“Alas, it was an indignity that could not be avoided,” she said, sorrowfully. “These brave scions of the Wilderlands were sold, my lords and ladies, sold at market like cattle or pigs. Their heavy bronze collars marked them as abject slaves. The arms that had been strengthened to bear a sword in defense of the Wilderlands were sold, to be worked to death in the worst conditions a mortal can consider, outside of Olum Seheri.
“In lots of a hundred, they were parceled out of the holds of the treacherous captains’ ships and disposed of at the auctioneers’ blocks in Enultramar. Before another day passed, they were forced to row their barges upriver, to the vast, empty estates of the Alshari interior. The farms desperately needed labor for the harvest,” she explained.
“Our poor Wilderlords were doing work done for centuries by the honest peasants and villeins of Alshar. But the policies of the Five Counts made such traditions too expensive, when slave labor was so cheap. They rowed themselves upriver to estates in Falas, in Rhemes, in Erona and Rouen, in Chamhain and in distant Cothramal.
“Every master who took in the well-muscled slaves counted himself fortunate,” she continued, as if entertaining in a tavern. “They seemed docile. They were obedient. They hurried to obey, and seemed eager to prove their worth. The masters toasted their close relationship to the Five Counts that enabled them a prime spot at the slave auctions.
“Even in distant Ridragrian and Chamhain, most northerly of the rebel baronies, the need for labor was great enough to merit the purchase of fifty stout slaves, newly taken and proven. For days they labored . . . until the last full moon of summer shown.
“Then every man who was hired saw his collar fall from his neck in one night. Every man who risked his honor and life for his duke discovered the enchantment on the collar. For when the time was right, each one manifested from a hoxter implanted within his armor, his weapons, and other supplies.”
There was a murmur in the crowd as the implications became clear. “In one stroke, at one time, all over southern Alshar the clandestine warriors were both freed from their bondage and provided with arms and instruction. They immediately seized their master’s strongholds, and in one case – far to the north, where two hundred strong Wilderlords were sold to the Baron of Ridragrian – the men did more. They seized the fortress of Getamor from the rebel garrison . . . and opened the great gates.
“Outside the gates, far from the north, was a company of Alshari Commandos sent by His Grace to range south of the Land Of Scars. Led by Count Salgo, the Ducal Minister of War. He was invited to take possession of the complex in His Grace’s name. Five days ago.”
That was a stunning development. The security of southern Alshar, including the that of the Five Counts, was dependent upon control of the mountain cavern fortress known as Getamor. There was no other way between Alshar and the rest of the Five Duchies, save by sea. Control of that stronghold was absolutely essential to the viability of the rebellion.
And now they’d lost it. It was in the hands of Count Salgo, and I knew he’d defend it to the last.
“Count Salgo and his Commandos were only too happy to reclaim a secure piece of His Grace’s legacy,” Gatina continued, as she walked. “Indeed, they secured the fortress and imprisoned the rebels . . . allowing the Wilderlords to join their fellow escapees downriver. At Vaness, a surprise attack captured the wicked Baron of Ridragrian. The neighboring barony of Chamhain rose in support of the restoration, after its wicked baron was overthrown, and sent men to join the uprising.
“Downriver, at Inmar, the sudden seizure of key facilities on the river from the rebels allowed the barges bearing the Wilderlords to sail south, gathering men and allies and suddenly attacking those most closely tied to the Five Counts. Thankfully, someone was wise enough have the foresight to compile lists of the loyal, the disloyal, and the ambivalent before the fateful raid,” she said, taking a small bow. “When the Wilderlord’s flotilla passed a town, they arrested the rebels, raised the loyalists to power, and gathered yet more troops.
“Elsewhere, similar sparks of rebellion to the rebels was brewing. The Wilderlord slaves around Rouen rose up and seized the small garrison there, before securing the docks on the river and the support of many local lords who have bristled at the traitors’ rule.
“At Arada, local loyalists and Wilderlord agents attacked the rebel’s chief agent in that country and ensured that the flotilla could pass. In Raida, the Wilderlords were awaiting transfer to estates in Rhemes, but instead slew their captors and opened the citadel there to loyalists prepared and waiting.”
