“Your Majesties,” Colonel Smith shouted as he rode up to us, his men surrounding the house. “Thank the gods you’re safe. We rode as fast as we could when we found out about the attack.”
“How did you find out about the attack?” asked Stiven as he stepped up behind us.
“It was King Eberon’s people that uncovered their plans.”
“Amazing,” King Kendrick stated as he turned to me. “Our debt to you continues to grow,”
“To be honest, I’m just grateful to be alive.” I looked for my friends and saw Bri fiercely hugging Barad. I had to smile at the show of affection. “That explains all the enemy activity a few minutes ago,” I continued. “Colonel they just retreated. I guess they were as surprised by your appearance as we were.”
The Colonel nodded to me. “I’ve already given orders to start a search of the area.” He started looking around the yard at the bodies. “Lord Faluth. I was not aware you had a cannon.”
“I do not, all the bodies before you were by virtue of King Eberon. It was he and his magic alone that saved our lives.”
“It sounds like there are many tales to tell. Let us return inside and find some wine,” King Kendrick ordered. A wise king, I smiled to myself.
I could almost feel the smugness as the medal on my chest grew warm. Alynon must have known all along that it was our own forces coming to help. He was going to be insufferable next time we met. Ah well.
Chapter 24
(Lee)
After a morning of celebration, King Kendrick decided we would return that afternoon. The ride back was a quiet one, which I appreciated immensely as I was exhausted after the previous night. I slept the entire trip back. I woke once to find I had slumped against an uncomfortable looking Ryan. Too bad for him the coach was full since Barad, Lenux, and Brianna had joined us. We now had the might of Colonel Smith’s army outside the wagons. There was no need for Barad to be on top of the carriage. A glance across the carriage showed that Brianna had a tight grip on his hand. So, I guess this is a thing now. I thought to myself. I leaned against the side of the carriage and was quickly asleep again.
After our arrival back I found a bath had been readied in my room. Once again I said a blessing for the staff. Leaning back in the hot water, I stuck my toes out and wiggled them in happiness. I was just glad to still be alive. I have faced death many times on the battlefield, but so far I had always come out alive, thanks to Alynon. I briefly dipped my head below the surface and scrubbed my hair. I came back up with a gasp, feeling refreshed. My gaze turned longingly to my bed. Wish I could have the comforts of my sheets without having to get out of the warm bath into the cold air. Sighing at my predicament, I rose from the bath and grabbed my towel. I quickly dried off to avoid the chill and put on some nightclothes. I started towards my bed when there was a knock at the door. I felt some inclination to ignore the knock and to climb into bed anyway. No one would question it, perks of being a king. I inwardly groaned as I made a decision. “Come in.”
Arthur opened the door and entered the room. “Ah Lee, you’re still up. Excellent.”
“Maybe,” I answered, “ but I don’t plan on being that way long,” I gave him notice with a stare.
“Of course, you’ve had a harrowing day. I thought you’d like to know that we received a response from Mr. Max Forsythe of the Fox guild. He should arrive tomorrow.”
That was good news. I was wondering if I didn't say enough in the message. "Ah, that is wonderful. So, if that's all I'll just…" At that moment Barad and Bri came into the room.
“Good, you’re awake! I was afraid you would already be asleep by now.”
Lenux followed them in carrying some bottles, “I’ve got the wine!”
I gave one last sad look to my bed, knowing it would now be some time before I could enjoy it. I could see Arthur give me a pitying look as he shrugged.
“Fine,” I said in acceptance. I went over and sat in a chair, not trusting myself to sit on the bed.
Lenux walked over and gave me a bottle. Apparently tonight’s celebrations would not require glasses. I took a swig enjoying the sweet red wine. It was good to be a king.
“So Barad told us about your trick with the gravel. How did you control so many objects at once?” Lenux asked.
"I had to think of them as a singular mass. Even so, it was exhausting, that and putting out the fires."
“I didn’t hear about the fires part,” Barad exclaimed. “What was that about?” Of course, Barad was in the hall and would not have known. I went on to tell them about the previous night, including my epiphany about snuffing the fires.
