by Wood, Andrew
As it stood the siege of the two border towns of Berston and Casham was in its status quo. There had been no further attempts of attack on either, or movement of troops, which had given the defenders a most welcome rest bite. Soldiers were able to eat and sleep and damaged parts of the stockade around Berston had been patched up. The newcomers on the scene seemed content to do absolutely nothing, other than making sure its camp perimeter was secure. Caldar had been told by his officers that whoever they were, they certainly were not in allegiance with the army besieging his towns. The defensive lines they had erected were in such a position as to defend against the Besemians attacking them, rather than any attack that may come from the towns themselves.
The prince pondered, he knew he needed to know the purpose of the army, would they fight with him, or would they fight against him? It was clear that whatever the answer, the nation of Besemia appeared to be fighting itself. For now, at least he decided not to make any move, but wished he could maybe get a message to both the newcomers as well as the other town. He needed to know their situation, their numbers and supplies as well as the state of the defensive walls.
Father Dagon sat feeling rather dejected, staring at the pendant held in his hands. He worried, how was he going to tell his master of his failing in convincing the young prince of his destiny? The fool boy was as stubborn as a mule, and had not even given chance for him to explain. Perhaps his master would understand how impossible the young prince had been, he after all had done everything required of him. Find the boy, tell him what he needed to know, that had been his orders, it was not his fault the incredulous little brat would not believe him enough to even listen. With those thoughts in mind he closed his eyes rubbing the stone in his fingers, "Master I have found the boy" he started, "but unfortunately he does not believe" he waited for a reply. It did not come straight away and he was beginning to think the contact using the pendant was not working. "You must make him believe, that boy is the only one who can muster the power to defeat Fenlor and his Darekian hordes. If he fails to utilise his powers they will fall, not just Corlan, Besemia will follow then the others, Murati and the countries beyond." Dagon nodded his acknowledgement before realising he actually needed to speak his reply, "I understand Master, and I will persevere to enlighten him. He asks you stay out of his head and that of his son." The man listened as he was told of further developments by Sandred, the old wizard from the Isle of Kelan told him of the imminent dangers heading there way, of Darekian and Besemian forces running amok across the north of the country. Worse of all the news Sandred kept until the end, "He has released his Orlacs."
Luken sat in the house allotted to him, around the small wooden table eating a simple meal of bread, cheese and cold ham. Taylor, as usual sat beside him and they were joined, as pre planned by the Lady Sarena, as well as the young babe she had named Hope who slept soundly in a nearby crib. The conversation moved on to the strange meeting they had had with the old man known as Father Dagon. Luken put the small red book on the tabletop as he popped another piece of cheese in his mouth. In a mocking tone he said, "Apparently my lady, I have to read this and my great magical powers will come forth," covering his mouth with his hand as he ate and talked at the same time.
The Lady Sarena looked at the prince, "your highness I think what this man spoke of, well it may be true. When you rescued me, I ...well I could have sworn you glowed, like a firefly. It was not the reflection of the fire; it was you your highness of that I am sure." Luken looked up, shocked at what he heard. Of all the people, he did not expect Lady Sarena to believe in such hokum. He decided to attempt a change of subject, rather than tell the Lady what she said was surely nothing but drivel.
Thinking quickly, "how is Hope doing?" he asked gesturing his hand to the small crib beside Sarena. Expecting an answer, he looked back to her, to see she had picked up the small red book and already had the pages open. "Oh! Yes she is fine, you know your highness...", "Luken, please" he interrupted. Nodding her head slightly, "ah yes sorry, well maybe you should read this. You see here" pointing at a paragraph, "it says 'those blessed with the power have at times been known to emit an aura of light...' that is just like you did."
Luken sighed, he did wish everyone would stop going on about the magical power he quite clearly did not possess. "You have heard of the plan to retreat southwards to Easton?"He asked in another attempt at changing the subject, "it was Taylor who gave me the idea" he added patting his son on the shoulder with a look of pride. Sarena lifted her gaze up from the pages of the book, "ooh what a clever boy. We head out tomorrow I understand, I will miss this place, and it saddens me to see it this way" she spoke with sadness in her voice. Noticing her sorrow Luken moved his hand across the table and placed it over hers, "hey, we can rebuild, you know when all this horrid fighting is over. Buildings can be replaced, and I know some of the people will not return but others will take their place in time." Sarena smiled at her prince, "Thank you Luken" she said softly placing her free hand on top of his. The two sat there staring googly eyed at each other before Luken realised what he was doing, pulling his hand free blushing profusely.
As the evening light faded, the town of Forwich was preparing for its evacuation the following day. Wagons were lined up in the streets packed to bursting with everything they considered necessary. Not just food stuffs, though this did make up the bulk. Some were laden with carpentry tools, blacksmith tools and anything else they deemed may come in handy when they arrived at Easton.
