“He recovered three of our supply wagons.” Em’risi squinted as Balinor squirmed uncomfortably.
“Balinor?”
“He slaughtered them all and lost ten of his own.” Balinor got the reaction that he had feared. Em’risi seemed to pale and wilt for a few seconds. When she recovered, it was with another question.
“How many?”
“Nearly seventy-five.” Em’risi shook her head.
“He disobeyed an order. He wasn’t supposed to engage them. How have you punished him?” Balinor made a mental note about ensuring that Lortin departed before the Princess had a chance to give the young major one of her talks. He desperately needed the support of house Eltanin and didn’t want to risk losing them. He flinched as Em’risi narrowed her eyes in focus on what he could only guess was a flare of red light. He answered hurriedly in the hopes of warding off another pointed question.
“He has been ordered to build the signal fires along the Sea Wall. It will take him a few weeks at the very least. Hopefully, by the time he returns, he will have acquired a certain amount of restraint.
“This is a light punishment for killing seventy-five men ruthlessly for three wagons of food.” Balinor forced himself to avoid thinking about the taxes that had also been recovered. He feared that she would elect to give it back to the people. Em’risi didn’t seem to notice the omission as she was looking towards the sky thoughtfully.
“They were our enemies.” Balinor found himself trying to defend the impulsive major.
“They were my subjects who thought that they were fighting in my name! There is nothing that we can do about it now. We will have to decide when he finishes his mission, but until then, we have other things to worry about. How are Keom’s defenses coming along?” After the arrival of the Princess and following her abolition of taxes, the few people living in Keom had been more than willing to let Balinor and his men take over the city. Many of them even sought employment with the army and most were happy with a mere pittance when they had no need to save up for the yearly tax. There were a few builders in the army and among the inhabitants of the city so they had been tasked with restoring Keom’s once magnificent walls. It would take time to restore everything. The cliffs on one side coupled with the wall built along the river to the edge of the cliffs that plummeted into the crashing surf had, according to local legend, turned back armies and thrived under sieges.
“We are focusing on the basic necessities like repairing the breach in the wall and restoring the drawbridge. The walls atop the cliff are in fair condition already so it is likely only a matter of a month to a month and a half before we are in a defendable position. We discovered a sealed passage during the repairs that leads out onto a fortified ledge under the cliffs that can be used should anyone try descending the cliff face.” Em’risi nodded as Balinor pointed to a few of the repairs as they passed. The walls atop the cliff were defendable, but the added layer of defense was reassuring. Above the walls was a sloping rock slide that terminated in another cliff high above. There was no way to go around and attack Keom from the south unless one entered the Garoche Heights much farther north and managed to move an army through some of the most treacherous terrain in the Heights.
“Can the men to the north hold the army back long enough?”
“More than four hundred men are at work making the journey south as laborious as possible. They are mapping out the entirety of the northern forests and setting up one sided embattlements. If need be, they can be retaken from this side with ease. Horses will be virtually useless and traps are being placed wherever infantry might try moving through. The goal is not to kill, but to cause enough injury to force them to slow their advance until they can be sure that there are no traps in waiting. The rest of the men are busy with the restoration here. We should have five weeks at the least by my estimates”
“Very well. Is there anything that I can do to help? Perhaps the workmen could use an assistant?” Balinor scowled again. Even if he could have thought of something, he refused to allow the Princess to dirty her hands with menial labor.
“We would all be more at ease if you were in the Sea Fort and surrounded by your guards.”
“Did you know that one of my guard’s father was a stone sculpture? He died when one of his carvings fell on him after he refused to make a statue for Reigns. Quite tragic really.” Em’risi smiled broadly at Balinor before glancing at the sky behind him.
“What bearing does that have on this conversation?” Balinor inquired with a raised eyebrow.
“He is quite brilliant when it comes to dealing with stone so I put him in charge of the Sea Fort masonry repairs.” Balinor narrowed his eyes. There had been a somewhat skilled workman overseeing those repairs already. Balinor was sure that Em’risi had been more than persuasive when it came to replacing the man and more than likely, he had thanked her for the extra help.
“There were still three more men assigned to protect you.”