“My lady, do you mean to say that you . . . you have begun a rebellion in southern Alshar?” Princess Rardine asked, skeptically.
“If Your Highness will patiently await the conclusion of my tale, she will see,” Gatina said, mischievously. “For the policies of the Five Counts have grown increasingly unpopular with both the people and the nobility, and there have been murmurings of discontent with their rule.
“Many houses disapproved of the rebellion in the first place, favoring the Ducal House, and were willing to pledge their steel to the matter. A little persuasion, a little support, a little preparation, and when the banner of restoration was raised in the north, the loyalists were tasked with overwhelming the rebels in a well-planned, strategic manner.
“Within days, most of the land north of Rouen was under loyalist control, and a good portion of the lands betwixt Rouen and Falas were falling. Those rebels who sought to put down the rebellion found their troop movements blocked by failed bridges, guarded roads, and castles held against them. The Wilderlords gathered their strength as they descended the Mandros, collecting more of their comrades and hundreds of loyal Alshari as they went.
“A series of loyalist raids across the coastal lands followed, and when the unprepared garrisons of the rebels tried to respond, they found themselves locked within their own castles. The loyalists permitted the Wilderlords to descend the escarpment from the highlands, and a mere two days ago,” she finished, as she triumphantly threw open the ornate double doors, “they seized control of the capital of Falas, and imprisoned the rebel leaders here.”
“What?” Anguin snapped. “Here? We’re in Falas?” he asked in disbelief.
“What better location to celebrate your impending nuptials, Your Grace?” Sir Atopol spoke, for the first time. “Is it not your ancestral home, Your Grace? Your legacy?”
“Sir Atopol . . . where exactly are we?” demanded his friend Duke Anguin.
“I bid you welcome to Velsignal Hall, chamber of discussion among the Alshari nobility . . . and traditional venue for the ducal house to make important announcements to the population,” he added. “It has been recently cleansed, and comes complete with three hundred loyalist knights guarding its every entrance for the occasion,” he said, as he dramatically thrust opened the double wooden doors, and we entered the great chamber.
We were standing in an ornate gallery above the floor, and a wave of noise arose as we arrived. Hundreds of Alshari nobles were gathered beneath the great arched roof. They all started cheering the moment we entered. Anguin looked completely astounded at the roar of applause.
“Your realm is restored to you, Your Grace,” Gatina finished, with a simple courtesy. “The palace at Falas is under our control, as are the major castles along the Mandros. Even now our agents are seizing the docks against the return of the fleet. While pockets of resistance remain, when it became clear that the uprising was viable, many of the uncommitted were eager to lend their support to the cause.”
“This . . . this is astounding,” Anguin said, as hundred continued to cheer his name. “You . . . you orchestrated a rebellion? In my own lands? Without telling me?” the Orphan Duke asked Sir Atopol, incredulously.
“It seemed improper to reveal the scheme until it had succeeded, Your Grace,” the shadowmage explained. “Considering how invested you were in the raids against our true foes, it seemed the least we could do to help out in Alsh
ar. Did we not say that House Furtius was at your service?” he asked, proudly.
“My children are impetuous, Your Grace,” Lord Hance said, putting his hands on Gatina’s shoulders. “But they are not reckless. My wife Lady Minnureal oversaw many of Gatina’s plans. Once it became clear she had a viable solution to the problem of the rebels, we were happy to put the resources of our house to the task. As it turns out, my house has a lot of resources.”
“And a lot of friends,” Tyndal broke in, looking ridiculously satisfied with himself. “After Ron and I wrecked a good deal of the Mandros last year, things were getting progressively worse for both commoner and noble, under the rebel counts.
“Add in the outbreak of undead in Caramas, the economic recession caused by the crisis, and there were a lot of ears hungry for what Gatina and her family were whispering. Sneaking the Wilderlords in with their weapons hidden inside their very slave collars was masterful,” he said, admiringly.
