Major Zel’Carvan started forward, and his men automatically followed his lead. The Raiders formed into a column of twos behind their officers without all the shouting the Scout’s officers used. They had only been riding for about half a span when the major glanced over each shoulder, then pointed to the ground to either side of him. Kalin and Dahral immediately came to his side.
“Lieutenant Zel’Andral, do you know Lieutenant Zel’Dorvan?”
Kalin answered, “We’ve been introduced, but that was our only contact, sir. I know his father is on Dad’s Council.”
The major stared at him for a moment, then shook his head. “I’ve never heard the King’s Council referred to like that. It’s just as well that Zel’Dorvan is going to be under my command. I’ve already seen that Revan has a hard time controlling him. Kalin, be careful around him. He’s a senior lieutenant, for all that means, and he likes to exert what little authority he has.”
Kalin shook his head slowly. “I know the type, sir. Small mind, small power, big ego.” He dared to grin at the major. “There are a lot of them in the palace.”
“Then you know what to watch out for. Dahral, don’t you know Revan Zel’Lamal from before?” He looked at Dahral and revived a nod.
“Yes, sir. He served his first two years at Fort Kel’Veral. I was there for all four years as a cadet, and we went on several patrols together. Those were my second and third years, sir.”
“Good,” the major replied with a sharp nod. “And you already know Lieutenant Zel’Teran.”
Now it was Dahral’s turn to grin. “Yes, Sir. Bartal traveled with us for ten days on our way to Fort Zel’Hardan. I’ve already provided him with a few sword lessons.”
“Serious?”
Dahral shrugged. “Serious as far as him asking for some extra instruction, sir. Of the six of us, Lieutenant Zel’Andral was the only one I had any difficulty defeating.”
The major looked at Kalin and raised an eyebrow. Kalin looked embarrassed and explained, “I’ve been receiving sword, ax, lance, and bow instruction from and with the Royal Guards since I turned ten, sir. And Dahral can still take me three of four bouts.”
The major nodded. “I was informed of your education before you arrived. Both of you.” He glanced at Dahral to make sure he was paying attention. “We are probably going to go into Farindia after these bastards. We don’t expect you to come back covered in glory, but we do expect you to come back. Remember that. Revenge for Harney Point isn’t worth either of your lives.”
Kalin and Dahral exchanged a glance before replying, “Yes, sir.”
The major ordered, “Return to formation,” and both lieutenants dropped back to lead their companies. After two days of riding together, the force reached the road to Harney Point. There was even a sign-post that said so. Kalin shook his head as he considered the road: It was just ruts in the soil, with grass thick between and beside them.
Major Zel’Carvan and Captain Zel’Lamal clasped forearms briefly, then the major led his people north while the captain continued straight east toward the other end of Harney Point’s loop road.
Major Zel’Carvan said, “Lieutenant Zel’Dorvan, send two men out east and west of the road and lead the rest of your men ahead. If you find anyone, report back to me immediately. Take no other action.”
“My orders are to kill anyone we catch,” the lieutenant almost snarled.
“No, they are not,” the major replied in a low, intense tone. “Until we cross into Farindia, anyone you encounter is probably going to be an Evandian civilian. You will take no actions except reporting back to me or I’ll have your own men arrest you. Is that understood, Lieutenant?”
Lieutenant Zel’Dorvan was obviously fighting to control his temper for a moment before he managed to say, “Sir, yes, sir,” and turn away. His orders were delivered in an angry shout before he and his men rode away.
“And so it begins,” the major muttered. “Raiders, move out.” The major led off with Kalin beside him. Behind them the raiders formed into a column of twos following their officers.
It took a long day of riding to reach the remains of Harney Point. The report they had received hadn’t mentioned that the town had been burned. There were a few people moving around the ruins and Lieutenant Zel’Dorvan led his men forward at a gallop as soon as he saw them. His shouted order of, “Swords! No quarter!” was countered by the Raider’s bugler sounding recall. All of the scouts except their lieutenant immediately reined in their mounts.
