by Corin, G.
"What are you doing here?” he demanded. "Are you helping Gasha?”
Some of the men growled and stepped forward. Tam rolled his eyes.
"Yeah that be exactly what ee's doin. Him and spidey pig was just dancing yeah.”
Stripe glared at him. Tam held up his hands in mock surrender.
"We're fightin' under General's orders. Yon dragon’s done more 'n most to save our hides so if ye don't mind we'll be off ta do some work.”
Stripe ignored him and walked up to Ramaeka. "You lied to me, how am, I supposed to trust you?”
"I don't know,” Ramaeka replied honestly. "Maybe the same way I can trust two human thieves with my life.”
Stripe winced at that.
"Everything else I told you was true, I don't eat people, I hate my family and I was attacked by dragons. But if you can't believe me despite everything then so be it, I'm still going to do what’s right and protect this city if I can. You'll just have to get over it.”
He glared right back at Stripe fluffing out his wings in frustration.
Stripe bit his lip obviously struggling with himself. Finally he sighed, shoulders slumping as he sheathed his sword.
"Was it your family who attacked you?” he asked quietly looking at the scars that stood out vividly on Ramaeka’s side despite the muck and dirt. Ramaeka shrugged his wings settling back into place.
"My father was going to kill my best friend; it was an easy decision to make. He and my family give our people a bad name.”
"We'll sort them out after Gasha,” Stripe grinned weakly. Ramaeka snorted taking the peace offering and nudged him almost pushing him over. Stripe laughed and shoved back.
"You're warm,” he said in surprise. "I always thought..."
He stopped, tensing. "What is that?"
Ramaeka and Tam looked at each other confused.
"Can't you hear it?”
As they shrugged their confusion he turned towards Amar who had walked up behind him. Silently he held up the sheathed sword.
"Oh,” Stripe breathed reaching for it. He slid the sword from the sheath stroking a hand down the blade. For the first time Ramaeka got a good look at the sword. The blade was tempered metal with a blue sheen to it that he'd never seen in a metal before. The hilt was wrapped in plain black leather while the guard was shaped like the heads of two wolves; the pommel was white crystal which seemed to glow.
"Where did you get it?"
Amar smiled. "An old acquaintance lent it to us.”
"This is Gasha's sword,” Stripe stared at them.
"It is yours now.”
Ramaeka exchanged an amused look with Amar. It was strange after all they had been through to get the sword to hand it over so calmly. He had expected explosions or at least life threatening situations. Stripe was nearly speechless.
"I-I can't,” he stammered clutching at the sword. He swore as the keen blade cut his palm.
"Now ye have to,” Tam handed him a piece of cloth from his pocket. "Sword law, ye've given blood to 'er now.”
Stripe blushed shaking his head but carefully wiped the blade before sliding it back into its sheath. He pulled off his old battered sword and looked around unsurely for somewhere to put it.
"Let me hold on to it for you,” Amar offered holding out his hand. Stripe gave it to him before buckling on the new one. He took a deep breath before turning back to them.
"Right, what are our orders?”
"The General wanted us to make a sweep of the eastern ridge and make sure it's vermin free,” Ramaeka told him helpfully.
He nodded. 'We were headed that way too, we did a northern sweep, but I heard they were over near Eagle Ridge.”
"Why don't we group up 'n fan out?” Tam suggested. "Keep yer wits and swords about ye and call out iffen there’s trouble.”
Everybody agreed and splitting into three groups of four they proceeded towards the east a block apart. Stripe fell in step beside Ramaeka's head as they went cautiously up their street. Amar and another soldier followed close behind, eyes scanning the street and buildings. Keeping an eye out Ramaeka was finally able to ask something that was niggling at him.
"Where are the others?” he whispered. For a moment he thought Stripe wasn't going to answer.
“Shady left before we got to the gates,” Stripe mumbled. “He didn’t want to fight.”