Weapons were also loaded, the depleted pile they had seized from the ruins of Hamalin and handed out to the people on route to Forwich, was now restocked from the towns armoury. The chests of gold they had managed to save were also added to, once the fire had died down from the family home of Lady Sarena, she had directed workers to a stone basement her father used for his treasury. After shifting a mound of charred timbers, they managed to burrow to the room and retrieve several chests, not just gold which was added to the crowns own, but some family items which were added to the wagon carrying her belongings, for her to sort through later.
Chapter 12.
The first rays of light were still yet to make an appearance over the town of Forwich, but still the streets already bustled with activity. Luken having spent a rather restless night, finding sleep difficult to come by, he had spent several hours reading the small red book given to him by Father Dagon. Of course, he read it because he wanted to and not because the lovely Lady Sarena had requested he do so. Much to his surprise, he had actually found the reading surprisingly interesting, and several points raised in the early chapters had gotten him thinking. Subsequently he sat at the table in the dimly lit room, his son still asleep in bed, trying once more to bring forth the magical powers of his.
According to the book, he was to be able to control air, fire, water and earth through the power of his will. Atop the table sat a cup of water, and trying his hardest to clear his mind he attempted to visualise it swirling around inside. After several minutes of doing this he had just reconfirmed to himself, he had no such power. A knock at the door from his guard, "Captain Jak Corley to see you your highness" he said poking his head through the opening. Luken waved his hand, "ah yes let him in please," and his old friend appeared in the gloomy doorway. "We tend to move out at first light your highness, just a quick heads up, to make sure you and Taylor are ready and packed," he said sitting himself down beside Luken. Noticing the red book and the cup of water in the centre of the table, "been trying again" he chuckled, "and still no luck I assume." Luken laughed along with him, "well I thought I better give it one more try, but I cannot get anything to happen. I am now quite certain this Father Dagon is as daft as he looks, fancy thinking me of all people had some great magical power." Jak Corley sat and looked quite serious, "maybe, maybe not highness, but the men I have spoken to...well they seem so genuine when they talk of your actions the other night. Perhaps it requires certain factors to be present for it to work".
Luken
was quite taken aback, "Jak, you seriously do not think what the men say is true do you? Not you as well, Sarena swore yesterday she witnessed me glowing." Jak nodded, "I tend not to discount things I do not fully understand. Is there magic in the world, yes I am certain. Do you have such magic? Well perhaps you do. Do you not think it strange so many people speak of you doing something, they all cannot have fabricated seeing the same thing?" Luken thought about it for a minute, "I suppose not, but if I did those things they say I did, why am I unable to do so again? I have sat staring at this cup of water for the last five minutes," he pointed to the one on the table in front of them. "Let me tell you, absolutely nothing happened, I did not glow, nor did the water swirl around the cup like I tried to make it do." The captain thought it best to leave it at that, standing once more, "anyway good luck with it and don't give up just yet. Perhaps talk to that Dagon fellow once we are travelling, he may be able to enlighten you on something you are doing wrong."
As the sun started making its appearance on the horizon, the people started gathering outside. What lay ahead of them was a long arduous trip southwards that would take, due to the size of their convoy, at least a week or more. With so many dependants travelling with the party, it would mean they had no option other than to make camp each night. In fact, it was not only the people who were travelling but also a whole menagerie of farm animals. Cows, goats, pigs, chickens amongst the majority, some having had special cages built for transporting, others capable of walking along with the rest of them. It not only gave them a good source of fresh meat and dairy produce whilst they trekked the hundreds of miles, but it also meant they would not rely on the produce of the locals.
Luken had heard Easton, the city itself, was home now to little more than wild animals and maybe the odd traveller who felt the need to be surrounded by huge walls. However, there were still a number of villages and farming communities in the local area, which had remained and thrived, after the destruction of the old capital. The local populace would most certainly be in for a shock when they realised what was coming their way.
With Captain Jak Corley's half cohort adding to the number of professional soldiers from Hamalin, as well as the local retinue from the house of Lady Sarena in addition to the towns own guard, they had over four hundred fighting men. This was backed up by the civilians who were able to carry arms, increasing the number still further to nearly one thousand. Offsetting this great force was the fact it protected the only known living royal, in Prince Luken, and though no news had been received that Caldar had been killed, they did not have anything to the contrary. With the number of babies and small children now numbering over one hundred as well as a number of elderly, added to further by those from Forwich, this large force would certainly be needed to ensure the safety of the trip.
Scouting parties had been arranged. Not just in advance of where they travelled, but also behind and to either side. General Skalton had overall command of military affairs, though all his decisions came with the authority of the prince. Captain Jak Corley was made responsible for the guarding of convoy and camps. The General left the responsibility of scouting parties and the information they gathered to be left under his own authority. Some of the elite guard were given other roles, from the personal guarding of the prince and his son, to that of the young Lady Sarena. Other guarding duties were handed out and put under the control of other officers, overseeing the food, livestock, gold, weapons and other items, they needed to be kept safe. Levin was asked just to stay near the prince when possible, and try to make sure he did not do anything or go anywhere that may put him in a position of danger. General Skalton had requested that if the prince appeared to be doing something foolish, Levin was to seek him out personally, as quickly as possible.
