by Mike Morris
Brothers! We will send the Nostros back to hell!"
The room erupted into cheers and applause but this time Lin did not join in. She remembered confident men dying on a beach at the hands of a few Masters. Now they were going to take on a castle full of them? It was madness.
And what about Old Jahn and all the other humans, be they Sweats, Meats or Skins. They were good people. Her people. She turned to Jack. "What's going to happen to the humans in Grosnar when you attack?"
Before Jack could answer, the Abbot spoke once more. "Brothers, I ask you to join me in prayer. Please kneel."
His voice was strong and proud as it echoed through the great room. "Almighty God, we kneel before Thee and ask for Thy strength as we go forth to battle the evil's forces as the instrument of Thy fury.
"May we smite those that have brought death and misery to Thy great world. Fuel our courage for the forces of the Nostros are many and we are few.
"In Thy name, may we defeat them so Abios may keep her freedom. Help us, o Lord, so we may serve Thee gallantly while achieving victory. Amen."
Two hundred voices replied, "Amen."
The Abbot looked around the room. "Gentleman, it is time to cry havoc! It is time for the Black Dogs to go to war!"
33
713 PN
The next morning Jack returned to the great hall to find out his assignment. In the night two more ships had arrived — a beast of a vessel called the Revelation and a smaller craft called The Great Hope. Neither ship came close to the size of ships he’d seen at Graynor.
The hall was full of priests and the buzz of chatter as the upcoming attack was discussed. Jack slipped through the crowd and headed to a set of tables set up in the far end of the hall. Clerks sat behind them with lists of names and orders. He spotted Brother Isaac, the Abbot’s man and went over to him.
“Brother Jack,” the Clerk said with a smile.
Jack’s eyes drifted away. “Brother Isaac.”
“I expect you’re looking forward to going back over and getting some revenge.”
Jack nodded because he had no idea what else to do. He didn’t want to go back, didn’t want to face those demons again, but the truth was he’d never left the Middle Kingdoms. When the Nostros had bitten into his neck, Jack had lost something, something inside, and maybe, going back was his chance to get it back.
When Isaac realized he wasn’t going to get an answer, he busied himself with looking though his list for Jack’s name. “Ah, yes, here it is. You’re on the Revelation under the command of Brother Nial.”
“Brother Nial?”
“You’re in safe hands there, lad.”
“Thank you,” replied Jack and wandered back into the main room.
Bryan and Erik were already waiting. They too were on the Revelation.
"Any sign of Thomas?" asked Jack.
"He wasn't picked to come with us. They're keeping a force in reserve in case we don't succeed," replied Bryan.
"Shame he won't get a chance to get involved," said Erik. "I'm certainly not going to leave any Nostros alive for him."
"Me neither," said Bryan and the two men clasped hands, laughing.
"Do not underestimate them, brothers," said Jack.
Their smiles faded as their eyes fell on Jack's scar.
"No offense, brother," said Bryan.
This time Jack forced a smile but he remembered a similar briefing and the dead men who were with him then, equally full of confidence. Please God, let this be different.
"Sit down everyone," a voice called out from the front.
Three men had entered the room and taken up positions by the podium. Jack recognized one of the men. The men he’d be reporting to.
Nial the legend.
As a boy growing up, his exploits were told many a time around a late night fire. Back then, people claimed he was twelve foot tall and carried a blade made of lightening and able to crush a Nostros’ skull in one hand. The boys would argue over who would be good enough to serve under him in the Order's elite or they’d pretend to be him in training.
The reality was different. He was a tall man but no giant. Six foot five at best. His thinning blonde hair was cut short, almost like a novice. A deeply furrowed brow bore testament to his years of service and his skin had a golden hue from too many hours out in the sun. He might not be able to crush a Nostros skull with one hand but there was no doubting the power of the man. He carried an aura of unquestionable authority.
