“We have been waiting for you for twenty years,” said Paltro. “Please, you must come back with us.”
“What of my people?” Abigail asked. She gestured out to the followers that had flocked to her side since her arrival. A glint of hope was in her voice. “Can they handle the trek? Will they survive the mountains?”
“You will have to leave them behind,” said Odessa. “Our town is sacred. No outside visitors. We are safe in the mountains, but that is because nobody knows we are there.”
“I cannot leave my people,” said Abigail, defeated. “Not yet.”
“Those people outside your window are nothing more than scared fragments of the Eluan Empire. Once Emperor Nikali gains the confidence of the people they will have nothing left to fear and they will join back with Eluan. We are different. We will fight against Eluan until the end.”
“They will follow me until the end, as well,” said Abigail.
“Farrah,” began Paltro. “Marage prophesied your coming. I knew the moment I set eyes on you. You have to help us.”
Abigail was quiet. She looked out the window at the hundreds of followers she had gained. They smiled and chatted around campfires. It was the most joy they had seen in some time.
“And they can’t come with me?” Abigail asked to confirm.
“Correct,” said Odessa. “Just you.”
“Then my answer is no,” said Abigail. “I am sorry, but these are my people now. I cannot abandon them.”
Chapter 39
Francesco de Seres’ servant alerted the Myrus Senator to a guest waiting for him in the parlor of the Senate House. He was enjoying a lunch out in the garden with Ellen when the news came down. With a bit of annoyance he finished his latest bite and excused himself from his presence with Ellen.
“Do you think it’s them?” Ellen asked before Seres could leave the atria in the garden.
Seres turned to look at her. “I hope so. We haven’t had a formal visit in some time from anybody. Would you care to join me?”
Ellen bowed her head and stood up. Seres waited for his stunning partner to join him. She took his arm and together they returned inside to meet their waiting party.
Ellen was right. Waiting for them in the parlor was Jordon. He stood patiently looking over a painting that Ellen had gotten from a visit years ago to Myrus. It was of the city in its former glory.
“Jordon,” said Seres with a hint of surprise. “I was under the impression that General Kayl would be speaking with me.”
“Yes,” said Jordon. “We had to send Kayl to the Capitol. I found out who the Second is. Kayl knows him better so it seemed fitting that he handled things there.”
“Who is it?” Seres asked.
Jordon stayed quiet for a moment.
“Secrecy is what got you into this mess in the first place, if I have to remind you,” said Seres. “I need to know who we are working with.”
“It is Quaet,” Jordon said.
“Hmmm,” said Seres. “I always thought he sympathized with Cyrus more than anything.”
“He still believes that Louson can help us,” said Jordon.
“Good,” said Seres. “Is this what you came to see me about?”
“No,” said Jordon. “There have been some developments. It’s time for the Suraya to get on the move. Farrah is in trouble.”
“She is held up in Jemn, correct?” Seres asked.
“Yes,” said Jordon. “From our reports it showed she was heading west toward Myrus, but she has stopped since, and now Nikali is on the move.”
“With what army?” Seres asked.
“A new one,” said Jordon. “Nikali has formed a new legion from his followers in the Capitol. They will intercept Farrah before she gets to Myrus. You need to go out there and save her.”
Seres was quiet. He played out the planned events in his head. Challenging an unknown legion was going to be difficult.
“If Farrah dies we will lose a lot of supporters,” said Jordon. “Many of the Suraya still believe Farrah will be the face of the revolution. We need her.”
“Of course,” said Seres. “Just make sure the Suraya are ready. Quaet better work quickly at getting Louson here. As soon as my army strikes against Nikali we will have declared war. There will be no turning back.”
“This is what the Suraya has been planning for years,” said Jordon. “We will not fail you now. Send out your army and bring Farrah to us. She is powerful and she will be a great asset to the cause against Nikali.
“When this is over, Francesco, your betrayal will be seen as the first stand for freedom. Do us proud.”
Seres bowed his head. “Then we will prepare for war.”
Away from the Eluan palace, Quaet waited for General Kayl to arrive at his private quarters outside of the palace to discuss their end of the Suraya's plan. He typically used it as a meeting for the women he called upon or servants that have traveled to the city from across the empire. That night though, it was for business only.
There was a knock on the door. Quaet waited. The knock repeated four more times in rapid succession. That was the signal. Quaet opened the door to welcome in General Kayl.
“What is going on in Myrus?” Quaet immediately asked.
“I don’t know much about that situation,” said Kayl. “Jordon is handling it.”
“Will they be ready for Nikali?” asked Quaet.
“Yes," said Kayl. “As we are on our end. We have men positioned throughout the palace. Many of them are workers. When you give the signal they can attack. You have to be the eyes and ears. When Nikali is vulnerable you have to let us know.”
“I’ve been watching,” said Quaet. “He always looks vulnerable. That’s what I don’t trust. Your men are truly ready?”
“Yes,” said Kayl. “Eluan can be a free world again once the Canings are gone. Our men will fight for that. We still need Heric alive. Make sure your men know that.”
“I will reaffirm the message,” said Kayl.