The lieutenant vaulted from his horse with his bared sword, but found himself alone. He turned and shouted, “What are you cowards doing?! Looters are to be executed!”
“As you were, Lieutenant!” the major shouted. “Sheathe your sword and stand down!”
“I have my orders!”
A tall woman walked over and said, “You will sheathe your sword and stand down, young man, or you’ll be in irons.”
“I don’t take orders from looters, you slut,” the lieutenant growled as he took a menacing step toward her. Kalin rode between them and swung down from his saddle, sword in hand, facing off against the lieutenant.
“Sheathe your sword, Lieutenant Zel’Dorvan,” he all but growled.
Lieutenant Zel’Dorvan attacked immediately, shouting, “You insolent bastard! I am your superior officer!”
Kalin struck like lightning, his sword snaking out to drive the lieutenant’s sword out of his hand. “Stand down, you arrogant ass,” Kalin snapped. “Magistrate Darianis Zel’Fordan is the senior kingdom official in this province of Evandia.”
“Arrest him!” the lieutenant screamed at his men. “Arrest him for insubordination and attacking a superior officer!”
The major rode forward and dismounted, then looked at his subordinates. “Lieutenant Zel’Andral, how is it that you recognize the magistrate?”
Kalin had a surprised look on his face for an instant, then he grinned. “She’s dad’s big sister, sir. I’ve known her for as long as I’ve been alive.” He turned around and said, “Aunt Dara, this is Major Jeffran Zel’Carvan of the 8th Raiders.”
The major bowed deeply. “I am honored to meet you, Magistrate Zel’Fordan.”
The magistrate nodded and waved a hand at Lieutenant Zel’Dorvan. “I have neither the time nor the patience to deal with him now. Harney Point lost fifty-three people. With the exception of my three Sheriffs, these are the survivors. We’ve already seen to the remains of our people. A search of the area shows the bandits came from and returned to Farindia.”
“We will begin the chase in the morning, Magistrate Zel’Fordan.”
The magistrate took Kalin by the arm and said, “Come with me, Kal.” Then she led him away while the major focused on Lieutenant Zel’Dorvan.
“Why did you disobey my orders, Lieutenant?”
“Sir, our orders, your orders, are to eradicate these bandits!”
“No, lieutenant, they are not. Not unless the general gives us that order, and the only way he will do that is if the king orders him to. I don’t know where you got these ideas, but I will repeat that if you encounter anyone, you will take no action except to report back to me. Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good. Now, as to the matter of you attacking the magistrate, if she doesn’t take any action against you, neither will I. However, I think you can rest assured that the king will.”
“I was obeying--”
“No you weren’t!” the major shouted. “Revan and I received the same orders at the same time. Our orders are to secure the area and render any assistance we can to our people. One more word out of you and you’ll be escorted back to Fort Zel’Hardan under guard. Set your camp outside the town gates. Have a standard camp listing ready in two spans. Dismissed!” Lieutenant Zel’Dorvan snapped to attention and bowed, then turned away. He’d taken just three steps before he started bellowing orders at his men.
Kalin led the magistrate into their camp several spans later. All thre
e of the sheriffs accompanied them. The senior, a short, stout man with just a few dark hairs left on his balding head, bowed to the major and his subordinates followed his lead.
Magistrate Zel’Fordan said, “Major Zel’Carvan, several of the survivors are huntsmen who know the area. They said the trail leads into Farindia. We cannot cross the border without orders from the king. Is your general bringing his message book with him?”
The major immediately bowed as he replied, “I believe so, Magistrate Zel’Fordan.”
“I hope so. The king needs to be informed how bad this raid really was. The report I received was that there had been a raid and some people killed and their supplies taken.”
“The report we received was that everyone had been killed, but didn’t mention the fire,” the major replied. “Will you accept our hospitality? It’s not the best quality, but two of my troopers are competent cooks.”
The magistrate nodded and let Kalin lead her over to their fire. He gave her his camp chair, then served her before taking a plate of food for himself. Not having another chair, he chose to eat standing up.
Kalin asked, “Aunt Dara, do you think we’re going to be sent into Farindia after these bandits?”