"I'll not insult you and pretend what we’re about to do is going to be easy," said Nial. He spoke slowly, drawing the men's attention. "Not since the second crusades has anyone launched an attack on enemy soil. But, my brothers, we have no choice.
"By now, you’ll have been given your assignments. I'll be commanding the forces on the Revelation. Brother Eden will be in charge of the Savior and Brother Anthony will be on the Great Hope." The two men beside Nial nodded at the men before them.
"Eden has fifty men. Their mission is to destroy every ship in the harbor. Nothing is to remain, nothing salvageable, nothing that can be rebuilt.
"Anthony with another fifty will climb the cliffs on either side of the castle. Ship building materials, stores and equipment are being warehoused just outside the city walls. They will burn them all and kill any Nostros and their troops they find. Once that is completed, they will make their way back into the castle to meet up with the main attack group and myself.
"The remaining one hundred men are with me. Our job is to enter Grosnar and kill every demon within it. We will bring the wrath of God down on them and strike them from our world. We enter through the harbor. There is a large cavern in the cliffs on which Grosnar sits. From there, stairs will take us up into the heart of the enemy.
"We will attack one hour after dawn. Most of the Nostros will be asleep by then. Their human work force is locked up before first light so we'll not have to worry about them getting in the way. If there is time and your missions are complete, we’ll free them but they are not our priority. If there is any doubt, leave them in God's hands.
"This is the moment we have been training for, my brothers. Abios' future is in our hands. May God put steel in your hearts and strength in your arms for what needs to be done. There can be no failure."
Jack listened to Nial's words and, he had to admit, the plan was sound. But he'd seen Grosnar. It was a fortress they were attacking. He’d seen first hand what a few Nostros could do — and now they were going to attack them on their home ground.
He rubbed his scar and thoughts of his brother filled his mind once more. He looked at Bryan and Erik joking with some of the other priests. They'd no idea what they were going to face there, despite their training. Good didn't always beat evil and having God on their side was no guarantee of victory either.
The rest of the day was a blur of activity for which Jack was thankful. It stopped his mind from wandering and gave no room for his doubts and fears. The men broke up into the three separate groups and went over their individual roles. The ships were stocked with canoes for the infiltration groups and filled with the various supplies they required. Food was brought to them so they could keep working without any breaks.
By the time Jack returned to his room, he was exhausted and his eyes burned. He had ten hours to himself before the Dogs were due to leave. He hoped sleep would come easily and trouble-free.
He pushed open his door to find Lin sitting on his bed. "What are you doing here? You're not supposed to be in this wing," he said, shutting the door.
"What's going to happen to my people when the Order attacks Grosnar?" she demanded, rising to her feet. "No one will tell me anything."
Jack took a step back until his back touched the door. His room felt smaller than ever as she came closer. "I don’t know. We've been ordered only to help them once everything else has been accomplished."
Jack could see tears forming in the corners of her deep blue eyes. "I have friends, family in Grosnar. They’re huma
ns too. They're just as important as the ones that live in your country. They need saving too," she said. She placed a hand on Jack's chest.
He stepped past her into the room, trying to find some space. "There’s nothing I can do. I’m sorry," he replied.
"What if I were to come with you?"
"They'd never allow that."
"I know. The Abbot has already refused my request."
"Then why do you ask?"
"There are two hundred men boarding those ships. One more would not be noticed."
"I think they’d notice you. A woman tends to stand out."
"Then cut my hair. Dress me in your uniform. With a cloak and hood, I’ll be just another soldier."
"You can't be serious?" asked Jack, shaking his head. "You can't ask this of me."
"Take me home," implored Lin. "Give me a chance to set my people free. We can rise up and help you. Triple, quadruple the manpower facing the Masters."
Jack turned away and looked at the ships in the harbor. Lin was right. It would be easy to slip one more person on board. "Getting you onto a canoe would be more of a challenge. Teams have already been selected. I doubt that there is a spare slot just waiting to be filled by a stowaway."
