“Where’s the Magistrate?” Sir Valden interrupted.
“He was given the same instructions to meet us here.”
Tef smiled then spoke. “You mean the one who’s supposed to protect us and make all of the decisions regarding this town? I’ve known him since he was a child and never once has he ever shown an ounce of courage or accountability. If you ask me, the only reason why he’s the magistrate is because of his father.”
Tef, like everyone else was displeased with the magistrate and the way he conducted business.
“Let’s forget about him for the moment, and discuss what is needed to survive this ordeal.” High Priest Hamond calmly said.
“Does anyone sitting here really think our three Orders can withstand an attack from a large army? Most of my men are off on adventures and honing their skills.” Sir Valden stated.
“Truthfully? I don’t think so, but maybe we could frustrate them enough that they’ll leave.” Shoo said.
“Master Shoo, is that what Redden believed as well? I don’t think so. They have a wall and still they fell within a day. Reports confirm that the army has war beetles and giants.” Sir Valden was clearly disgusted.
“The war will come to us, so what do you suggest we do? Run and leave the townspeople to those savages?” High Priest Hamond answered before Master Shoo could.
“Maybe we could evacuate the people?” Tef suggested.
“Do you know how long that would take? Do you think they won’t track us down if we leave?” Sir Valden snapped at the thief.
“Sir Valden, please deliver your words in a positive manner or leave.” Master Shoo said.
Valden’s blue eyes turned to hatred, and his escorts drew their weapons, causing Shoo’s students to stand up as well. Nearby patrons got up and moved away.
“If we had more time, I’d show you just how I conduct myself.” Sir Valden barked at him.
Master Shoo waved off his students, who were gathering around him in a protective manner, before replying. “If you would like, then how about we wait until this is over and test our skills?”
“Enough of this, we’re not getting anything accomplished.” Tef stated.
Valden held his tongue and told his men to sheath their blades.
Priest Hamond spoke. “Sir Valden, what do you suggest?”
The warrior leaned back in his chair. “This town will fall if we’re the only ones trying to defend it. I say we force that coward of a Magistrate to help.”
Shoo then spoke. “You’re most likely right about the town; however, before we go and convince him, we should come up with a plan first. Maybe after he hears our strategy he’ll come to his senses.” Master Shoo looked directly at Sir Valden. “Since you’re the most skilled at the art of war; what do you think we should do?”
Sir Valden was caught off guard, and somewhat surprised by the compliment. “As everyone already knows, there are only two ways into and out of this town. I think for this reason, the enemy will split their forces into three parts and…”
“Why three?” Tef interrupted.
“One at each end of town, and another waiting to cut off those who try to escape.”
“Good point.” Tef added.
Valden continued. “I think they’ll most likely attack one end first trying to draw our main forces to them, and then they’ll attack our flank, which they believe will be weaker. In all of my studies of war, I’ve come to realize that both sides of their forces will not be equally divided, and the stronger force will be attacking our rear. I suggest we fight the initial force with little resistance, in order to draw them into the town, and then hit them with almost everyone and kill them all.”
Tef was about to say something when Master Shoo waved him off to allow Sir Valden to finish.
“Once they’re dead, we’ll engage the enemy waiting for us to escape. I’m sure their leader will be among them, and after we kill him, the others will become fearful and retreat to the safety of Redden.”
“Interesting, what about the army entering from the rear?” Priest Hamond asked.
“We’ll still need to keep them busy for a while.”
“And how are we supposed to do that?” Tef asked.
Sir Valden looked directly at the thief and spoke calmly. “My plan is just an overview; I still need to know how many men we have and what type of weapons they're proficient with. We’ll need scouts to feed us information and captains to lead the smaller groups.”
“Do you think it will work?” Hamond asked.
Valden smirked. “What we’re doing here isn’t easy, in fact, we might all die.”
“Tef, do you care to weigh in?” Master Shoo turned to the thief.
“I’m not as schooled at the art of war as Sir Valden, so I suggest we hide the bulk of our forces outside of town, flank their position, and then attack them before they even arrive. Once we do…”
“You mean like a coward would?” Valden interrupted.
Tef smirked. “Sir Valden, why not disrupt their forces before they even get a chance to place troops outside of our town? We could also spread oil leading here and set it ablaze as they pass through, while raining arrows down upon them from a safe distance. Maybe they’ll become discouraged enough to give up their cause.”
“Thank you Tef. Hamond?” Shoo said.
“Both men make some really good points, so I suggest we combine the two, and…"
“We don’t have that many men.” Sir Valden interrupted.
“I wasn’t finished, so stop interrupting.” Hamond raised his voice. “We need to create enough mayhem in order to lower their morale if we want to have any chance of success. I also agree about allowing their weaker forces in, but instead of attacking them directly we should set some traps in place like the oil idea and…”
“And what, set the town ablaze?” Valden interrupted again.