She nodded. “I’m sure Ordan will insist once he hears how bad it really is.”
“Prince Kalin,” one of the junior sheriffs said, “the tracks indicate a force of approximately thirty riders attacked here. That’s not something local villagers can handle. If they attack again, another village will be destroyed.”
“So, we’re going north,” Major Zel’Carvan said. He looked at Lieutenant Zel’Dorvan intently for a moment, then continued. “We will move as a unit, with the scouts in formation. No outriders.” The lieutenant bristled, but managed to keep his mouth shut.
It was early the next day that the second company of the Raiders arrived. Captain Zel’Lamal led his people through the town at a walk until he reached Major Zel’Carvan’s camp. He dismounted and bowed to the major automatically.
“I didn’t think it was this bad,” he muttered.
“No one did,” Magistrate Zel’Fordan said as she joined them. Major Zel’Carvan quickly introduced everyone.
“I cannot order you into Farindia on my authority alone,” she continued, “but I will request that you make a patrol in force along their trail. Maybe you’ll get lucky.”
The major and captain bowed, as did all four lieutenants. No one would call their expressions pleasant as they turned away and started issuing orders to their men.
“We’ll keep the company together for this,” Major Zel’Carvan said as he saddled his horse.”
“And let Captain Zel’Lamal deal with Lieutenant Zel’Dorvan,” Kalin muttered softly.
The major heard him anyway and shook his head. “None of that, Kalin. He actually is your superior, and you will not be insubordinate to him.” Now the major’s expression turned nasty. “Let me deal with him.”
“Yes, sir,” Kalin and Dahral answered together. Soon the 8th Raiders, all one-hundred-three of them, were searching the bandits’ trail. The company’s non-commissioned officers were riding out to the sides, but the faint trail they were following was confined to a narrow path. Soon, well before mid-day, they reached a signpost that marked the border with Farindia.
“We go no farther,” the major decreed. “Divide the company. Lieutenant Zel’Fordal, take your troops west. Make a big show for anyone you see, but do not cross the border. We’ll go east and do the same. Be back at Harney Point before sundown.”
Dahral bowed, then turned his horse to the west. Behind him Sergeant Bel’Neven led the troopers in a single file behind their officer.
The major nodded to Kalin and led the way east. They had been riding for ten spans when they heard shouting from ahead of them. Without a word, the major drew his sword and kicked his horse into a gallop. They emerged into a clearing to find the Scouts attacking a farmstead.
Several people were down, but one man was using a mattock to defend himself as Lieutenant Zel’Dorvan attacked him.
Major Zel’Carvan rode forward shouting, “Hold! Scouts, withdraw and sheathe your swords!”
The troopers obeyed, but Lieutenant Zel’Dorvan continued to fight the farmer. Kalin kicked his stallion into a gallop and rode the lieutenant down, delivering a kick to the side of the man’s head that dropped him in his tracks.
Kalin wheeled his horse around and looked at the farmer as he asked, “What kingdom do you call home?”
“Evandia!” the farmer shouted. “Why are Evandian troops attacking us?”
“Why indeed?” the major asked as he rode over and stopped.
Lieutenant Zel’Dorvan was struggling to his feet as he shouted, “Arrest him! He assaulted a superior officer! Again!”
“No,” the major said in an angry tone, “he stopped you from murdering an Evandian citizen.”
“They are bandits!”
“Troopers, disarm and arrest the lieutenant. The rest of you render what aid you can to the injured.” The major pointed at Kalin and said, “Take ten of our men and report to Harney Point. Hopefully the general has arrived. If not, inform the magistrate.”
Kalin snapped to attention and bowed, then mounted his horse. He looked at a corporal and nodded. The corporal called out nine names, then Kalin led them directly south. Behind them he could hear the major organizing the scene.
It took twelve spans to reach the road, and another six to reach Harney Point. He found the general and his staff in conference with the magistrate and sheriffs.
Stopping at the command center’s tent-flap, he came to attention and said, “Lord General Zel’Faran, there has been an incident.”
“What happened, Kal?” Magistrate Zel’Fordan asked, drawing puzzled looks from the general and colonel.