Luken sat upon his large grey stallion, Aldac, patting him on the neck as the beast waited impatiently to move. Beside him, Taylor sat upon the pony, Gracie, and the young boy mimicked his father by patting his mount on the neck, not that his was in anyway restless. Levin and Jak sat upon their mounts behind, checking they had everything tightly fastened before a loud shout was given, and finally they started moving. Thousands of people, horses, wagons and farm animals slowly trundled their way forward as their big move southward started. There were one or two faces looking back with sadness, one final look at the town they had known as home. The buildings still standing now bereft of their owners and emptied of the things they hold most dear. Forwich would soon become nothing more than a mark on a map, no longer a town, busy with the life of people. Now it would become a deserted settlement of abandoned homes and piles of rubble and charred timbers, home now only to wildlife and the bodies filling the graves of the fallen.
Prince Caldar stood atop his vantage point, watching the activity of the two armies camped opposite each other outside his town walls. The newcomers appeared to be making ready to move, a sign that soon the inevitable fighting would start. He had done all he could, the guards all stood ready at their posts, horses stood in the yard saddled ready in case they were needed for a charge, arrows had been stockpiled and the infirmary was ready to take in the injured should they fall. The Besemians who were besieging the town appeared to be focusing on the newcomers rather than the walls of Casham or Berston. This movement gave Caldar and his officers a bit of a headache; did they dare try an offensive manoeuvre out of the safety of the towns? Alternatively, should they stay put and see what played out between the other armies. After several heated discussions, Caldar had ultimately decided on the latter of the two options.
The travellers heading for Easton continued their ride, before stopping briefly at midday. The horses needed to stop for watering and rest, and in some instances, teams of animals that drew the heavy wagons were changed for fresher ones. The infants and babes amongst the number were catered for first, this now being a little easier now more civilians were available to help care for them. Everyone else, including royalty made do with a cold lunch of bread and cheese washed down with water. Hot meals would only be available in an evening when camps were set up.
The first scouts had returned. Some of the parties had travelled some fair distance visiting other villages to catch up on local rumour or sightings of enemy soldiers. Only one such report gave General Skalton any such concern, and duly he reported it to his superior. "Your highness, several rumours from the eastern communities tell us of a large Besemian army moving northwards as if heading for Hamalin." Luken listened and nodded, "well I doubt they will find much left there. Very well General, good work, keep me updated should you hear anything moving our direction." The officer saluted before returning to give commands to further groups of fresh scouting parties, readying to be dispatched.
Father Dagon was sat on a grass verge, watching people walk by. He had hoped the prince would seek him out, but alas, up until now he was just another person in the crowd. That foolish boy had the power of the elements in his hands, only he was too stubborn as to even talk about it. Instead, he was left not fulfilling his orders, and trying to think of ways to get closer to the young man in question. His earlier attempt of riding his horse up the line towards the front, so he may be closer, was quickly thwarted when one of the guards told him to return to his position. If he did not succeed when the camp was set later that evening he would have to use the pendant to contact his master. This would mean him having to speak to the prince via his son again, something which the young royal had seemed quite upset about him doing. The knowledge he had of the elements was not the only important news. He knew of the several armies roving around Corlan and worse still the packs of Orlacs that had been released from Darekia. This needed to be relayed to the prince and his officers, but he could not get near enough to speak to him.
As they passed through a small village, General Skalton, at the request of Luken gave the people a forewarning of what may be following behind them. They were given the option of joining the caravan if they so wished or risk staying put. Some stayed, a few took up the offer to joi
n them, and so there number increased. This pattern repeated itself twice more that afternoon, as they rode through a small town and a couple of farming communities. Some folk did not want to risk leaving their livelihoods behind and stayed, however others who did not really have so much to lose, appeared to take comfort from the safety in numbers that joining the group gave. Others were persuaded to join; the offer of work for those with necessary skills would be needed in great number to help with rebuilding a capital city. This rebuilding program would see these men and their families kept in employment for a very long time. An offer, some deemed, too good to refuse, and so joined for that very reason.
The body of King Belin of Besemia lay on a slab within the Palace at Bashek. The discovery had caused the guard to seal off the gates, in hope of capturing the perpetrator. Rumours spread quickly into the city of the murder; some saying it was the work of the Darekian priest with whom the king had recently been associated. Others spoke of the southern lords rebelling and sending an assassin to eliminate him. The country was now leaderless and its northern territories had been handed to Darekia, its southern nobles amassing a substantial army against the remainder, and its own armies away invading its once longstanding ally. The country of Besemia was tearing itself apart, the only ones benefiting from its upheaval was its northern neighbour. The very ones who had in fact instigated its downfall were now reaping the benefits. Soon the nation of Darekia would grow further still; already its army rode unchallenged burning towns and villages across northern Corlan. Slaves were being gathered and moved from Besemia to Darekia. Some would be sent to the mines to work, others would have a more final role to play. That role would mean their sacrifice, their heart removed and used in a demonic ceremony that called forth an Orlac.
