“What happened?” he asks.
“We gave chase and took down all but half a score when another force appeared. Those we were chasing joined up with them so we returned as fast as we could to give you the news. There were too many for us to effectively deal with.”
“Very well,” he says. To Ceadric Illan says, “Get ready to ride.” After a brief glance to James, he adds, “And kill the prisoners.”
“Yes, sir,” Ceadric says then signals several soldiers to aid him as he draws a knife and begins slitting their prisoner’s throats. The first one he comes to is the man who they were questioning. Taking the prisoner’s hair in one hand, he pulls back the head and cuts his throat before moving on to the next one.
“We’re leaving!” Illan hollers, loud enough to be heard by everyone. “Mount up!”
It takes but a moment for everyone to get in the saddle and when all are ready, Illan leads them with all speed southward.
He was sure he was a dead man when his hair had been pulled back and saw the glint of the knife out of the corner of his eye. Somehow the knife failed to penetrate his throat and missed the jugular. Still bleeding from the cut encircling his throat, the soldier feigns death as Black Hawk and his men ride away.
When the sound of their horses begins to fade away in the distance, he rises to a sitting position and glances around at his comrades. None but he remains alive. Tearing a strip of cloth from the shirt of a dead friend lying nearby, he binds it around his neck to stem the flow of blood from the thankfully shallow cut.
The caravan he was escorting had been on the way to resupply those fighting the Kirkens. They will now be sorely pressed to remain effective without the much needed supplies. Getting to his feet, he stumbles among the bodies in a futile search for another survivor but only manages to reaffirm what he already knew to be true, he alone survived.
Just after he finishes checking the bodies of his comrades, the sound of approaching horses alert him that others are approaching. At first afraid that more of Black Hawk’s men were nearing, he lies down and pretends to be another of the dead. But when the riders draw closer he sees they are from the Empire. Returning to his feet he waves them down.
“What happened here?” the commander in charge of the riders asks. Among those riding behind him, the soldier notices several riders who had been among those guarding the caravan.
“They slew everyone,” he explains. “Somehow, the man who cut me did a poor job.” He lowers the cloth to show the commander his wound.
“How many were there?” the commander asks after taking in the scene.
“Hundreds,” replies the soldier. “But commander!”
The tone in the soldier’s voice causes the commander to turn his attention once more upon him. “Yes?”
“They are planning to take Al-Zynn!”
“Tell me everything,” he commands.
Chapter Thirteen
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Leaving the scene of carnage behind them, they head fairly due south as fast as the horses can carry them. Illan glances over to James where he’s checking his mirror and asks, “What are they doing?”
Glancing up from the mirror, he says, “They just reached the dead soldiers. The one we left alive is talking to the commander.”
“Think they’ll take the bait?” Jiron asks.
“We were pretty convincing,” Ceadric says.
“Thought you had actually cut his throat for a moment,” James tells him.
“So did I,” he admits. “Then I saw him move his hand up to his throat and apply pressure to stop the blood flow while attempting to appear like he was dead.”
James returns his gaze to the mirror then says, “Looks like they did.” He glances to Illan and adds, “Riders are moving at breakneck speed in all directions. The majority are heading south, just to the east of us.”
“Makes sense,” Illan says with a nod. “That’s the general direction of Al-Zynn.”
“We’ll have everyone after us in no time,” comments Ceadric.
“That’s what we wanted,” states James. He hated to kill those soldiers in that fashion but as Illan explained to him, there was no one to spare to escort them back. No sense letting go soldiers who will only try to kill them later on.
“With any luck all their forces will converge on Al-Zynn,” Illan says.
“Would make things easier, that’s for sure,” Jiron says.
While they ride, James periodically checks his mirror for any hostiles ahead which they may have to deal with. The area to the south is clear for the moment. Moving the image back to the force behind them, he finds several enemy scouts keeping an eye on them. Scrolling even further to the north, he sees the force that had been heading toward Al-Zynn now turned to follow them. The scouts must have reported their position and the army moved to follow.
“They’ve turned to follow us,” he says, “and are keeping their distance.”
“I would too if I were in their position,” Illan states. “They don’t have the numbers to take us on. We don’t have much to worry about unless they are joined by another force.”
“Should we attack them?” asks Jiron.
Shaking his head, Illan says, “No. They’re cavalry and would just run away.”
“Then what should we do?” he asks.
“Just as we are,” replies Illan. “Let them follow and think we are oblivious to the fact they are there.” Shrugging, he adds, “Nothing else to do I’m afraid.”
None like the fact of enemy soldiers following them, but as Illan said, what can they do about it? James keeps a watch on the pursuing force the rest of the day, worried they may try something. But his worries are for naught as the enemy force continues to maintain a discreet distance.
The sun droops to the horizon with the coming of night and James announces that other than the force following them, there are no others close enough to pose a threat. Illan calls a halt and they set up camp.
They keep a wary eye on the force behind them and through the mirror see that they too have set up camp. Once the tents are up and the fires built, James calls a meeting of the leaders to fill them in on just what they are planning to do.
