Artesans of Albia: 02 - King's Champion

by Cas Peace

  She smiled at him. “They were only minor wounds, General. I would contact his Majesty myself and reassure him, but I dare not risk alerting Lord Rykan to my presence. That could be disastrous.”

  “Of course,” said Ephan. “Never fear, Major, I will be your messenger. I will see you at dawn tomorrow. Don’t be late.” Turning, he strode back to his escort.

  Sullyan spent the rest of the day organizing the men and planning more raids. Ky-shan would lead in her absence, although he surprised her by being torn between the desire to kill more of Rykan’s men and what he saw as his duty to her. At his request, she accepted Almid, Kester, and Xeer as an honor guard, along with Robin. Unable to refuse her Captain’s whispered plea, she also reluctantly accepted Jay’el. The young seaman had been intensely relieved to hear that Ki-en should eventually make a full recovery and hadn’t left his friend’s side since. He was nervous when he learned he was to be a part of the Major’s honor guard, but he left Ki-en’s side in a happier mood.

  Marik was also nervous, but he understood the necessity of making the trip. He hadn’t yet formally pledged allegiance to the Hierarch and was a loose horse in Anjer’s eyes. His men cheered when they learned why he was going, each one eager to take revenge for their involuntary conscription into Rykan’s forces. They knew they would ultimately gain by Marik’s declaration of loyalty, and readily accepted Nazir as second-in-command while Marik was away.

  Sullyan led the small group out before dawn and they arrived at the command camp, along with many others, just as daylight broke. Jay’el and Xeer were left to care for the horses and Marik to await his summons. She and Robin, with the twins flanking them as ostentatious bodyguards, made their way to the Lord General’s tent. Ephan and Kryp were already there and both greeted Sullyan, although the portly General’s nod was grudging. Sullyan honored them both with a respectful salute, as did Robin. Almid and Kester waited outside.

  As soon as Anjer arrived with the commanders of the other field units, the council was convened. Sullyan and Robin were regarded with unveiled curiosity, but the Major was relieved to see no obvious resentment. Anjer afforded her a smile of greeting as she and Robin participated in the general salute, and Sullyan returned the grin.

  They spent a long morning discussing the state of the war. The Duke had been prevented from spreading out to throw a ring of men around the Citadel, and his orderly columns were now scattered and disorganized. The Hierarch had called in all his reserves, most of which were now mobilized. They were only missing around two thousand men, and these would arrive within two days.

  Anjer proposed that they now begin moves to ensure that Rykan had to fight the Hierarch’s forces on equal terms. All the generals and commanders had their own ideas as to where the decisive battle should take place, and these were put forward with their relative merits.

  Sullyan sat quietly throughout the discussions, not contributing, merely listening. Anjer glanced her way more than once, inviting comment, but she held her peace. As they began chewing over the merits of the various sites, he addressed her directly.

  “Major Sullyan, have you no comment to make?”

  All heads turned her way. She met Anjer’s black gaze calmly.

  “My Lord General, the plans for the next phase of the battle are well enough. My command will play its part as before. However, this discussion over where the final meeting of the two forces should take place is irrelevant.”

  There was a restless stir. Few of the men in that tent would care to use the word ‘irrelevant’ to Anjer. Yet the huge man merely raised his brows and gestured for her to continue. “Why irrelevant, Major?”

  “Because, my Lord, there is only one place where the Hierarch’s challenge may be made, and that is on the Plains before the Citadel gates.”

  Voices were raised in protest, Kryp being loudest. Anjer sat back with folded arms, studying her calm face while he waited for the noise to die down. When he finally had silence, he said, “Would you care to explain to us why, having spent the last week preventing Rykan’s men from approaching the Citadel, we should now invite them onto the Plains like guests?”

  She smiled faintly. “We will not ‘invite’ them, my Lord. In fact, we should do just the opposite. As we all know, the purpose of our tactics over the last few days was first to prevent the Duke from besieging the Caer, and second to allow the Hierarch’s reserves time to deploy. In this, we have succeeded. Our next task is to convince Rykan that the Plains are his choice for the final confrontation, not ours.”