“So you were able to put out the fires from across the yard?” Bri asked.
"Yes, but it was difficult. Maybe even more challenging than steering the gravel. I only snuffed a few of them before I was exhausted. It was a good thing you showed up because I couldn't have put out a candle by that point."
“Shame about all those soldiers escaping.” Lenux bemoaned. Unfortunately, the attackers realized early enough that the reinforcements coming were not their own. They killed their injured and then escaped. It was the same with the trade office in town. The place was empty when the guard arrived. Only Lord Francis’ body remained, bleeding out on the floor.
“Yes,” I replied. “It’s frustrating knowing who’s responsible yet not having the evidence to prove it.” I took another deep swig from my bottle.
“You know it’s your fault,” Barad said teasingly. “If you had just let me kill Lord Francis that night then none of this would have happened.”
"It's not my fault. Ryan's the one coaching me on royal etiquette. He taught me you couldn't just go around killing people. It's his fault."
“That’s not fair,” Brianna defended. “He’s not here to defend himself.”
“All the more reason it’s his fault!” I argued.
"Well, that's unassailable logic if I've ever heard it." Lenux quipped. "I pronounce Lee as innocent of all charges."
“Here Here!” added Arthur, raising up his own bottle.
“There’s one good thing,” I added. “At least Lord Faluth survived the night. He has promised to muster even more men than he originally did. Having your house raided like that seems to skew your perspective on things.”
“Well, these little things happen,” Lenux put in teasingly.
"Indeed, it seems as if I am spending every night pulling kings out of life-threatening situations," Barad bragged.
“Ah well then, to my hero!” I said and took another swig, my bottle getting unfortunately light.
"Well," Arthur said as he stood. "My bottle is empty, so I shall say good night." With that, each of my friends bade good night and left me blissfully alone. I shuffled my way over to my gloriously big bed. How did I ever doubt its comforts? I wondered as I drifted off to sleep.
The next morning I chose to sleep in, privilege of being the king. I came out to the main room to find it already active. I greeted the priests as I sat down for breakfast. The staff had saved my breakfast. “Lee, It’s good to see you well,” Father Yagen said, smilingly. “Your exploits are being reported all over the castle.”
“Well, I guess I couldn’t keep the capabilities of my magic secret forever.”
“Nor should you,” added Father Pild. “It’s the hallmark of your royal credentials.”
“Yes, King Kendrick will need support when he announces his aid to Alsselya. They have to know they are backing the true heir.”
“Well, we started that the other day. It
went well, until we almost all died.”
“That doesn’t mean you stop. Though maybe some more guards.”
“That reminds me, Max is supposed to arrive today. Time for Alsselya to start gathering its forces.”
Yagen slapped the table enthusiastically, “Now you’re talking like a king.”
“Well, we don’t have him yet, we will have to make a good sell.”
Arthur entered the suite and came over, sitting at the table. “Good morning Lee, How is your head this morning?”
“Barely hanging on Arthur, thank you for asking.”
“Oh? Did we miss a party last night?”
“I wish I had missed it,” I sighed sitting back in my chair. “Not that I don’t enjoy the company, but using that much magic wears me out.”
“Well, you should prepare yourself for a little more company. I ran into Sergeant Whilhoit. He asked if he could have an audience with you.”
“Whilhoit? He’s a friend. He doesn’t have to request an audience.”
“I’m not sure those outside your inner circle realize how approachable you are.”
I waved over one of the staff, “Please send a message to Sergeant Whilhoit asking if he will have lunch here today.” The servant nodded and left.
“You realize that lunch is about an hour away, you did sleep rather late,” Arthur said with a smile.
I looked at my empty plate, “Arthur, if you don’t think I can eat again in an hour then prepare yourself to be amazed.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
I looked up as Barad walked out of his room, then my jaw dropped when Brianna walked out of his room a moment later. She was avoiding eye contact as she walked across the room. It gave me enough time to pick my jaw back up and pull myself together.
“Good morning, Barad... Bri.”
“Good morning,” they both said back.
Got it, act like I saw nothing. I can do this, I thought to myself.