"We can make this work," said Lin. She moved behind him again, close enough that he could feel her breath on his neck. She placed a hand on his back.
Jack closed his eyes. "It's madness." If they were discovered, the shame would be unrecoverable. He’d be expelled from the Order, branded a failure, a traitor. Lin couldn’t ask this of him.
"I saved your life."
“I know.” Jack turned around to face her. A tear rolled down her cheek, past a small cluster of freckles. He reached up and wiped it away with his thumb. "Are you sure this is what you want to do?"
"I’ve no choice. What would you do if your brother was trapped there?"
Jack touched the scar on his neck as he imagined his brother a prisoner of the Nostros. Thank God he wasn’t. Better to be dead than that. "I'd do anything I could to free him."
"Allow me the same opportunity," Lin said. “That’s all I ask.”
He looked at her. There was no way she’d change her mind. No way she’d give up on the foolish idea. If he didn’t help her, he knew she’d just try to get on board on her own. He sighed. "I will," he replied. God help him, he was a fool but what else could he do? They’d probably end up getting killed together.
The haircut was easily achieved. Lin sat on the chair in Jack's room while he took a knife to her locks. He started gingerly at first, giving her the opportunity to stop him but she sat stone-faced as her hair fell to the floor. By the end, he left a fringe that fell just past her eyebrows with the sides and back close-cropped. To Jack, he only succeeded in accentuating Lin's cat-like eyes and the sweeping curve of her cheeks but she seemed pleased.
"It's perfect," she said, jumping up from the chair. "What next?"
Jack shook his head at the stupidity of it all. He took a deep breath. "You wait here and I'll get you a uniform. Don't answer the door to anyone. Don't even think of going anywhere." He paused for a moment, looking at Lin before leaving. She was crazy but she knew what she wanted and believed she could do it.
It took Jack three hours to scrounge the rest of the kit needed for Lin's disguise. Even with the whole monastery bustling to get ready for the morning departure, he had to be careful not to arouse suspicion. Lin needed a uniform in a much smaller size than Jack wore and the extra weapons were almost impossible to requisition at such short notice.
Lin jumped up when he opened the door. Relief flooded her face when she saw it was only Jack. "You're back. I was starting to worry."
He dropped everything he was carrying on the bed. "I'm not sure if they’d lock me up in a cell or an asylum if they found out what we are planning." He picked up the priest tunic and trousers and passed them to Lin. "Try these on. Hopefully they will fit. You're not the typical size of a priest here."
"Thank you," she said, clutching them to her chest. They stood staring at each other for a few moments until Lin smiled and raised an eyebrow.
"Er. Yes. Sorry," said Jack. "I'll...er... wait outside." Color flooded his cheeks.
"Yes, you do that," Lin replied as he bolted out the room.
Jack rubbed his face. She always made him feel awkward. He looked up and down the corridor while he waited, hoping no one would pass.
"What do you think?"
He turned to face Lin. She was in the full garb of a Black Dog. The bulky jerkin flattened out her frame and masked the curve of her hips. The collar hid her slender neck. If no one inspected her too closely, she’d pass for a Black Dog.
Except, despite the haircut, despite the uniform, she was still beautiful.
"So?" Lin asked again.
"Get back inside," replied Jack, pushing her back into his room before shutting the door.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong. You look perfect." Jack busied himself with the weapons on the bed. He couldn't look her in the face in case she'd know what he was thinking. "Here. Put the holsters on. I've got you two pistols, lead balls and powder, some knives. The only thing I couldn't get you is a sword."
"I know. Each priest makes their own sword as part of their trials. It's okay though. I have the sword I took from the Master... I mean, the Nostros Prince," replied Lin. "It seems fitting that I take it back with me."
"Go back to your rooms and stay there until it is almost time to leave. It would not be wise to be seen by anyone looking like you do now. Hopefully, at dawn, there’ll be enough commotion for you to go unnoticed."
