Arrows from Commander Eathan’s men begin felling the attackers as they come within range. Their longbows have a greater range and force than their counterpart’s crossbows.
As the enemy notices the orbs floating among them, they begin stirring and move away from them as best they can. The tightly packed formation doesn’t give them room enough to avoid them.
Suddenly, the enemy force is lit up as red lines flare between the orbs. The men begin crying out, all thoughts of attack forgotten. They see one soldier run and accidentally run across one of the lines. After he passes the line, he stumbles for a moment and then the top half of his body slides off the lower. The red line had cut him in two. Unable to move, caught within the boundaries of the lines, the bulk of the army comes to a standstill.
The arrows from Commander Eathan’s men begin taking a terrible toll.
As the balls move, so too do the lines. Jiron watches in fascination as two lines come together and the men trapped between them are agonizingly cut in half before his eyes.
James is slumped over his horse as he tries to hold onto consciousness long enough to complete what he’s got to do. He gives one last surge of power as he brings the balls together in the middle of the group of men. Every last one of them is cut in half, their cries abruptly silenced. Then he passes out and the balls disappear.
A cry goes up from Commander Eathan’s men as they surge forward to attack the remaining enemy soldiers who hadn’t been caught between James’ lines of death. Arrows fall as they rush forward to close with them.
The enemy turns tail and retreats, but is soon overtaken by a hundred horsemen that strike them down as they run. Some stand and fight, but don’t last long.
Jiron sees the commander waving at them. He waves back and then says, “Let’s go. We’ve got to get him someplace safe for a while.”
“What’s wrong with him?” asks Fifer as he comes over to the unconscious James.
“It’s what happens when he does too much magic,” he explains. “If he uses too much, he passes out and it takes some time before he can even do simple things again.”
“Oh,” he says.
They move down the road and quickly catch up with the wagons bearing the wounded and the men escorting them. “How far to Colton?” Jiron asks one of the soldiers.
“About an hour,” he replies. “It’s not too far.”
“Thanks,” he replies as they pull away, leaving the wounded behind.
Chapter Twenty Four
_________________________
By the time the town of Colton appears ahead of them, James has regained consciousness, although the dilly of a headache makes him wish he was still out cold. The scene before them reminds James of an anthill he’d stuck a stick into long ago, people are swarming everywhere.
Carts and wagons, along with a multitude of people are making their way to the north along the road. As they approach the town, a rider comes out to meet them.
“Is Lord Pytherian still here?” James asks when the rider nears.
“Who are you?” the man replies.
“Name’s James,” he says. “These are my companions, we’ve just come from Commander Eathan.”
Shaking his head, the man says, “He left some time ago for Lythylla. Captain Kurk is in charge of the evacuation.”
James laughs in spite of his headache, and says “Where can I find ‘Captain Kirk’?” His friends exchange glances, thinking maybe he’s getting a little too light headed.
“You can find the Captain over at the Seasoned Ham,” the man replies, slightly annoyed at the way James is acting. He points into town, “You’ll find it further in.”
Still grinning, James holds up his right hand, spreads his fingers and says, “Live long and prosper.”
“Uh, you too,” the man replies. As James and the others ride away, the man continues watching them, and just shakes his head.
Once past the first buildings, Jiron says to James, “What was all that about?”
James glances over at him and begins to grin, “I couldn’t even begin to explain it to you.” And then he starts laughing once more. His friends look at him, worried.
Down the street they find several soldiers who are helping a store owner with packing a wagon. James pauses a moment as he asks one of the soldiers, “Where’s the Seasoned Ham?”
The soldier points further down the road and says, “Go down two more streets, then turn right. It’ll be the fourth building on your right.”
“Thanks,” says James as he gets his horse moving in the right direction. They continue down two streets and then turn to the right. Sure enough, four buildings down on the right they find a sign depicting a ham with steam radiating off of it.
They stop in front and he leaves Jiron and Miko with the horses as he and Fifer enter the building. Inside the main room, they find several soldiers there gathered around a map laid out on a table before them. A soldier stationed by the door stops them and says, “No one’s allowed in.”
“We’ve just come from Commander Eathan,” James says to him, “and would like to talk with Captain Kurk.”
“It’s okay,” a voice from inside the inn says. “Let them come in.”
Stepping aside, the soldier allows them to pass. The men that had been pouring over the map are now looking at them as they enter the common room. James steps up to them and says, “I bring word from Commander Eathan. I was supposed to deliver it to Lord Pytherian but since he’s no longer here, I’ll give it to Captain Kurk.”
One of the men says, “I’m Captain Kurk, what’s the message.”
“He said, ‘When you see Lord Pytherian again, tell him Commander Eathan will hold the southern flank as long as possible. I’ll keep the bastards off them as they march to Lythylla.’” James tells him.