“Sorry,” he said surprised. Stripe and Shady had always seemed inseparable.
Stripe shrugged. “I think it’s better this way, he’s safe. It’s just strange not having him here.”
Ramaeka nodded.
“What about Parrit and Gelber?” he asked changing the subject.
Stripe grinned slightly. “They were mowing down the enemy last time I saw them.”
Ramaeka huffed a quiet laugh. That sounded about right.
He looked at Ramaeka. “So you really don’t actually eat people?”
Ramaeka shrugged. “It’s why I fought with my father, I like humans but not to eat.”
Noticing Stripe still looked sceptical he added “There’s a law being put through at the moment that bans eating humans.” Stripe nodded thoughtfully.
Shouts erupted from the group one block over to the right.
"Back to work,” Ramaeka sighed.
"Stay here and watch the street,” Stripe called to the other two. "Yell if you see anything.”
Ramaeka saw Amar frown but shook his head at him. He nodded and stepped into the shadows while Ramaeka raced after Stripe. Tam and his three soldiers were fighting what looked like a cross between a troll and a mountain cat. It had brown fur with a cats head, huge yellow fangs and nasty looking claws. Its body was squat like a troll and muscular, despite that it was agile and quick on its feet. Two of the men were bleeding from deep scratches which they grimly ignored. Right that’s it Ramaeka decided. He leapt out fangs bared, claws at the ready, tail spike raised and roared. The creature screeched in shock and turned to flee. Tam coolly shot it in the back as it ran. As his roar continued to echo through the city Ramaeka could see other creatures fleeing in the distance. Tam and two of the other soldiers shot several with impressive accuracy.
"Nice,” Stripe said impressed. Tam hummed in agreement around the arrow he held in his mouth as Ramaeka preened. Loading the arrow into his crossbow he glanced at them.
"Let's go huntin' then.”
For the next few hours they hunted through the east of the city checking every nook and cranny under Tam's guidance.
"Lived 'ere for a few years when I was a lad,” he explained. "Got to know it inside out.”
While they came across another few dozen creatures most fled ahead of Ramaeka's bristling, growling form and were shot down by the others. Stripe was inclined to pout since there was little need to use his new sword until they ran into another group of spider-boars which Amar called muskin. If Stripe had been talented with a sword before, now he was unstoppable. The sword flashed and spun as he decimated the muskin leaving only one for Tam to deal with to Ramaeka's relief. Other than the muskin and a particularly nasty kelpie in a well, the only trouble they found was when Stripe checked a garden for creatures. Ramaeka sprang forward as he ran back out yelping. Growling he looked for whatever creature that had dared to attack his friend. Stripe ducked behind him. Honking and hissing a grey bird waddled after him. Ramaeka lowered his snout and growled softly. The bird took one look at him and fled honking. Tam was hooting with laughter, when he turned to look even Amar was laughing while Stripe was bright red. Ramaeka cocked his head at him.
"I hate geese,” Stripe grumbled still flushed. "Bites hurt like anything.”
Ramaeka shook his head and kept walking, hiding his grin.
"They have beady black eyes Ramaeka! They stare right into my soul when they're not biting me, I swear.”
Tam slapped him lightly on the shoulder.
"Yon geese be the terror of the city lad.”
Stripe grumbled and followed Ramaeka as the others muffled the
ir laughter.
As dawn broke above them the General found them making their way past the bodies from the second lot of muskin.
The General strode up and clapped Stripe on the back. He nodded up at Ramaeka, Amar and the others.
“Nice to have you here,” he said calmly. “That was some good work you’ve been doing.”
He gestured towards the dead monsters.
Ramaeka puffed up his chest in pride. “We do what we can,” he replied looking smug.
The other soldiers hid their grins while Stripe rolled his eyes.
“Where would you like us to battle next?” Amar asked politely.
The General sighed. “No need for that right now,” he replied indicating the walls with a nod.