“Indeed. Two are probably still standing guard at my door and the third helped me out my window.” Balinor’s narrowed eyes broke into a full scowl.
“I ordered them not to leave your side!”
“And yet, I am their Princess. You would do well to remember that.” Balinor found his annoyance frustrated by Em’risi’s charming smile and piercing those purple eyes.
“At least tell me what you did with your last bodyguard? Please don’t tell me that you managed to find a way of losing him also. Might he be mending fishing nets?”
“No, he has proven quite adept remaining close at hand. Remarkably, he has been no more than a few paces distant all afternoon.” Em’risi motioned towards the top of the building behind Balinor. He found the sun and didn’t see anything until he shaded his eyes and saw the figure silhouetted at the edge of the roof. A bow was in hand and a sword at his side in preparation for any eventuality.
“It is good to see that you didn’t entirely forsake your senses, but it would still be better if you were to return to the Sea Fort. There could be assassins about that mean you harm.”
“True, there might be people out here that might mean me harm, but what kind of ruler would I be if I were afraid of my own subjects?” Em’risi looked at Balinor with an arched eyebrow.
“I suspect that you intend to tell me, my queen.”
“Tyrants are afraid of their subjects. Reigns wants power for the security that he thinks it will grant him. He likes to see people terrified of him because he is afraid of what they might do if they stop fearing him. I will never rule my people with fear nor will I hide from them and this is the last that will be said on the matter.” Between knowing the outcome of previous discussion and with the tone that Em’risi used, Balinor did not doubt her.
“Very well my queen. As you wish.” Balinor made an elaborate bow that Em’risi took pains to ignore. She was about to make a comment when a shout went up among the workers on the wall. It only took Em’risi and Balinor a minute to reach the top of the wall with the aid of a nearby stairway. From the added vantage point, they were able to see a small group of horsemen approaching. The most notable thing was the large white flag that the lead horseman carried. Balinor shouted some orders and the band of horsemen were halted before crossing the bridge. A couple minutes later, a messenger appeared on the wall and explained that the rider with the white flag was a courier, but that the rest were an escort loyal to the Princess. The courier meant to speak with the Princess and refused to settle for anyone else.
“It could be a trap. He might be willing to sacrifice himself in order to harm you. Reigns would rest far easier if you were no longer a threat to him.” Balinor cautioned as Em’risi descended the stair and made for the bridge at the breach in the wall.
“It could be, but what do I have to fear with you at my side? My bodyguard will be on the wall with his bow. He is a dead shot with that bow, but you probably knew that when you made him my bodyguard.” Em’risi only paused at a shiny plate attached to some cr
aftsman’s door to inspect her appearance before going on.
“He will demand your surrender. He rides for Reigns so nothing he says can be trusted.” Balinor positioned his new helm at the same mirror after Em’risi had no need of it any longer. The helm didn’t fit as well as the old one lost in the battle the night of the escape, but the blacksmith in Keom had been able to make a reasonable facsimile of the old one.
“This is to be expected, but it also means that Reigns doesn’t think he can crush us easily if he is willing to bargain with us.” Em’risi was met by Raos and Elmet at the gate. She mounted the gray stallion while Balinor mounted the black brute that was snapping at his handlers. They rode out together to meet with the courier.
“Greetings my lady. I was unsure if I would be accorded the privilege of speaking with you in person. The messages that I carry are for your ears alone. Balinor may stay, but I desire privacy in this exchange. You have archers out of earshot on the wall that could make me look like a seamstress’ pin cushion should I make an untoward move.” The thin man sat his steed easily. Em’risi coolly listened while trying to take the measure of the man. His green eyes seemed to have a mischievous glint to them and the wavy hair looked like it was accustomed to being well kept, but hadn’t met a comb in days. He seemed entirely too comfortable considering how far behind enemy lines as he was.
“I would prefer that there be soldiers within a few feet of you at all times. Just in case you decide on anything rash.” Balinor found that he was having trouble maintaining his authoritative image when he had to constantly keep Elmet from misbehaving. He recalled that Aleest had ridden this same creature and it had been as gentle as a kitten.