Once they’ve gathered together, he says, “We’ve done well so far.” Glancing around the group, he can see their grins and nods of agreement. “Tomorrow we set a moderate pace somewhat directly toward Al-Zynn, continuing to act in the manner we have thus far, destroying caravans, attacking small forces should the opportunity present itself. Though since riders were dispatched by the force behind us and are now to the south of us, possible encounters we can win are going to disappear as word of our approach spreads.”
“But if we don’t set a fast pace aren’t we likely to face even more forces at Al-Zynn?” asks Brother Willim.
James turns to him with a grin and says, “We’re not going to Al-Zynn. We simply want them to believe that we are so they will move all their forces to its defense.”
He returns James’ gaze with a confused one of his own. “Then where are we going?” he asks.
“Korazan,” James replies. “From the intelligence gathered by Lord Pytherian’s agents, there’s a large stockpile of supplies and weapons there.”
“Not to mention hundreds if not thousands of possible recruits in the fight with the Empire,” states Miko from where he sits by the tent flap. When Brother Willim appears to not understand he says, “The slaves.”
His head nods as understanding dawns on him.
“We have never intended to face the brunt of their forces,” explains James. “We are simply here to create unrest, do some damage so they will pull their forces from Madoc in an attempt to get rid of us.”
“But there will be very few slaves who know how to fight,” Brother Willim says.
Miko nods his head and says, “True. But you don’t need much skill to wield a crossbow, the preferred weapon of slavers. You have a couple hundred bolts flying toward a mass of soldiers and no matter
how inept the crossbowmen are, it’s bound to be devastating.”
“Korazan is a big city,” Illan says, drawing every eye to him. “We aren’t necessarily planning on taking it, just the slaver compound on the outskirts. If the opportunity presents itself, we may do more but that will be determined when we get there.”
Delia glances from Jiron and James. “You both have been planning this since we were last there haven’t you?” she asks.
“Slavery is abhorrent,” James replies. “And yes, when I first thought to enter the Empire to draw their forces back to the Empire, I wanted to make a stop there to free what slaves I could.”
“They deserve no mercy!” blurts out Miko who lived as a slave for a time. The horrors he witnessed during his slavery still haunt him at times.
“How can one who bears the Star say that?” questions Brother Willim. “We priests are here to serve men, not kill them.”
Miko turns his attention to him and says, “Be that as it may, no slaver should ever be allowed to live and propagate their trade.” He glares at Brother Willim a moment then continues. “Besides, I’m not a priest in the strictest sense of the word and I have no compunction whatsoever about the death of a slaver.” Ever since he first came to possess the Star, his vocabulary has changed slightly. Words he never before used have begun to creep in.
Brother Willim gazes into his eyes a moment and then shakes his head sadly.
“I concur,” adds Jiron. His sister Tersa had been a slave for a time and to him that deserves some payback.
“Where do we go after Korazan?” Delia asks.
James glances to Illan and then says, “Illan will take the slaves and his Raiders back to Madoc. The rest of us will proceed a little further into the Empire. With any luck we’ll draw all the magical types after us, leaving only the ordinary soldiery for Illan to contend with.”
“Where are we going?” she asks.
“I’ll tell you that once we split with Illan,” he says. “Too many things may happen between here and there and I wouldn’t want one of us to be captured and interrogated.” When he sees the worry in her eyes, he adds, “Don’t worry, that isn’t likely to happen.”
“I hope not,” she says, worried.
“The force behind us seems content merely to follow along behind us,” Illan states. Then to Ceadric he says, “Be sure to post extra sentries through the night. We don’t want to be taken by surprise.”
“Already done,” he replies.
“Good,” says Illan.
The meeting breaks up and they each file out of James’ tent to see about the respective men under their command. Delia hangs back, remaining inside after everyone else has left.
“Shouldn’t you go and see about your people?” James asks her.
“In a moment I will,” she replies. Standing there by the tent flap she can’t help but notice how much James has changed from the man whom she and the others first met after the fall of the City of Light. He’s so much more sure and confident of himself and his abilities.
“Are you sure going to Korazan is the smartest thing to do?” she asks.
“What?” he asks in reply.
“I mean, could this be simply a way to get back at the slavers for the part they played in the death of your friend Dave?”
Sitting down on the edge of his cot, he sighs and looks up at her. “I’d be lying if I said it didn’t. Yes, I want retribution. Yes, I blame them at least in part for what happened to Dave.”
Dave, his friend from back home who managed to follow him through to this world. Ravaged and tormented, soul twisted until he became the willing accomplice in the Empire’s attempt to steal the Star of Morcyth when James discovered it, only to be consumed when he laid hands upon it. Anger still smolders within him at those responsible.
“But there’s more to it than just that,” he continues after a brief pause. “The economy of the Empire is based on the slave trade. Striking a blow at a major slave marketplace such as Korazan can only weaken it. There may be no immediate results, but the long term effect could hurt them in some way.”