“The enemy is retreating; we seem to have beaten the vanguard back for now.”
Stripe and Ramaeka cheered while Amar leaned back in relief.
"I'll meet yer later,” Tam said cheerfully saluting the General before jogging away still full of energy despite the long night.
"He is a good man,” Amar said while Stripe and Ramaeka both agreed wholeheartedly.
"Indeed.”
The General eyed them thoughtfully. “I don’t believe that will be the end of it, but as we seem to have a little time we should eat and rest.”
Ramaeka agreed profoundly, food sounded wonderful right then, it seemed ages since the meal with Zanir. With a sigh he slid back into his lesser form again. Stripe blinked down at him.
"I forgot how small you were.”
Ramaeka scowled and shoved him. "For that I'm eating your share too.”
Turning the General led them away towards the centre of the city where there was supposedly supplies being cooked for the soldiers.
After being shown where to wash up and where they could rest they were led to the eating area which was packed with people by the time they got there. Men and a few women lounged about eating or talking in quiet groups. Several servers stood behind massive cauldrons, the smell of their contents making Ramaeka drool. Stripe sniggered and offered him a dirty cloth to wipe his mouth with. Ramaeka ignored him and wiped it on his sleeve instead. As they neared the serving area, Tam called out to them, waving them over. He sat with several important looking people and the two warrior women of Shapir.
“I got yer food for yer already,” he told them cheerfully gesturing at a bowl and a small cauldron.
Ramaeka eyed the delicious, still bubbling stew in the cauldron, and beamed at Tam happily.
“Food!” he whooped grabbing the cauldron and a spoon.
Stripe sat down with his bowl as the men at the table sniggered at Ramaeka. Tam looked at Ramaeka, scratching his head unsurely. "Ra, that ye?” he asked. "Yer shrunk.”
"Still me,” Ramaeka reassured him. "This is my civilized look.” He attacked the cauldron of stew vigorously.
One of those at the table, a huge bald man raised an eyebrow.
“This child actually thinks he could eat a whole cauldron of this stew?” he drawled in raspy tones. “I could barely get through two bowls.”
Ramaeka stopped eating for a moment to look him over.
“This child will eat this cauldron of stew and whatever’s for dessert,” he replied solemnly before turning his attention back to the food.
The men’s amusement turned to awe as Ramaeka devastated the cauldron then looked around for more.
“Rama above, I would never have believed it if I hadn’t seen it,” the man commented. “My apologies boy, allow me to get you some more.”
He stood and went in search of more food as the other men laughed and patted Ramaeka on the back.
“Well that was certainly impressive,” Parrit commented, moving to sit beside him. Gelber grabbed a seat opposite.
“Thank you, I try my best,” Ramaeka replied modestly, while eyeing their food.
Gelber laughed, “Dragon or not, you are fine with me.”
Parrit nodded agreement, tightening a bandage on her arm. “As long as you don’t try to eat us. Trust me dragon boy, you would not like to do that.”
Ramaeka nodded respectfully to her before grinning at Gelber.
“You two look like you’ve been in a battle,” he commented cheekily.
In addition to the bandage on her arm, Parrit’s left side of her face was black with bruises while Gelber had a cut running from temple to jaw.
Gelber laughed. “You should see the enemy,” she smirked.
Ramaeka grinned back at her, relieved that things were coming right again and they had forgiven him. Especially as his new friend was returning with a massive bowl of something that smelt sweet and delicious.
As he finished the bowl of fruit and custard while the men encouraged him, a messenger ran up, gasping for breath.
“Sir,” he managed between breaths.
“Sit,” the General commanded handing him a mug of water. The runner sipped at the water as his breath returned to normal.
“Sir,” he began again. “The enemy has reinforcements arriving.”
The men at the table began muttering until the General held up a hand for silence.
“They were expected though not so soon,” he said. “How many?”
The messenger met his eyes for a moment then hung his head.