"Thank you, Jack." Her voice was warm, soft. "If it's safer, I could stay here..."
Jack turned his back on here and busied himself with his own kit bag. "No. That wouldn’t be wise. Wait for me by the Eastern Gate at dawn. We can head down to the ships together."
"Why..."
"Please. Leave me. We both need to sleep." And he didn’t trust himself. Was he to forsake every vow he’d taken? He had to better. He had to be stronger.
The door opened and closed behind him. He closed his eyes as the lock clicked into place. Jack listened to her footsteps disappear into the distance before he opened them again. He removed his collar, traced the contours of the scar tissue with his fingers. May God give him the strength for all he was required to do on the morrow. He wouldn't fail his brothers. He wouldn't fail Lin.
34
713 PN
Jack shot upright, the gag taut in his mouth. It was the dream. Just a variation of the dream. He yanked the cloth from his mouth, steadying his breathing. Dear God, what did he have to do to make the nightmares stop?
Black skies hung outside his window still but there was plenty of activity in the courtyard below. After all, the Order was going to war.
Jack dressed, gathered his kit and made his way downstairs to the eternal flame. He ran his fingers over Brendan's name etched on the stone. How many more would join the Fallen honored there? Would his own name be next to Brendan's?
Jack knelt and closed his eyes. "Dear God above, watch over all my brothers as we go to do Thy will. Give us Thy strength as we fight against Thine enemies. Protect us against their might and deliver us safely once more back to these fair shores. Look after our brethren who will join Thy Kingdom in Heaven. Grant me wisdom in my actions and forgive my failings. May I find redemption in your eyes today. Amen."
Jack made the sign of the circle and rose. Lin was easy to spot despite the cloak and hood pulled over her head as she waited for him by the Eastern Gate. She’d tucked herself away into the shadows of a holly bush. To his eyes, it was clear she was a woman but other priests walked by and none gave her a second glance, too preoccupied with their own tasks. Jack gave a sigh of relief.
He couldn't stop the smile spreading across his face as their eyes met. Despite how much he'd hoped she'd abandon her plans to come with them, he was glad to see her.
He didn't speak to her as
he passed and she fell into step a few paces behind him. As two hundred priests made their way to the docks, it was easy for them to hide in the crowd.
The priests watched their equipment get hoisted onto the Revelation. It would be a long day and night at sea even if the wind were with them. Just enough time to get them to Grosnar before first light.
Nial stood talking to the Abbot on the edge of the dock. Three of his men were nearby, oblivious to the goings on around them. One sat on the opposite side of the pier, legs dangling while he sharpened an array of knives while the two others played dice as they waited. They were all so calm. It was the opposite of what Jack felt, the turmoil and guilt proving an unsettling combination. He was about to walk up the gangplank with Lin when he heard his name called out.
The Abbot gestured for Jack to come over. His heart sank. They’d never forgive him for bringing Lin along. Jack shivered and pulled his cloak tighter around him. He sensed Lin stopping behind him but dared not look.
The Abbot smiled. "Jack, good morning."
"Good morning, Sir," replied Jack, bowing his head.
"How are you feeling?" The Abbot raised his eyebrow as he asked.
"I'm fine, Sir. Thank you."
"None of this would be happening if it weren't for you, Jack," said the Abbot gesturing toward the three ships. "We'd still be living in blissful ignorance."
Jack's hand went to his neck, felt the color reach his cheeks.
"I know you still feel the loss of Brendan and the others but you must know that they gave their lives for a greater good. It is their sacrifice that allows us this single chance to save Abios. Be proud of what you achieved then and what you will achieve today," said the Abbott.
Jack hung his head. "Thank you, my Lord Abbot." The praise did not sit well with him. It wasn't what he'd been expecting to hear. A gamut of emotions played within him. Guilt at surviving when the others did not. His shame at failing them. Disappointment in himself for bringing Lin along mixed with relief as he realized she hadn't been recognized. He shifted uncomfortably.