“The bridge he was defending is no longer standing, and the enemy that had been trying to cross is now heading south,” he goes on to explain. “Another force had appeared on his side of the river, apparently coming around the forest where Captain Alerin’s forces are defending. They were successfully beaten back and I believe the commander had planned to follow the river south, pacing the enemy army, in order to prevent them from crossing over.”
Nodding, the captain says, “Good, I was wondering what was going on down there. The enemy has patrols on this side of the river and they’ve been intercepting our messengers.”
“There are several wagons of wounded coming to Colton as well,” James tells him. “They’re an hour or so behind us.”
Captain Kurk glances to one of the men near him and says, “Take care of that.”
Nodding, the man turns and leaves the room.
Turning back to James, he says, “You’re not with our forces are you?”
“No, I’m not,” he answers.
“But I am, sir,” Fifer pipes up. “I’m with Miller’s band, or was until we got separated from them.”
“Ah yes, the group from the City of Light,” he says. He glances around the others at the table before continuing, “They went with him when he moved on to Lythylla.”
One of the other men standing near the captain asks, “Are you James?”
Somewhat surprised, James nods, “Yes, I am.”
Pulling up the map, the captain reveals the message he’d written in the table to warn of the approach of the army. When he looks questioningly at James, James nods his head, “Yeah, that was me.”
“Intriguing,” Captain Kurk says. “Lord Pytherian said you might be coming this way and to give you any aid you may require. He also told us to ask you if you’d meet him in Lythylla as soon as possible.”
“Thanks,” replies James. “We were planning on doing that anyway.”
Captain Kurk says, “Lieutenant Rolger will see to your needs.”
A man steps forth and says, “If I may be of any assistance?”
James, feeling like he’d just been dismissed, turns to leave the inn with Lieutenant Rolger following behind. Once outs
ide the inn, he turns to the lieutenant and says, “We could use fresh horses and some supplies, food and the like.”
“Sure thing,” he says. “Follow me and we’ll get you what you need.” He takes them down several buildings before entering one with a crossed knife and fork embossed on a sign hanging in front.
Within, they find a nice restaurant. “This is the main mess for the troops while we’re here,” he explains. Many of the tables have soldiers eating their meals, or just taking it easy and talking with each other.
Lieutenant Rolger waves down one of the servers and says, “Get these gentlemen something to eat. They’re our guests.”
“Yes sir,” the man replies.
“I’ll see about fresh horses and some supplies while you’re eating,” he tells them.
“Thank you,” says James as the server leads them to a vacant table.
The lieutenant just nods his head and then leaves the restaurant.
Once they’re seated, the server says, “There’s not much of a choice, but I’ll bring you some of what we have.”
“We’d appreciate it,” James says as the man moves to return to the kitchen area.
“Man it’s nice to be able to relax again,” Miko says as he leans back in his chair.
“You got that right,” agrees James. “I don’t know how long it’s been since I could completely relax.”
The server returns with steaming bowls of stew and two loaves of bread. He sets them down on the table and then brings over a pitcher of ale and four mugs. “Enjoy,” he says to them.
Miko mumbles something through a large mouthful of food as the server leaves their table.
The meal is surprisingly good, made all the more so by the ability to sit at a table to enjoy it without the worry of being killed at any moment. Before they’re done, the lieutenant returns and says, “I took the liberty to transfer your things from your other steeds to the fresh ones. They’re waiting for you outside when you’re ready to depart.”
“Thank you,” James says appreciatively.
“Is there anything else I can do before you leave?” the lieutenant asks.
“Not that I can think of,” James assures him.
“In that case, I shall return to the captain,” he tells them before turning toward the door and leaves.
It isn’t long before they’re done with their meal. Leaving the inn, they find four good horses outside waiting for them, each with a new bedroll and saddlebags. And when Miko checks the bags on his mount, finds them full of travel rations. A new water bottle hangs from each of the saddles as well.
“Didn’t expect all this,” Jiron says as he climbs into the saddle.
“Me either,” agrees James after he mounts up. He looks at the others, everyone is looking tired and travel worn. Though he doubts if anyone is experiencing fatigue to the degree that he is.
“Tired as we are,” he begins, “we better make for Lythylla before stopping. I’m sure we’ll get plenty of rest there.”
“I hope so,” says Fifer.
“And a bath!” pipes up Miko. He grins at James when he glances in his direction.
“That too,” says James, returning the smile. “Let’s go.” As they move out, they see the wagons with the wounded going through the streets. It doesn’t look as if they’re going to stop here in Colton but continuing on down to Lythylla.
Once past the outskirts of town, they continue passing people on the move as they try to get to safety from the coming armies. James is reminded of the traffic they encountered when they were approaching the City of Light. The faces of these people show the same lack of hope for the future that the others had.
Across the river they see patrols of the Empire riding along. They have complete control over there, the only thing keeping from being on this side is the river. It’s flowing much too wide, deep and fast for them to be able to make it across safely. Especially if there’re soldiers over here picking them off while they’re in the water.