“Sir, when they arrive they will outnumber us twenty to one.”
Ramaeka shivered at the thought of such an immense army. With so few men here it would be near impossible to win this battle. He met Stripe’s eyes and knew he was thinking the same thing.
The General nodded slowly, stroking his beard thoughtfully.
“You did well,” he told the messenger. Turning to the table, he waved to several of the soldiers.
“I need you to gather everyone who can be spared so I may address them,” he said calmly.
The men sprang up and rushed away.
Within twenty minutes most of the army as well as the city dwellers crowded into the eating area. Only those guarding the walls were left behind. The General climbed on top of the table and stood observing the soldiers and citizens. They immediately quietened down, straining to hear their leader.
“I am afraid I have bad news,” he stated calmly. “The rest of the enemy has arrived, and we are now outnumbered twenty to one.”
This statement drew forth cries of horror and fear from those listening. The General silenced them with a wave of his hand.
“The King has ordered me to save this city,” he said. “However, it is very unlikely that we will be able to succeed at this. Therefore I am giving permission for those who wish to leave to evacuate through the secret passages down to the sea.”
“And if we wanna stay?”
Ramaeka glanced around and saw that it was Tam that had spoken.
“Then attend me at the wall in ten minutes,” the General replied nodding at the man.
He stepped down from the table. Immediately people began to move, the city dwellers rushed away to pack their most precious things while the soldiers congregated in small groups. Ramaeka could see them arguing and debating whether to stay or go.
Stripe put a hand on his shoulder. Amar and the warrior women stood beside him.
“I don’t suppose you have any dragon friends around?”
Ramaeka shook his head. “I wish,” he said fervently. "The only dragon's I really know you wouldn't want here.” He looked at his friends.
“Will you stay?” he asked.
They looked at each other.
“It seems to be a hopeless cause,” Parrit remarked thoughtfully.
“My favourite,” Gelber smirked running a finger over the edge of her axe.
“To the wall then,” Parrit replied. They both looked at the other three.
“I’m staying,” Ramaeka said fiercely.
He desperately hoped that they wouldn’t see through his words to how terrified he was. To his relief Amar and Stripe both nodded in agreement.
“Alright then,” Gelber said. “Since we are al
l in agreement, let us proceed to the wall.”
Chapter Twelve
As they walked towards the wall they noticed men and women heading towards the north of the city where it was hoped they could escape. While many kept their gazes averted as though ashamed, some glared defiantly at those headed in the opposite direction as if daring them to comment. All of them moved quickly, hoping to get through before Gasha found the exit.
Gelber spat on the ground.
"Cowards,” she grumbled. "We have no need of their kind in a real battle.”
Some of those fleeing glared at her but thought better of contradicting the tall powerfully built woman in armour, battle axe slung casually over one shoulder.
Ramaeka couldn't blame them in the slightest.
"Now dear one, you know they just wish to leave more for you,” Parrit replied mildly. She caught Ramaeka's eye and winked while he hid a grin.
"Ye cannae blame them.” Tam fell into step beside Amar ignoring Gelber's glare.
"Many have ne'er seen battle before, just defended the walls from roamin' bands of rogues and the like. But like ye said tis better this way. I like ta know who'ers got me back ain't gonna rat out on me.”
"You speak truly,” Gelber nodded approvingly. Tam grinned, white teeth flashing, and bowed slightly to her and Parrit.
"T'will be a pleasure ta fight beside two warriors such as yer selves. I've heard much o' the warrior women o' Shapir. Ne'er had the honour of meetin' any though.”
As the women nodded looking pleased, Tam turned to Ramaeka.
"What about ye, Ra? Will ye be fightin'? Now I seen yer human face, I gotta say ye might be a wee bit young, though no one'd dare say ya ain't fought like a great warrior.”
Ramaeka shrugged at least he could be honest about his past now. "I've been trained for battle since I started walking when I was three.”