“Good,” said Quaet. “Nikali will be going after Myrus. He will be distracted. The time is coming.”
“Good,” said Kayl. “I will pass the word along to the others in Myrus. With Nikali eliminated it will be easy for Myrus to take control of things.”
“We can take control just as easily at the Capitol,” said Quaet.
“Even better,” said Kayl. “United, Nikali will fall, and the free world will live again.”
“To Alexsus’ dream,” said Kayl raising an imaginary drink in his hand.
“To Alexsus’ dream,” repeated Quaet, making the same gesture. “To the fall of Nikali.”
Chapter 40
“They’re coming!” the lookout shouted still a distance away from the camp at Jemn. Even though his words were faint the mass of people saw the urgency in his running and understood his words just from the tone of his voice.
Darden was the first to start rallying the people that were around him. “Grab what you can and move! Head east! The men will hold off the army!”
The moment many of them had feared was finally approaching. The Eluan Army was on the horizon and they were coming for Abigail and the others. As the legions got closer to Jemn their flags became visible. It was the sign of Nikali Caning II. Darden had hoped it was anybody else coming for them, but their luck was running out. The Emperor had finally caught up to them.
The followers scurried around the camp collecting anything they could carry. Several people had to abandon their possessions to help the sick and injured in their escape. It was a stampede of fear that left several areas trampled, and most of the camp in total disarray.
Darden fought his way to Abigail’s cabin. By the time he got there Grifith was already with her. The two of them were staring out the window looking out in horror at the oncoming army.
“We have to go,” said Darden.
“No,” Abigail said. “We will wait here.”
“Wait for what?” asked Darden. “We can’t just stay here. N
ikali’s army is going to kill us all.”
“Myrus is coming,” said Abigail. “They will protect us.”
“Myrus?” Darden said stunned by Abigail’s confidence. “They are not on the horizon. If they are coming then they are not close. Eluan will kill us all before anybody comes to help. We need to run. We can circle north from the east. We can get to Myrus still. But we can’t wait for them to rescue us. They don’t even know we need help.”
“They know,” said Abigail. “They’ve heard our message, as I have heard theirs. It gets louder by the day. They are expecting us.”
“They are not expecting a dead woman!” Darden yelled.
Abigail turned away from the window and looked at Darden. Her smile comforted Darden inexplicably. He had to take a few breaths to calm down. They could already hear the marching of the soldiers and the beat of their war drums.
“We never put together an army,” argued Darden, calmly. “The soldiers let us pass before, but Eluan will not. We don’t have an army to defend ourselves with.”
Abigail once again turned to look out the window. Her smile grew even wider. Darden could see it peeking out from the side of her face. Grifith’s eyes grew wide in excitement. His mouth gaped open wide enough for dessert. Then Darden turned to look out the window.
Abigail’s followers were joining together. The women and children had run for the east, but the men stayed. They stayed and began to line up shoulder to shoulder on the west side of town.
The flock was in the direct path of the Eluan soldiers on approach. Then Darden understood. They didn’t have to find an army.
“We have an army,” said Abigail.
The Eluan army marched in no particular pattern. They were uncoordinated and wild. Nikali’s soldiers were consumed by Tamor Blood. Many soldiers bounced into the air and floated back to the ground. They were itching to rush from the pack and destroy everything in their path. The only thing holding them back was their recently joining commander, Cassandra and her Red Cast.
Cassandra was the only thing keeping the army of Eluan soldiers together. She reached out with her arcan and guided every one of them. Before she had arrived the army just had to follow Abigail’s scent, but this moment called for restraint and patience.
Cassandra commanded her army to halt just across the open plains that led to Jemn. She could see the tents and fires that brought back to life the once dead town. Abigail was in there somewhere. Cassandra had a hard time finding her. She felt around the camp with her arcan, but to her surprise there was very little she could feel. Cassandra pushed harder into the hearts of the people, but there was no fear, no joy. There was just the sense of a mass presence and nothing else. It infuriated Cassandra to think she was already losing her powers. She sent rage coursing through her army. They roared to attention and shouted into the sky.
“Give them my message,” Cassandra instructed her Red Cast. Isabelle nodded her head and urged her horse to break from their ranks. She rushed around the Eluan army and raced to the front line to get closer to the camp to allow them for a meeting.
“Somebody is coming up,” said Darden, now down on the battlefield with Grifith. Both men didn’t want to leave Abigail alone in her cabin but she insisted that they help the rest of the men in defending the camp. They would do no good by the house.
“Who are we sending out there?” asked Grifith.
Darden sighed. He knew the best answer was him. He had taken charge of the camp without even realizing it. It was only right that he spoke for them as well.
“I’ll go,” said Darden. “Stay here. If she kills me then order the army to attack. And Grifith, run away.”
“I’m not running,” said Grifith.
“Then we’re both dead,” said Darden. He gave his friend a pat on the back and headed toward the front-lines through the army of followers Abigail had obtained.
Isabelle waited for Darden half way across the field. It was a good enough place as any for a meeting. Darden took his time. It was a long walk, and he was in no hurry to come face to face with his potential murderer. And if Abigail was right, then he needed to stall for as long as he could.
