Stranded Mage

by D. W. Jackson

  “And leave an army at our backs,” Reeve said with contempt. “No, we will have to fight, that isn’t a question. The question is how best to fight with minimal losses?”

  “The big problem is their white swords. As long as they have those, all our magic is useless,” Thad said coldly. “Do you think it would be possible to sneak into their camp and relieve them of some of their weapons?”

  Reeve gave Thad one of his scathing looks. “It might be possible, but if we go in then we go in for more than just their weapons. Tonight me and my men will get to work.”

  “I will come along,” Thad said, returning Reeve’s cold stare with one of his own.

  “As you wish Master Thad,” Reeve said, though it was obvious by his tone and demeanor that he didn’t care for the idea.

  After that the meeting turned into a discussion about battle plans. Thad had only a small amount of knowledge and no experience in leading large armies, so he left it to the elves though having been on their island for the past thousand years he figured they were in the same situation as he was.

  While he waited on nightfall Thad prepared anything that might aid him. As always Thad wore the magical items that he had received from Lady Grovewood. Thad had given one of his far talking rings to Tuck. They had tried them out but he had little reason to try the rest. Other than those he chose a ring that let him float a hair’s width above the ground. The enchantment had been easy and only a variation of one he had used back in the Underearth to move across the water. Thad searched through his other enchantments but there was little he could think of that would be of use in his night’s work.

  As the sun dropped behind the rolling hills Thad met up with Reeve and his twelve brothers of the night. Thad could tell the other members of Reeve’s courtier didn’t enjoy having him join them anymore than Reeve did. Are we ready?” Thad asked, hoping to break the uncomfortable silence.

  “As soon as the last remnants of light leave the sky,” Reeve said, looking fondly at the sky. “Looks like the moon will be absent tonight. It is a good night for hunting.”

  The group of fourteen snuck through the woods without disturbing so much as a leaf. The walking was agonizingly slow but Thad kept his complaints to himself. Thad was happy when he could finally see the way station.

  “We split up here,” Reeve said in a barely audible whisper. “Get out whenever you had your fill. It’s up to every individual to get out on their own.”

  Thad moved slowly toward the center of the line of tents that were strung out across the ground. There were plenty of wondering patrols but they had made the mistake of keeping them too spaced out.

  Unlike Reeve and his friends Thad had no skill with throwing knifes and he feared to use his magical stones in case they drew too much attention. Thad was left with only option left, the use of his shadow walking. It had been awhile since he had last walked with the shadows but he found it as easy as he had back in the Underearth. A short step brought him within a few paces of the nearest guard and a quick slash of his knife quietly ended the man’s life. Thad lifted the dead man and carried him into a nearby tent.

  Thad found five sleep soldiers snoring loudly inside the tent. Thad moved methodically from one bedroll to the next covering the mouth and plunging his dagger into the sleeping men. It was dirty work but Thad felt no compassion for the men who wore the colors of the Brotherhood.

  Using his knife Thad made a long slit into the back of the tent and peered out carefully. There were numerous tents and while a few in the center of the camp were larger and more luxurious, Thad decided to focus his attention on as many of the smaller tents as possible.

  Thad moved from one tent to the next glad they were so closely packed together. The tents varied in size and amount of occupants, but Thad found no challenge in slitting throats of seeping men. Once, one of the soldiers woke but Thad quickly silenced him before he could cry out.

  When Thad start to hear the soldiers change guard he figured it was time to leave. Thad quickly began moving back through the maze of tents of the slain soldiers. When he reached one of the outlying tents he heard the cry of alarm ring out. Hoping that everyone else had made it out unharmed Thad melded with the darkness and made a small jump so he was outside the perimeter of the sentries. Letting his cloak blend him into the night, Thad hastily made his way back toward his camp.

  Thad’s heart was beating fast as he rushed through the trees. His enchanted ring carried him slightly above the dried leaves and brush so he made no sound. The trip back to camp took only a fraction of the time the trip out had. Before he knew it Thad was once again standing in front of the shield protecting his own camp.