“The problem has always been that the rebels were able to watch those suspected of staging an uprising closely,” Lord Hance agreed. “With a military force they weren’t aware of suddenly arising behind their lines, that allowed the uprising to flower without exposing loyalists to retribution.”
“The palace at Falas was nearly empty, this time of year,” Atopol added. “A few hundred Wilderlords patrolling the streets and a thousand loyalist troops guarding the gates, and the city was ready to welcome its duke back . . . once we put the rebels in charge here in the dungeons,” he added. “But the city is yours, my duke. And soon the entire duchy.”
Anguin just stared at the crowd below the gallery in disbelief. “I . . . you conquered my duchy for me,” he said, shaking his head.
“Restored it, Your Grace,” Lord Hanse corrected. “Prime Minister Angrial, would you like to introduce His Grace to his subjects?” he suggested. “I believe that is the traditional responsibility of your post, is it not?”
“Why . . . why yes, yes, it is!” Angrial said, tears in his eyes. “It is, indeed.”
“Allow me to assist, my lord,” Tyndal grinned, casting a voice augmentation spell on the man. Angrial stepped to the podium, introduced himself – many in the chamber were familiar with him, and his reputation – and then introduced Anguin.
The Orphan Duke gave a rousing impromptu speech that whipped the crowd into a frenzy. He promised to restore the just rule of the House of Terine, to punish the rebels, and to re-establish prosperity for all in the duchy. And when he announced the recovery of two Gilmoran baronies to his collection, the nobility went wild.
Then he introduced Rardine as his intended bride. That quieted the crowd. The House of Bimin was little liked even among the loyalists, and Rardine was widely suspected of complicity in the assassinations of the duke and duchess.
Yet Anguin’s eloquent introduction and tender description of Rardine was worthy of a jongleur. By the time he was done, even Rardine was crying.
My head was swimming, and I don’t remember much else specific from the occasion. Save that the only person who looked less than ecstatic over the unexpected restoration was Rondal. My former apprentice looked troubled and thoughtful, continuously stealing glances at the slender young white-haired thief who had apparently arranged the entire thing.
While Rardine was being greeted by the Alshari, I chanced to overhear their conversation, when Rondal took Gatina aside.
“You did all this?” he asked. “You arranged an uprising? A coup? A restoration?”
“I did, my lord,” she bowed. “I do hope you think it worthy.”
“I . . . I . . . you did all of this . . . to impress me?”
“I did it for many reasons,” Gatina assured him. “Patriotism, the honor of my house, the pure challenge of the problem,” she admitted. “But foremost in my mind was the fact that you would not marry until both the Brotherhood of the Rat was defeated, and the duchy restored to Anguin’s rightful rule. I believe both of those conditions are met, now.”
Rondal was quiet for a moment. “So they are,” he agreed, reluctantly.
“Therefore, there should be no further impediment to us getting married,” she continued, in a reasonable tone.
“No, I . . . I suppose there isn’t,” my former apprentice agreed. Then he grinned, and I could hear it in his voice. “You really are a remarkable girl, aren’t you?”
“My lord,” she said, so sweetly I could taste it, “I wager I will make you an even more remarkable wife.”
Chapter Seventy-Seven
Exile
The news of Anguin’s sudden restoration spread throughout the Mirror array, and quickly supplanted the fall of Farise in importance. Not even the dragon attack on Castabriel was as astounding to the mind of the common man as the news that the Orphan Duke had, somehow, defeated the Five Counts and reclaimed his throne.
In one day.
Of course, that was not at all accurate. Only two of the counts were actually captured – Rhemes and Erona. The Count of Caramas quickly capitulated to Anguin’s rule and swore fealty, for what it was worth. The Count of Arangalan was sailing with the fleet, and the Count of Cothromal, in the north, had been slain in his bed by loyalists fed up with his cruel dictates.
But those details of history paled in comparison to the Orphan Duke’s sudden Restoration. Such a feat of political and military success had never been recorded in the annals of the Five Duchies.