  Anjer frowned. “Please explain, Major.”

  “What we must not do is let Rykan realize he is being manipulated. If he does, he will pull back, retreat to a place of safety, and formulate another strategy. He must continue to believe that he has the superior force, as he would have were we not aware of his numbers. This means concealing his Majesty’s reserve troops and feigning a withdrawal. Retreat before Rykan’s supposedly superior numbers so that he pursues us right to the Citadel gates.”

  “That’s unnecessarily dangerous, Major! Why on earth should we allow Rykan that close to the Caer?”

  Her voice dropped as she held Anjer’s gaze. “Because the Hierarch must make his challenge in person.”

  Protesting voices rose once more, and even the Lord General reacted angrily. The commanders were clearly horrified at the thought of exposing their ruler to such danger, and Kryp appeared to be on the verge of drawing on her. Robin rose to his feet, his hand on his own sword hilt, but Sullyan touched his arm and he relaxed. He still kept a wary eye on Kryp, though. Sullyan sat calmly through the storm of outrage, and eventually Anjer regained control. He rose to his feet, his huge frame towering over her.

  “Does his Majesty know of this ridiculous plan, Major?”

  She kept her tone mild. “Of course, my Lord, but it was no idea of mine. I believe it was Baron Gaslek who unearthed the protocol. His Majesty is fully aware and prepared to fulfill the terms of the challenge. It is vital that the proper customs be observed in order to bind the Duke to acceptance. This has to be definitive, my Lord. If we are to remove Rykan’s threat to the throne, we cannot allow the plan to fail because of concerns for his Majesty’s safety.”

  Anjer gave an exasperated sigh. “I wish his Majesty had seen fit to inform me of the plan!” He threw Sullyan an irritated glance, but she didn’t react. He subsided. Resuming his seat, he began issuing orders to initiate first a push on Rykan’s troops, and then a staged retreat which would bring them all to the Plains below the Citadel walls.

  Sullyan took no further part in the discussions, merely accepted her orders as they were handed out. When the meeting broke up and the other commanders departed, leaving only Anjer, Ephan, and Kryp, the Lord General called to her as she was about to leave.

  “Major Sullyan, would you do us the courtesy of remaining to witness Count Marik’s Oath of Allegiance?”

  She was both flattered and surprised by the invitation. “Certainly, my Lord, if you wish.”

  “This is your doing, after all,” said Anjer. “It is only right that you witness it.” He turned to Robin. “Captain, would you ask Count Marik to attend us?”

  * * * * *

  Robin found the Count waiting nervously with Jay’el and Xeer and relayed Anjer’s request.

  “Don’t look so worried, Ty! Anjer’s not so bad. It’s the fat one you have to watch out for. If he takes a dislike to you, you’ll know all about it.”

  Marik grimaced. “Thanks for the optimism. It’s alright for you two. You’re heroes of the hour. Everyone’s talking about you and the Major.” He suddenly lowered his voice, making Robin frown. “I’ll tell you now, though, I’ve heard some ugly stories circulating concerning what Rykan did to her. I don’t know how it got out, but you might want to warn her.”

  Robin’s heart fell as he watched Marik stalk toward the tent where he would pledge his allegiance to Andaryon’s Crown. He knew how adamant Sullyan was that the true reason for her being here should
remain concealed. She would be furious if someone had let the information slip. In uneasy contemplation, he strolled back to the giants, who were sitting with Xeer and Jay’el. Kester was brewing fellan while Jay’el polished Sullyan’s sword. None of them commented, but Robin thought he caught a glimpse of something in Kester’s eyes as the man passed him a steaming mug.

  The Major appeared after half an hour and told them that Marik was in talks with Anjer. They would leave now, and the Count would follow later. By mid-afternoon they were back in the field medics’ camp, but Robin still hadn’t mentioned Marik’s concerns. Sullyan was preoccupied with her orders and he let her be. They wouldn’t meet up with Ky-shan and the rest of their company until tomorrow, so he hoped there would be time to broach the subject later that night.