  Thad bent down and touched one of the small stones disguised as a rock. Within a second a small section of the shield disappeared. It wasn’t long before Reeve and eleven others soon joined him.

  “Landren did make it out,” One of the elves said to Reeve. “He was in one of the center tents when the alarm went out, but he took out his share on his way down.”

  Reeve grunted. “I am amazed we only lost one in the nights work.” Reeve turned to Thad and gave him another one of his appraising looks. “You preformed much better than I would have thought. Next time, I don’t think anyone will doubt your skill.”

  Thad nodded and passed through the small hole in the shield. Once everyone was through the shield, Thad placed the small stone back on the ground. With the shied back up he went to his bedroll to get what sleep he could before morning called.

  The sun came much earlier than Thad would have wanted and with it came cries of warnings. The Brotherhood had not taken the loss of their brothers in arms lightly. Now every soldier manned the field and dozens of scouts searched the forest for their enemies.

  “We need to attack now before we find ourselves surrounded,” Reeve said, walking up beside Thad. “Last night they lost a quarter of their force but you can be sure that within a few days their number will double if not triple. We need to strike now or turn back.”

  He’s right. Thad’s staff said, its voice grim inside Thad’s mind. The right choice was not an easy one to decide. They could back off and try and find another path but most likely it would only delay the inevitable. “Get everyone ready to fight,” Thad said, his face determined.

  Everyone moved around with purpose. Quivers were handed out and bows were string. Scouts headed out and Parson thinned the enemies in the forest. The small army moved out and marched toward the border and the awaiting force.

  Thad marched at the head of the force along with Reeve and the other fighters who were trained in close combat. The Elves lagging behind were armed with elven long bows and were those best skilled in magic.

  Loud trumpets sounded from the other army as Thad and the elves emerged from the forest. Thad increased his pace as he lifted up his staff and focused his magic. When he slammed his staff into the ground hundreds of spikes half the size of a man sprouted from the ground like trees.

  Cries of alarm erupted from the enemy as the rock spirals found their marks, skewering the Brotherhood soldiers. As the enemy soldiers scattered the first volley of arrows raced into the air and rained death down, each arrow finding its mark. Within a few heartbeats over half the Brotherhood solders lay dead on the battle field, but they were still outnumbered.

  Thad and the others raced forward into the enemy, while the bowmen hung back picking and choosing their targets with care. The first Soldier Thad came near died before he could strike a blow with an arrow embedded in his chest. Thad continued his march forward with Tuck at his side.

  Thad’s sword danced with grace and subtlety striking any soldier who dared enter his reach. Thad paid little heed to his magic opting instead to use his sword. Thad hardly noticed a soldier come from his left but Tuck was there parrying the blow. Thad thought to help his friend but another two soldiers appeared in front of him.

  Thad knocked the first down with a blast of energy from his staff while he brought his sword to bear on
the other. The soldier was a fair swordsman and easily parried Thad’s strike and following with one of his own aimed at splitting Thad’s skull.

  Thad stepped to the side then pivoted on his other foot as he brought his own sword over the descending strike, forcing it down into the ground. With a quick push the soldier stumbled backward and tripped. Thad wasted no time as the first soldier had already regained his feet and was advancing quickly. The soldier on the ground raised his sword to block Thad’s thrust but at the last moment Thad twisted his wrist letting the blade run down the length of the man’s arm and straight into his chest.

  Quickly pulling his sword free Thad turned to face the other man but was too slow. The soldier’s sword cut towards Thad’s shoulder but bounced back once it hit his armor’s magical shielding. It had not been the first time his armor had saved his life and it would most likely not be the last. As the sword bounced high Thad made a quick stroke severing the man’s head from his body.

  The Brotherhood was scattered thanks to Thad’s earth pillars and the continuing volley of deadly arrows. Thad knew that if the Brotherhood regained themselves he and the others would be hard pressed to win the day, and even if they did, they would suffer heavy losses.