It was a fascinating tale, much of which I only learned later. Indeed, it was a feat worthy of the greatest of wizards, accomplished by the determination of one fourteen-year-old girl and her family. Not only had Gatina managed to stall and subvert nearly every predictable response amongst the rebel lords who might interfere, she had ensured that the loyalist forces in Alshar were in positions to control the strategic resources of the duchy.
From the northern castle of Getamor, now controlled by Count Salgo, the loyalist forces quickly gathered along the banks of the mighty Mandros. Gatina’s preparations had not been perfect – several times rebel forces managed to assemble to contest with the loyalists. Nearly five hundred managed to gather in Inmar, when it was clear that the rebellion was facing insurrection. But two hundred Wilderlords leading eight hundred loyalists met the rebels in a village outside of Inmar, and left the rebels corpses feeding the crows.
Surprisingly military encounters were the exception, rather than the rule. Thanks to House Furtius’ exhaustive exploration of the rebels’ strengths, the loyalists knew precisely where and when – and, most importantly, whom – to strike at the appointed hour. Most of Gatina’s efforts involved parchment, not steel. Dozens of writs and warrants were issued the day before the loyalists struck, ensuring that the proper men to lead their troops were imprisoned, assassinated, or otherwise out of place to act at critical moments.
A regime can only exist on the shoulders of a military force, and from Inmar south the young Wilderlords Gatina used to infiltrate the enemy were the agents and symbols of Anguin’s regime.
It was a difficult proposition for folks who had been forced to support the Five Counts for so long. They were fearful of reprisals and reports of disloyalty, as the regime had taken of late to confiscation, rather than mere fines, to punish disloyalty. Those who were even suspected of sedition by the rebels had lost their patrimonies, and joined the ranks of the unemployed and tradefallen.
Yet as the bold Wilderlords floated downriver, they quickly took any citadel foolish enough to stand against them by storm. Beyond Inmar, the loyal men of the North took the great castle at Kultanyan by surprise, and using it as a base quickly moved both down river and overland to seize control of the administrative capital at Rouen at dawn.
The rebel-appointed regent of Rouen – one of House Terine’s signature holdings – was interrogated and executed before noon. Sir Saverin of Colglean, a scion of an ancient Wilderlands house, took control of the strategically important city and sent its loyalist forces south with the bulk of his men.
As
the flotilla of barges and boats carrying the victorious Wilderlords floated down from the north, they gathered additional forces at every port. Houses loyal to Anguin, carefully cultivated by House Furtius, quietly added their strength to the Wilderlords bearing the Anchor and Antlers banner down the river.
By the time they approached Roen, they were five thousand. By the time they approached Falas, there were fifteen thousand knights, led by the popular (and loyal) Count Kolinnen of Feoir, what few rebel forces who were able to deploy against the insurrection were quickly crushed by the time the impromptu army reached unsuspecting Falas.
Well-prepared by House Furtius, the loyalists took the deserted capital in hours. What the daughter had stirred up, the father quickly took in hand. With the help of the loyalist army (and a ducal warrant naming him a Marshal of Alshar – handy things, those) Lord Hance quickly organized (or had planned and waiting for such an occasion) enough barons to ensure that the rebels had little chance of regaining the capital without a tremendous struggle. A council of high nobles met at the palace and acclaimed the return of Anguin, despite the dictates of the rebel council.
There were some tense moments, as the loyalists moved to take control of both government and capital from the unsuspecting rebels. Relying on an astonishing number of ducal warrants, dozens of rebels were rounded up by squadrons of knights and hastily arrested. Most were languishing still in the dungeons of Falas, awaiting Anguin’s justice.
Once Anguin was officially restored to the capital, at Gatina’s “bridal shower”, the Ducal Court from Vorone quickly took control of the palace and its offices, supplanting the rebel’s appointees at the point of a sword, if necessary. A spirit of fierce Alshari patriotism associated with the House of Terine spread across the coastlands, until even stalwart vassals of the Five Counts were lining up to ensure their vows of fealty to the Duke were heard and duly recorded.
Necromancer: Book Ten Of The Spellmonger Series Page 116