Kalin maintained the formally of the situation as he said, “Magistrate Zel’Fordan, Lieutenant Zel’Dorvan led ten scouts in an attack on an Evandian farmstead.”
“Gods Below,” the magistrate growled, startling the officers. “Is that the same fool who attacked me?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
She turned to look at the general and spoke in a honey-sweet purr as she said, “Lord General Zel’Faran, you will bring that young officer to the king’s attention. For all of his misdeeds.” The magistrate stood and walked past Kalin. For his part, Kalin remained at attention until the general spoke.
“Lieutenant Zel’Andral, why did the magistrate call you Kal?”
Kalin remained at attention as he replied, “She is my Aunt Darianis, sir. My father’s big sister.”
The colonel said, “His father isn’t powerful enough to shield him from the king. And I think our good king is going to find that jackass’ actions more than sufficient cause for dismissal.”
The general looked over at Kalin and said, “You didn’t hear that.”
“Hear what, sir?”
The general shared a grin with the colonel and said, “Good man. Dismissed.” Kalin bowed deeply, took one step backwards, then did an about-face and walked away.
Major Zel’Carvan led his men and the scouts into Harney Point after sundown. He reported to the general as soon as he arrived, leaving his horse to his men.
“Sir, Major Zel’Carvan of the 8th Raiders to report,” he announced at the command tent.
“Enter and report, Major,” the general replied, standing to receive his officer.
The major took two steps into the tent and came to attention. “Sir, I regret to report that Lieutenant Renval Zel’Dorvan led his men on an attack against an Evandian farmstead, resulting in the deaths of two women and the injury of a young man and two children. I brought them here and my men are taking them to our Healers.” He paused and shook his head. “I don’t think the young man will survive, Sir.”
Now Colonel Zel’Freedan said, “Bring Lieutenant Zel’Dorvan forward.” The major turned and looked behind him, and two of his men brought the struggling lieutenant forward.
Colonel Zel’Freedan picked up a piece of parchment and read, “Lieutenant Renval Zel’Dorvan, Evandian Regular Army, you are charged with the murder of Evandian civilians, and attacking Lady Magistrate Darianis Betran Shalina Ne’Andral Zel’Fordan. You are hereby ordered bound over for trial before a general courts martial, to be held in Twin Bridges.”
“My father will not allow this attempt to besmirch my honor,” the lieutenant said as he snarled at the general. “When he hears of this, it will be you who gets court martialed.”
Now Magistrate Zel’Fordan stepped forward. “Neither I nor my brother will allow you to weasel out of this, you toad. Your father has already been dismissed from the King’s Council because of your actions.” She smiled at the expression of shocked outrage on the lieutenant’s face. “Your family has been banished from Twin Bridges because of their actions to shield you from responsibility for your previous misdeeds. But don’t worry. Your future will be short. You’ll be tried, convicted, then executed for assaulting two members of the royal family.”
“Two!?” he shouted as he struggled to break free.
“When Kalin tried to protect me, you attacked him with your sword. He is, after all, Evandia’s Heir Presumptive.”
“No! He’s a junior officer! He should be tried for assaulting me! I’m his superior officer! I was following orders! We’re supposed to be eradicating bandits!”
Major Zel’Carvan said, “No, Lieutenant. You were given orders to report only. You were given specific orders not to attack anyone, yet twice you did so, and both times illegally.”
“I’m within my rights!”
“You have not received the rights of high or low justice,” Magistrate Zel’Fordan said softly. “And now you never will.”
“I’m a Chosen Lord!”
“Ordan can fix that,” Magistrate Zel’Fordan murmured. “The king has the power to strip your Clan of their Chosen status.”
“He couldn’t--”
“He could. You seem to have forgotten that your Clan was just recently elevated. Your family traces back less than two hundred years, and it was my ancestor King Gestan who elevated your ancestor after the Farindian revolt, and awarded your estate. What the king has given, the king can take away.” She smiled at the stunned expression on his face.
The Coravian Conflict (Stavin DragonBlessed Book 5) Page 28