“I see,” she tells him, still not entirely believing his rationale. “Well, see you in the morning.”
“You too Delia,” he says as she lifts the tent flap and leaves.
Devin pokes his head in once she’s left and asks, “Anything else sir?”
“No, Devin,” he replies. “I’ll be fine. See you in the morning.”
Nodding, Devin backs out and closes the flap.
Getting ready to sleep, James thinks about what Delia had said. Their whole society is based on the slave trade and if it were to be in jeopardy, they would have to do something or face economic ruin. With any luck, they’ll recognize that.
Lying down, he goes over in his mind the plan for the days ahead and fervently hopes it will be enough to not only draw their forces out of Madoc but also to enable them to return to Madoc once it’s done. Eventually though, sleep wins out and he passes into unconsciousness.
“Which one, which one?” he mumbles to himself as he glances around the midway. A single ticket is clutched in his hand and he wants to make sure he doesn’t waste it. Seeing a roller coaster off to one side, he makes his mind up and heads toward it.
As he makes his way through the various stalls and rides where the carnies are shouting out their various pitches to entice him to visit whatever they are in charge of, he has the feeling that he’s been here before.
“Probably resembles one I’ve been to back home,” he reasons.
The coaster is currently moving upon the rails, traveling with incredible speed as it twists and turns first up one way then down the other. The thrill of it surges through him as he hurries to be the first in line.
Upon reaching the front of the line, he realizes he’s the only one who will be riding on the next turn. Thinking this odd, he turns and glances back over the midway and realizes that except for himself, the only others there at the carnival are the carnies. Not thinking anymore about it, he stands there and waits for the coaster to finish its run.
It makes a final loop and then begins to head in to the loading dock. Before it has a chance to come to a stop, he catches a glimpse of golden hair out of the corner of his eye. Turning his head he finds a golden haired girl making her way past the roller coaster.
“Ready sir?” the carnie asks once the coaster comes to a stop.
“What?” he asks, tearing his gaze from the girl as he turns back to the carnie.
“Are you ready to ride?” the carnie asks. He stands there at the edge of the coaster and holds the restraining bar up so James can enter the car.
He makes to hand his ticket to the carnie when the sight of the golden haired girl once again draws his attention. Just as the carnie is about to take the ticket, he snatches his hand back and says, “Maybe later.” Turning around, he runs back through the waiting area for the ride and moves to follow her.
She’s made her way to a ride on the edge of the carnival and is getting into a boat. Before he can reach her, the boat she’s in begins to move down the narrow waterway and toward the opening of the Tunnel of Love.
Again the feeling of being here before comes over him. Not knowing why he feels the need to catch the girl, only that he must, he races after her and comes to the carnie in charge of the ride. Handing the man his ticket, he takes a seat in the waiting boat and is soon on his way toward the opening.
The golden haired girl has already entered the tunnel and he can barely make her out in the darkness within. A large heart with two white lights is upon the wall just within the entrance. The light coming from the two lights within the heart is the only illumination within the tunnel. Once he passes through the entrance, his eyes grow adjusted to the gloom and he sees her riding in the boat ahead of him.
“Hello!” he hollers to her but she fails to respond. “HELLO!” he cries at the top of his lungs, but again his cry goes unheeded. “Damn!” he curses to himself as he sits in the bo
at as it makes its way through the ride. He thought about getting out of the boat and wading up to the girl but decided against it, might be too unsafe.
There’s not much to this ride really, some soft music playing in the background, he thinks it might be some Carpenter’s song without the words. Scenes begin appearing on the walls of the tunnel. One is of two people, a man and a woman sitting side by side with their heads leaning upon each other. Another is of the same couple dancing at a merry festival.
Taking his eyes off the scenes upon the walls, he looks ahead for the golden haired girl but can only see darkness ahead. Anxious not to lose sight of her, he strains his eyes but is unable to see her.
His boat moves inexorably toward the darkened area and the temperature begins to drop, his breath misting in the coldness. The music playing starts to change subtly at first then moves into a more haunting melody and the tranquility the previous portion of the ride had induced fades away.
As he reaches the darkened area, the light fades altogether and he travels in complete darkness. The darkness seems to deepen and the coldness becomes more pronounced as does his feeling of unease. Holding out his hand, a glowing orb suddenly appears and dispels the darkness.
He gasps as he sees shadows moving along the fringes of the tunnel, none seem to pay him and his glowing orb any attention. They appear to be moving in the same direction as is the ride. When his gaze falls upon the shadows a shiver of fear runs through him, he’s seen them before.
With uncertain dread, he peers forward in an attempt to locate the golden haired girl but the light from his orb doesn’t pierce the darkness far enough ahead for him to be able to see her.
“This boat is moving too slow,” he thinks to himself. “I’ll never reach her in time!” In time for what he’s not sure but the feeling that time is running out rises from deep within. Taking hold of the edge of the boat, he vaults over and splashes into the water.
Shades of the Past: The Morcyth Saga Book Six Page 19