“If we have to, yes, but it will only be a small portion of town. We can rebuild any structures, but return lives, we can’t.”
After a long pause, Master Shoo spoke. “All of your ideas are very good and like Sir Valden, I also feel we don’t have enough men, so I suggest we do this in stages. First, we should line the area coming to the town with oil and have Tef and Sir Valden’s men hiding further out. As soon as half of their forces pass over the oil, we’ll ignite it. That should cause their troops to split and then simultaneously, we’ll attack them so they won’t have time to surround the town.”
“Sounds good, but what about our beloved Magistrate?” Tef asked.
“If we convince him to fight, then we’ll split his forces among ours, and hope for the best.”
“Okay, it sounds like we have some really good ideas.” Sir Valden said.
After they fine-tuned their battle tactics, they left the inn and walked to the magistrate’s building. Along the way, Master Shoo felt better knowing that at least the Orders were united, and they were all going to stand and fight. Silently, he vowed to severely beat the magistrate if he refused to help them.
They arrived at the Magistrate’s building and were surprised to find it heavily guarded, with at least fifty men walking around the perimeter and another twenty on the rooftop armed with bows and crossbows.
“Now what?” Tef whispered as they slowed in front of the building.
“I’ll show you what.” Sir Valden stated and walked straight up to the closest guard.
“Hold your position.” One of them ordered.
Sir Valden did so. Scanning the guards, his eyes came to rest on one, in particular, and he grinned.
“What do you want?” Another guard asked as he was approaching the owner of the Searing Blade.
“We need to see the magistrate to discuss the future of this town, especially over the next few days.”
“He’s not seeing anyone at this time. However, if you wait until morning maybe he’ll change his mind.”
“Morning? We don’t have that long. Either way I, I mean we, will be seeing him tonight
.”
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible.” The guard then peered upwards, and the men raised their weapons.”
Master Shoo stepped closer towards Sir Valden, but before he reached him, Valden stormed over in the direction of the man he recognized and seized the young lad by the throat.
“Let him go.” The first guard command.
Sir Valden turned around and held his prisoner as you would a shield. “I don’t think so. Now tell your men to lower their weapons or the Magistrate’s nephew will no longer be in possession of his throat.”
“You will die if you do.”
“What do I care? This town, like Redden, will fall in the next day or so.”
“What do you mean?”
High Priest Hamond stepped forward and said. “The enemy from Redden is poised to strike at this town and if the Magistrate doesn’t join with us, then there is no way we can hold them off.”
The guard was taken aback. “Where are they now?”
“They gather their forces and will march on us within a few days.”
The guard knew of Priest Hamond by the services he attended, so when he spoke he heeded his warning and waved off his men. “Sir Valden, if you release the Magistrate’s nephew, I’ll allow you access.”
“I’ll do so when I feel like it. We’ll call it insurance.”
“Fine, just don’t hurt the boy. I am only permitting the leaders of the Orders to enter.” The guard said and escorted them inside the building.
Once inside, the guard instructed Sir Valden, Master Shoo, Tef, and Priest Hamond to wait in the vestibule while he walked upstairs.
“I think you got his attention.” Tef said to Sir Valden after he was gone.
“Without a doubt.” Hamond added. “Should you release the boy’s throat?”
Valden nodded and let it go.
The guard returned, told them the Magistrate would see them shortly, and then escorted them down the hallway to a room filled with chairs and a large round table. Once seated, Sir Valden ordered the boy to stay put. The Magistrate entered the room a few minutes later. He was escorted by at least a dozen armed men who then stood around him after he was seated. He looked at each of his unexpected guests then spoke. “What do you people want? What gives you the right to barge in here and demand an audience with me in the middle of the night?” The Magistrate looked over at his nephew. “And you have some nerve to threaten me by holding my nephew.”
“Drastic times call for extreme measures.” Sir Valden said.
“Magistrate,” Shoo began, “we needed to speak with you tonight. It’s urgent.”
The magistrate looked at him. “Why?” His tone clearly indicated how annoyed he was.
“The army from Redden threatens our town.”
“How could you possibly know this? They’ve made no indication of doing so.”
“Several of my students led a daring rescue attempt and saved many townspeople, but in doing so put our town at risk.”
“Who gave them the order to go blindly into the town and do so?” The Magistrate snapped.
“We are here to come up with a solution to our situation, not to be berated by you.” Tef responded.
“You will if you want my help, thief.” He barked at him.
“No one told them to, they took it upon themselves to do the right thing even if you wouldn’t.” Shoo said.
“What do you mean, wouldn't?"
“Don’t lie to us. We know for a fact that they asked you for help, and you turned them down.”
“Prove it.” The Magistrate countered.
“It doesn’t matter anymore. What matters is what will happen if you don’t lend your support.” Priest Hamond said, trying to calm the ever-growing tensions.