Once Darden was closer he could see the expression on Isabelle’s face. She was not amused at Darden’s lack of hustle. Her cold eyes glared at Darden from atop her horse. Even her horse seemed to be trying to intimidate Darden upon arrival.
“I have a message from my commander,” said Isabelle.
“Great,” said Darden sarcastically.
“If Farrah surrenders now, then nobody else will die,” said Isabelle. “The rest of your people can return to their homes. Emperor Nikali will not retaliate against them.”
Darden turned to look back at the army of followers behind him in the distance. He nodded his head as if contemplating the offer. Then he turned back toward Isabelle.
“I don’t know,” said Darden. “Let me go back and speak with Farrah. Maybe I can talk her into it.”
“No,” said Isabelle. “You speak for her.”
“Well, I can’t really speak for her,” said Darden. “How was I supposed to know that you were going to offer such a nice deal? I thought we were going to discuss other matters.”
“No,” said Isabelle. “Do you surrender Farrah?”
“That’s tough to say,” stalled Darden. “Even if I were to surrender her I can’t say much for the others. They’re a little crazy for her.”
Isabelle looked sternly at Darden. He had to look away to shake off an uneasy feeling from the hairs on the back of his neck. As he turned away he looked out to the horizons surrounding them. There was no other sign of the Myrus army. They were on their own.
“If you do not surrender then all of you will be slaughtered,” said Isabelle. “I will give you one last chance. Surrender Farrah and you will all be spared.”
Darden took another minute to mull it over. He smacked his lips several times and groaned about the possibilities. Finally he said, “I guess you’ll just have to kill us.”
His body froze. Darden closed his eyes waiting for the blow that would end it all. But it never came. When Darden opened his eyes again he saw Isabelle already trotting away on her horse. He was relieved he had a stay of execution for the moment, but the Eluan army was going to come rushing in at any time. He turned and ran back toward the camp. He wanted to be properly in place before the attack started.
“He didn’t surrender,” said Odessa with only a sprinkle of surprise in her voice.
“I knew he wouldn’t,” said Abigail. “He uses my network to his advantage, but he still has faith in me. And he wouldn’t let Grifith down.”
The two women watched the scene from the window in Abigail’s cabin. Paltro and the other outlanders were stationed outside the cabin in preparedness for the battle.
“They could use your help down there,” said Abigail.
“You could use our help as well,” said Odessa. “I know you said you wouldn’t come with us, but we will not abandon you either. We came to you because we believe you can help us. If you are captured by Eluan then everything is gone.”
“Thank you,” said Abigail. “I do hope that you change your mind about the situation. When this battle is over then maybe you’ll see the bravery in the people that defend me. They will not turn on your people.”
“That’s nice to believe, but I have seen it too many times,” said Odessa.
Darden bounced on his feet. He was back surrounded by the other followers. He stood shoulder to shoulder with Grifith. They had tools in their hands as weapons. Most of the followers grabbed whatever they could that was lying around the town. Very few people had actual swords or other weapons.
Across the field Cassandra continued to grow more frustrated. No matter how hard she pushed into the people across the field she could not sense their thoughts. Her arcan was being blocked. Abigail’s unknown abilities were far greater than Cassandra had anticipated. Her hope of an easy battle was ripped from her thoughts. She was
going to have to do this the harsher way. She surged more arcan into her soldiers. They roared with anger and bloodlust. Abigail held power that Cassandra and Nikali wanted, and nobody was going to stop them from getting it.
“Attack!” she shouted at the top of her lungs.
Abigail’s followers watched as the Eluan army charged forward.
“Stay together!” Darden yelled out. “We need to hold tight. We can’t let the army break through our ranks. If they get through us they’ll get to Farrah! Stay strong!”
The followers cheered and braced themselves for the forthcoming battle. They did not rush forward. They held their ground. Their numbers were smaller and they could not win out in the open. They needed their backs to the town. The followers had to use any advantage to not get flanked.
Bodies collided as the Eluan army charged into the battlefield. Swords swung wildly all around the battle. The followers fought as best as they could. They struck at the soldiers with their makeshift weapons. Blows were dealt, but they had to fight harder against the armored soldiers.
Abigail witnessed the battle from her cabin window. It broke her heart to see many of her followers succumb to the battle at hand. She took their pain as best she could. It helped them continue on with the fight. Wounds were never felt on her followers. They fought on like they were invincible.
The followers were holding their ground. Darden was amazed at the series of events so far. The Eluan soldiers were mad. They charged unprepared into battle. Many jumped high into the air, but they came crashing down with little skill in landing. They were quickly surrounded by Abigail’s flock and killed before they could get to their feet. Darden and Grifith stuck close together. They double teamed any Eluan soldier that approached them. Swords had struck them several times, but never once did they feel any pain. They kept fighting on until one Eluan soldier was down, and then another.
“This is insane,” said Odessa watching the battle along with Abigail. “This cannot be the Eluan army.”
“What is wrong?” Abigail asked.
Eluan Falls: A Whisper of Fate Page 18