  * * * * *

  As soon as they arrived at the medics’ camp, Sullyan went to check on Ki-en. Jay’el trailed her like a whipped puppy, convinced she would leave him behind. When she entered the tent, she saw the injured lad was fully conscious and drinking from a mug of spice-tea. His face lit up when he saw them both, and he turned adoring eyes on Sullyan.

  She sat on the edge of his bunk and took his hand. “How are you feeling, Ki-en?”

  He grinned, a lopsided look full of pleading. “I am very well, Lady. My leg is a little sore, but nothing that won’t come right after a bit of exercise.”

  She frowned and his young face paled.

  “Lady,” he begged, leaning forward and clasping at her hand, “please don’t leave me behind. I am well enough to ride a short way. I can sit double behind Almid or Kester. They said I could. Even if I can’t join the fighting for a couple of days I can still be useful round the camp. I can look after the horses. I’ll look after your horses, Lady! You and the Skipper saved my life. I want to thank you by serving you. Please, please don’t leave me here!”

  She studied his face in silence, her eyes dilating as she verified the truth of his words. Satisfied, she gave him a small smile. “Very well, Ki-en. When we leave tomorrow morning you can ride with one of the twins. Jay here will look after you and see that you take no further harm.”

  She gave Jay’el a hard look. Ky-shan’s son looked relieved, and her familiar use of his name gave the lie to the firmness of her tone. Grinning at Ki-en, he remained behind as Sullyan left the tent.

  It was nearly dark by the time Marik returned from his swearing, and he immediately sought Sullyan out. She and Robin were sitting with the twins and Xeer, but she rose to embrace the Count as he approached. He was smiling, exuding a new air of confidence, and she was glad to see it replace his former gloom.

  “I take it all went well with Anjer?” she asked, releasing Marik and settling back down beside Robin.

  Marik sat too and exchanged a brief look with Robin that Sullyan didn’t understand. Robin made no remark, and Marik launched into an account of his meeting with Anjer, so she soon forgot the odd look.

  “He wants me and my men to form a separate company,” finished Marik, his eyes intent on Sullyan’s face. “One of Kryp’s commanders was badly injured and has had to return to the Citadel. Anjer’s asked me to take the leaderless men and incorporate them into my own command.”

  Sullyan smiled in genuine pleasure. “That is exceptionally good news, my friend. Anjer is showing his trust in you and giving you the opportunity to win the people’s respect.”

  Marik nodded, yet his long face didn’t reflect the pride she expected him to display. In fact, his melancholia suddenly returned.

  “What is it, Count? Surely you do not doubt your ability to lead these men?”

  He shook his head and raised clouded eyes to hers. “I’ve been ordered to take my command over to the southeastern flank, if I can work them between Rykan’s lines. I won’t be able to guard your back any more.”

  There was naked emotion in his gaze, and Sullyan felt her heart contract. “Oh, Ty.”

  Marik clasped his hands together and took a deep breath, as if gathering his courage. “Sullyan, I’ve been meaning to say this for a long time now. Your faith in me and your support have meant so much over these past few weeks. After what happened at my mansion—after I betrayed you to Rykan—”

  She opened her mouth to protest, but the Count rushed on.

  “No, don’t say it. I should never have let him intimidate me like that. I should have stood firm and resisted him. I did betray you, no matter what the circumstances. But you didn’t hold it against me, and I’ve never really told you how grateful I am. Now you’ve been the means of me regaining not just my self-respect, but also my future. I’ve won the chance to impress Anjer, and if I can lead my company even half as well as you’ve led yours, then maybe I’ll also get the chance to repay Rykan for all his years of oppression. Maybe I’ll even get Cardon back! I owe all this to you, Sullyan, and I couldn’t begin to express the depth of my gratitude.”

  Sullyan reached out and gripped his hands, too choked to speak. Marik’s eyes filled with tears and he smiled at her. Then he rose, looking embarrassed, and held out his hand to Robin.

  “I thank you too, Captain, for not running me through when you found me in Rykan’s palace.”

  Robin stood and clasped the Count’s hand. “We’d never have got Sullyan out without you. And I never really apologized for doubting you, and behaving so stupidly at the drovers’ hut.”