The Magistrate rolled his eyes and Sir Valden’s patience finally gave way. He slammed his fist on the table and said. “If you don’t help us, then I will personally hold you accountable if anyone dies.”
Some of the guards drew their weapons and the Magistrate raised his hand, indicating for them to hold their ground. “Don’t threaten me or I’ll have you and your Order exiled from this town, and every nearby town! Don’t think I can’t do it either.”
“Enough!” Tef snapped.
“Oh great, the thief will now speak again.” The Magistrate said.
“Magistrate, if you don’t stand with us, then I don’t think I want to risk my men on a cause that will fail.”
“That’s if they attack, thief.”
Tef looked around the table at his companions. “Gentlemen I think we’re done.” He stood up. “I’ve changed my mind.” He left the table, ignoring priest Hamond’s protests to stay.
Sir Valden waited until the door closed behind Tef before speaking. “Here’s something else to ponder; without our Orders, this town will falter financially as well. You have no idea how much revenue it accumulates just from our annual events.” He also stood up.
“You should think of the town’s well-being for once.” Hamond added as he too got up and was ready to leave.
The Magistrate frowned and a humbling look finally was etched across his face. “Alright, I’ll lend my support.”
Valden and Hamond looked at each other and sat back down.
“Do you have a plan at least?” The Magistrate asked.
They told him what they wanted to do, and he listened intently without resistance. Eventually, he called in his top advisors to add their opinions as well. They spoke well into the morning hours and after the meeting ended they went back to their respective Orders and prepared for the inevitable.
****
Meanwhile, a few nights prior to Master Shoo’s meeting, a man leading a small group of Chatar and Hurnol creatures was camped thirty miles northwest of the town of Redden. He was tall and lean, wore special black leather armor that enabled him to move as freely as if he was wearing thin clothes, and extraordinary boots that allowed him to move stealthily. The only weapon he carried was a five-foot spear draped across his back.
He walked around the area speaking with his two human bodyguards. They were taller by several inches, dressed in traditional studded leather, and carried sheathed scimitars. They were halfway around the camp when a boarman with razor-sharp tusks came running over. The creature was clearly winded.
“Master Yang…up ahead there is a group of…travelers with lots and lots of stuff.” He huffed and snorted.
“Why are you so tired? Lose some weight you pathetic creature.” The bodyguard on the left said in obvious disgust.
The boarman didn’t look at him, and the bodyguard kicked him for not doing so, sending him sprawling to the ground. The others laughed loudly. The boarman got up, brushed off the dirt from his hide armor, and apologized. The man carrying the spear was amused and said almost jokingly. “You were saying?”
“A small caravan with many items is camped to the west.”
“How many people?” Yang asked.
“Not many.” He snorted.
“You are dismissed.”
The Chatar bowed and left.
“Shall we have some fun?” Yang asked his bodyguards.
“You stay here; we'll go.” The guard to his right said.
“And miss the fun? I need the exercise and it’s been awhile since I killed something.” Yang paused. “Unless, you want to be my training partner Vex?” His tone was serious.
The other bodyguard snickered, and Yang looked at him with a deadpan expression. “You think it’s funny? How about you Jyre, do you want a lesson?”
When Jyre’s smile faded, Yang laughed at him and walked away, leaving them to ponder if he was serious or not.
Under the cover of darkness, Yang and his two companions walked through the forest until they came upon the merchant’s caravan. Around the fire, they saw seven armed men, most likely hired to protect the merchant and his wares. Yang studied them, quickly determined their worth and entered. Those seated, although surprised by the sudden emergence of the strangers,
remained where they were and continued to drink. Yang, Jyre, and Vex stopped a few feet away.
“Good evening gentlemen. Can we see the merchant?” Yang said to them.
“Go away, the merchant isn’t selling anything this evening.” The man who spoke to them was far older in years, wore a chainmail shirt, and had his unsheathed long sword within reach.
“We’re not here to buy anything old man.” Yang calmly replied.
“Oh, then why are you here? Surely not to get warm by our fire or drink our mead.”
“Nope, not that either.”
“Then state your purpose before I get angry.”
Yang grinned. “We want the merchant’s wares.”
“I told you he wasn’t selling anything tonight. Are you deaf?” He raised his voice.
“Oh, I’m not deaf. You must be, because I told you we’re not here to buy anything.”
“Well if you’re not here to buy anything, then you must be here to steal his stuff and if that’s the case, you have a problem.”
“Good deduction, took you long enough.” Yang coolly replied.
“I’ll give you one more chance to leave before I get up, whelp.”
The other men around the fire laughed at Yang, who then causally glanced over his shoulder.
“When will people know when they’re outmatched?” He said to his bodyguards but loud enough for the others to hear.
One of the mercenaries stood up and withdrew his sword. “I think he’s serious about his intentions.” He stated to the others.
“Don’t care if he is, there are only three of them and seven of us.” Another mercenary added.
“You should heed my boss’ warning and leave before you die.” Vex said.
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