  Moving through the battlefield Thad and Tuck continued to cut down anything that wandered into their path. It wasn’t until he was already soaked in blood that he ran across his first white blade. The wielder was an older man with salt and pepper hair but his moves did not seem to be hampered by his age.

  As the seasoned warrior advanced Thad still didn’t shy away. It was two against one, an easy fight. It wasn’t until numerous soldiers stepped out from behind the cover of the stone pillars Thad knew he was in trouble. “This looks bad,” Tuck said, placing his back against Thad’s.

  “Keep your eyes open and cover my back and I will do the same for you,” Thad replied, twirling his sword nervously in his hand as the soldiers approached. Thad counted four white sword wielders among the soldiers.

  Thad reached into his pouch and brought out three his metal slugs. Focusing, he released all three speeding to different targets. The first two hit their marks blasting through their chests. Seeing their comrades go down the rest of the soldiers rushed Thad and Tuck.

  The fighting was intense and Thad didn’t have the time to think. His sword flashed, weaving in and out, blocking strikes and returning them whenever he had the chance. Thad could feel his blood pouring from a dozen shallow cuts but he shut out the pain and fought on.

  He wasn’t sure how long he fought or how well Tuck was fairing, but from the sound behind him he knew his friend was still fighting. Thad felt a sharp twinge of pain in his left side. Turning he saw the salt and pepper haired soldier pulling his blade free from his side, its tip dripping blood.

  Dropping to one knee Thad was able to raise his sword high enough to fend off the next blow. With few options Thad lunged forward catching the older solder and bearing him to the ground. Putting all his weight behind his blows Thad struck the soldier repeatedly with his elbow. After the fourth strike the old soldier quit moving and Thad quickly pulled his dagger from its sheath and stabbed the man in the heart for good measure.

  Rolling off the soldier Thad looked around but only saw Tuck who was slowly hobbling over to where he sat. Thad looked down and inspected the wound in his side. The cut wasn’t too deep but left unattended it could still prove fatal. Thad felt Tuck’s strong arm help him to his feet. “Can you tell how the others are doing?” Thad asked, looking at his friend.

  “It’s hard to tell with all these pillars in the way but it looks like the Brotherhood is almost finished,” Tuck said, as he pulled Thad back to the hill and in sight of the elven archers.

  Back on the gentle slopping hill Thad could see the battle much clearer. Tuck had been right the elves were moving through the pillars as if they were trees quickly cutting down the few remaining Brotherhood soldiers. The archer’s bows still sang though not as frequently as they had at the beginning of the battle.

  Shortly after Tuck sat him down another elf came up and started tending to their wounds. Thad paid little attention to the elf as he was stripped of his armor and his would was painfully cleaned. His attention was fully on the battle below. He watched at a group of six elves rushed in and out of the battlefield carrying anyone out who was wounded and needed care.

  Thad’s eyes began to grow heavy and he had to fight to stay awake. Looking down at his wound Thad saw a compress on it that smelled of burrowroot. Thad knew that it was used not only to clot blood, but also render a patient unconscious so that the wound could be treated more easily.

  Thad groggily looked to Tuck who was already asleep at his side as an elf tended to the garish wound on his leg. Thad tried to hold on to the last vestiges of awareness but it was a losing battle and Thad soon found himself drifting off into the endless darkness of sleep.

  CHAPTER XIV

  Thad stirred lightly from his sleep, the stitches in his side tugged as he struggled to sit up. Looking around, Thad saw numerous elves lying on pallets next to him, most of them with more than a single wound.

  Seeing him sitting up a female elf, one Thad hadn’t noticed before, walked over to where he was. “How are we feeling today, Master Thad?”

  “Hurting,” Thad replied, holding his left side favorably.

  “I would imagine so,” the elf maiden replied pitilessly. “Your armor and ribs stopped the blade from piercing your heart but it still left a nasty gash.”

  “How did we fare in the battle?” Thad asked grimly.