  There was a brief and awkward silence, both men thoroughly embarrassed by the show of emotion. Then they dropped each other’s hands and Marik stepped away. He faced Sullyan, saying formally, “I wish you good hunting, Major. I’m sure we’ll meet again once Rykan’s forces are defeated.”

  He inclined his head and walked briskly away.

  Sullyan watched him go, pride and fear warring in her heart. She didn’t want to part with him, but she knew that his destiny lay apart from hers now. He had his loyalty and skills to prove, and she would never deny him that chance. She sat in introspective silence after Marik had left, and twice rebuffed Robin’s weak attempts to engage her in conversation. Xeer and the twins showed no signs of wanting to talk either, and she was thankful when Robin eventually gave up, leaving her to her thoughts.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  The haunting sound of Cal’s longwhistle always had the power to soothe Rienne’s soul. She smiled to see him lost in his music, the silver instrument held lightly to his lips. His eyes were half closed and his fingers moved almost of their own volition, the notes like threads of silk weaving into a rich and wonderful tapestry of sound.

  The tune was one she had always loved and she could not resist its allure. Her hand moved, caressing the wood of the guitar she held, her long fingers finding the strings. Her other hand formed the first chord of the song and she strummed, softly at first, and then with more confidence as Cal played the melody over the guitar’s rich thrum. She almost held her breath, half expecting to hear Sullyan’s sweet tones. Her vision blurred and her throat stung, but the guitar sang on.

  Taran sat opposite her in their shared apartment, and she saw his eyes close as he immersed himself in the music. It was a balm to them all, soothing hearts and souls worn out by worry and care. Rienne could almost imagine a time when their spirits would be free of sadness and they could laugh and sing once more.

  The apartment door crashed open and the guitar strings twanged harshly as Rienne jerked with shock. Bull burst into the room, his face white and pinched and his forehead damp with sweat. Rienne felt her heart shrink and thought it would stop with fright.

  “Gods, Bull, what is it? What on earth’s happened?”

  The big man didn’t answer. He was staring at them strangely, as if he had never seen them before. Then his normally florid face regained its color and even flushed a deeper red, causing Rienne to fear for his heart. She propped the guitar against the settle and rose to take his arm.

  “Come on, sit down. Please tell us what’s wrong.”

  Bull allowed her to lead him to the settle and collapsed onto it, shak
ing his head.

  “Rienne, I’m so sorry. It’s nothing. It was just hearing you play that guitar. It has such a distinctive tone, I thought for a moment Sully was—”

  He broke off and gulped a breath, composing himself with difficulty.

  “I just didn’t think. I’m sorry. It was an instinctive reaction. I know damned well she’s not here. I shouldn’t have burst in like that.”

  Rienne felt the tension rush from her body, leaving her weak. She laid a trembling hand on his arm.

  “It’s alright, Bull, we know how you feel. Cal, get the man some fellan.”

  Bull drank one large mug straight off and Cal poured him another, rolling his eyes at Rienne. Then he refilled hers and Taran’s mugs, finally pouring one for himself. He sat down opposite the settle, while Taran leaned back in his chair by the fire.

  “I’ve rarely felt as helpless as I have these past few days.” Bull’s voice was rough with emotion and Rienne patted his arm. “When it became obvious a few years ago that I wouldn’t be able to stand for Sully much longer, I made myself a promise. I vowed that no matter what, I’d always be there for her. I’ve been a part of her command ever since she won it under Major Anton, but our relationship began earlier than that, the first day she arrived at the Manor, a tiny bit of a thing sitting on Blaine’s saddlebow. That’s thirteen years ago now.”

  He stared at his mug, absently swirling its contents.

  “She’s gone on campaigns without me before, but she’s never been beyond the Veils without me there guarding her back. She’s so far away, Rienne! The thought that I’ll never see her again—never speak to her, or feel her warm and generous spirit—is slowly destroying me.”

  Rienne felt tears sting her eyes and her throat closed tightly.

  Bull glanced at her. “Now that I know what’s been happening these past few days and what she’s planning next, the knowledge that I can’t help her is getting too much to bear.”