The light begins to fade as they continue along. Riding hard, they pass several small towns along the way, each is in a stage of evacuation, soldiers encouraging and helping the citizens to leave.
When night has finally settled in and the stars have come out, they slow their pace so as not to ride over the people on the road. Even the dark of night isn’t stopping the refugees from fleeing. James feels sorry for them and hates those behind the wars that cause such grief.
Near midnight, they begin to see the lights from a great city appear ahead of them. “That must be Lythylla,” comments Jiron.
“I would assume so,” says Fifer.
As they continue to move closer, they’re able to discern campfires, thousands of campfires on the other side of the river. “There must be thousands of troops over there,” says Miko in awe. “Why are they just sitting there?”
“Might be they can’t get across the river without dying,” suggest Jiron.
“Or they’re waiting for something,” states James.
“Like those armies to the south?” Fifer asks.
“Probably,” he replies. “If so, they’ve got a long wait.”
He hears Fifer give a chuckle at that, “Especially if Commander Eathan has anything to say about it.”
To the east of the city are hundreds of fires and tents of those allies who’ve come to help defend Lythylla. The wall of the city itself comes right to the water’s edge. Anyone trying to cross the bridge there will face a massive barrage from those defending the walls.
“Looks pretty defendable,” says Fifer.
“That’s what they thought back at the City of Light too,” counters James. “And we know how that turned out.”
The area around the city is well lit with torches and campfires. No one could possible sneak in or out without being seen.
James thought they’d at least stop them and ask them some questions, but the guards at the gate just wave them on through with the other refugees entering the city.
“Should we go in search of Lord Pytherian?” Fifer asks.
“Yeah,” replies James. “He’s probably up at the castle.”
Moving through the streets, it isn’t hard to find their way to the castle. It towers over every other building in the city and they’re able to follow the streets that head in its general direction. Eventually they make it to the curtain wall which surrounds the castle area.
The guards at the gate leading into the castle area are not nearly as lackadaisical as the ones at the outer wall. When they approach, one of the guards moves to block them. As they come to a stop, he says, “No one is allowed within the castle area.”
“We’re here to see Lord Pytherian,” James tells him.
The guard looks him up and down and then glances at the others, obviously questioning the voracity of what James is saying.
“And why would you be here to see Lord Pytherian?” the guard asks him. “In the middle of the night?”
“I don’t see how it could possibly be any of your business,” replies James. “Just send a runner up to the castle and inform Lord Pytherian that James is here to see him.”
“James huh?” the guard asks, the other guards get up and come over. “You’re the third ‘James’ that has been here to see him today. Are you claiming to be the one who helped to rescue him from the clutches of the Empire too?”
James glances at the others, and sees them mirror his doubt and confusion on their faces. Turning back to the guards, he starts to reply when the guard continues, “The first one was brought expeditiously to Lord Pytherian and was soon exposed as an imposter. The other ‘James’ tried to attack him and kill him, his body now lies in a garbage heap somewhere.” Giving him a suspicious look, the guard asks, “Now, why should I believe you? I’ll not disturb his lordship again until I am sure.”
“I don’t believe this,” complains James.
“What’re we going to do?” Jiron asks him.
“Well, we’re definitely not going to fight our w
ay through,” says James. “They’ll need every ‘fool’ on the walls when the Empire attacks. I’m just too tired to do anything about it at the moment.”
Turning back to the guard, he says, “I am the real James. With me are Jiron, Miko and Fifer who’s a member of Miller’s band, the irregulars out of the City of Light. When someone asks you if we’ve shown up, please inform them that you turned us away.”
James turns his horse back toward the city and says to Jiron, “Let’s find a room somewhere and get some sleep. I’m about ready to fall off my horse. We’ll deal with that,” he says, indicating the guards behind them, “tomorrow morning.”
Moving away from the gates they head back into the city as they try to find an inn to spend the night. The first several they come across are all full, refugees have taken every available space.
They finally end up finding an empty warehouse with enough room for them and their horses. Bringing them inside, they shut the door and spread out their bedrolls.
“What do you think he meant when he said that two other ‘James’’ have been here?” asks Jiron.
“I don’t know,” replies James. “But it can’t be good.”
“Who would know?” Fifer asks. When the others turn their attention to him, he continues, “I mean, who besides us would know to come here and say that?”
“I haven’t the faintest idea,” says James from where he’s lying down. “But we’ll worry about that tomorrow.” Before he falls asleep, he glances over to where Jiron is looking out one of the windows. Glad he’s decided to take the first watch. Unbeknownst to him, the others are going to allow him to sleep through the night without a turn at watch.
The following morning, when everyone but James is awake, they sit on the other side of the warehouse from him as they talk quietly so as not to awaken him.
Jiron says to Fifer, “Think you could go and find someone from Miller’s band who could help us get in to see Lord Pytherian?”
Warrior Priest of Dmon-Li: The Morcyth Saga Book Three Page 34