  The elf gave him a grave look. “We lost a little more than a score of soldiers, and nearly three times as many wounded.”

  Thad lay back down. Over twenty dead and almost eighty wounded. It wasn’t a bad percentage given they were outnumbered four to one the night before. Even knowing that they had fared well given everything, Thad still felt a great deal of remorse for those who had died under his care.

  Stretching up his hand Thad looked at the silver ring of the twin silver vines. It was the reminder of why he was here and what his mission was. The Brotherhood had killed mages, dwarves and vathari without mercy for generations. What should a few more matter in the end?

  That’s not a very promising way of thinking.

  “What would you have me do? Bemoan every loss and cry endless tears for those who fell,” Thad said bitingly. “If I did that then I would go insane well before we finished what we set out to do.”

  I am not saying that you should dwell on the death of every person but you should at least acknowledge their loss. When you start treating them like nothing more than pieces on a board, then you have become just as bad as those you claim to hunt.

  Thad felt disgusted with himself. His staff was right he was starting to view the elves as nothing more than a means to an end not as companions. A king or queen who ruled in such a way was often viewed as a tyrant. People would die, that was inevitable, but he needed to remember that they died because of him. He should not think of it as a burden but as an honor.

  His conscience still raw and his side hurting Thad closed his eyes. The sun was no longer in the sky so Thad was sure it was still the same day as the battle though he was not sure if they were back in the forest or past the Rane border.

  The next time Thad woke he was being gently shaken. As his eyes began to focus Thad noticed Tuck, Reeve, and Parson kneeling next to his bedroll. “We need to get moving,” Reeve said bluntly.

  “Did something happen?” Thad asked as he quickly began gathering up his gear.

  “Nothing really but the longer we wait here the more likely something will,” Reeve said in his trademark cold tone.

  Thad had to agree. It was never a good idea to hang around near a battlefield. Nodding his agreement to Reeve, Thad packed up the last of his possessions into his pack and slung it over his shoulder. The pack hit his side hard sending tendrils of pain shooting through his body.

  Though he hurt, it was eas
y to tell by looking around he was not the one in the worst shape. Once everyone was packed and ready they moved out albeit slowly.

  They stayed off the road but kept it near with a scout always watching for any sign of the Brotherhood. Thad had no clue how far the capital was or even if they were going in the right direction. He just hoped that if he followed the major trade roads it would lead to the capital or to a small town or farm to get directions.

  Tuck, as well as many of the other elves, started to lag behind as the day drew on but each passing moment Thad started to feel better. Letting his hand slide to his wound he tested it with his fingertips. It was still a little raw but for the most part the pain was gone. “Is this your doing?” Thad asked his staff.

  Would you rather I left it alone? I know it wasn’t a bad wound but I got tired of you whining about it pulling as you walked.

  “I wasn’t whining,” Thad protested.

  Not out loud but in your mind all I’ve had to listen to for the past few miles is your bickering. After a while I stopped feeling sorry for you and started feeling sorry for myself.

  “Sorry about that,” Thad said jokingly.

  The next few days passed without incident. During the day they traveled quietly without anyone talking. At night Thad often spent time with Tuck or Parson though little was said.

  Everyone in the camp had been subdued as of late. Thad could almost feel the tension hanging in the air. It was as if death was hanging above them like the axe of a headsman and they were all waiting for it to descend.

  Thad didn’t like the atmosphere of the camp but there was little he could do to change it. No matter the heavy feelings that everyone held they continued to march forward.

  After the third day Thad feared that the dire mood would continue forever. Then that night something happened that left Thad speechless.

  It was near sundown when everyone spirits suddenly started to flair. It was hard for Thad to pinpoint when the change occurred, to him seemed to be instantaneous. One moment everyone seemed to be quietly settling in for the night then Thad started to hear a beat rising up from the camp. At first it was just a few elves pounding sticks against the ground. Every second that passed more and more of the elves joined in the merriment and soon it sounded as if the earth itself was beating along with the elves makeshift drums.