“He speaks truthfully. Please retreat men. Just out of earshot.” Balinor also found that the full effect of his scowl was lost within the confines of the helm he wore when Em’risi ordered the surrounding horsemen back. However, he was able to spare a hand from controlling Elmet in order to loosen his great sword in its sheath meaningfully.
“My sincerest gratitude Princess. One can never be too sure what might be the result of carelessly spoken rumors.”
“Declare yourself and speak your business. You have your privacy.” Balinor glared down his nose at the courier who simply smiled back.
“I would prefer anonymity, but seeing as the circumstances demand my name, I will oblige. I am under captain Enthack. My mission is to deliver an ultimatum from the High Chancellor.”
“An ultimatum? Let me guess. Surrender or die. You will be crushed and forgotten otherwise. What say you Princess? Do we take his generous offer and live another day? It will take that long to build the hangman’s gibbet.” Balinor mocked the under captain who never lost that infuriating smile.
“Hush Balinor. We should first hear his offer before turning it down.” Em’risi nodded to Enthack who continued with a grin.
“General Balinor, you were nearly correct. The offer is this: Reigns is offering a full pardon in exchange for service in the army for the rest of one’s natural life. This offer is extended to all who are of a rank lower than major in the rebel forces. The imposter Princess will be held under house arrest for the remainder of her natural days and the rebel general known as Balinor is to be hanged until deemed dead for crimes against the crown.” Enthack began backing his horse up when Balinor drew his great sword with murderous intent in his eyes.
“You traitorous dog! You have the gall to come here and say this to the true Princess’ face!”
“Balinor! He is only the messenger. Your indignation has blinded you to the obvious. Enthack, why did you request to give this message to us in private?” Balinor reigned Elmet back when the logic of Em’risi’s question sank into his infuriated brain. An offer of pardon to the lower ranks was something that Reigns was sure to want spread about generously. Why Enthack wanted privacy to make the offer to the people who would benefit from it the least was indeed a logical question.
“Because, my princess, it would have demoralized your men.”
“Why would one of Reigns’ sniveling curs such as yourself care about the Princess’ men’s moral?” Balinor sneered at the under captain spitefully.
“My loyalties belong to another and by extension to you, my princess. This leads me to my other messages. Reigns has called up the three northern noble houses and is even now amassing troops at the mouth of the Outlands. He is somewhat enraged at the loss of Shienhin’s garrison and intends to wipe you all out. There is to be more than four thousand when the houses march against you. Only two of the houses have arrived by now, but the rest are on their way. House Uskyn, Inarack, and house Loneka. Loneka is loyal to Reigns and isn’t to be trusted. House Uskyn seems to keep tight lipped about their loyalties. House Inarack is suspected of having rebel leanings so they are to take the forefront when the battle comes. My sources also name house Eltanin as a supporter of your cause, but they were too far south to make calling them practical so you will just have to figure out how to deal with the three. Keep an eye on House Inarack troops. There is a good chance that they might defect to your side should you engage in a battle. Be ready for the possibility.”
“And we are supposed to just believe what you say? I was not born yesterday. We can’t hold our fire in a battle in the hopes that the people attacking us will change their minds.” Balinor wanted nothing more than the pleasure of wiping that irritating smile off Enthack’s face, despite that, his great sword was safely back in its sheath.
“Balinor, stop it! He is telling the truth. Enthack, to whom do your loyalties belong? Tell us why you should be trusted. I believe what you are saying, but don’t yet trust you.”
“Tis only fair, my princess. I obey Uraken. He insisted on that pronunciation of his name. Said that Balinor would recognize it. He also said that Balinor might be a genius at marshalling troops in the field, but he lacks diplomatic skills.” Em’risi glanced over just in time to see the bluster drain from the general’s face.
“Urake? That rapscallion has agents everywhere! Should have known. Diplomatic skills my…” Balinor spoke out of surprise, but the last part of his comment was muttered under his breath yet was still loud enough to give reason for Em’risi to roll her eyes at him.
“On that note, I have some letters for you, plus one from Tusul. I believe Balinor knows who he is.” Enthack reached into his saddle bag and pulled out the bundle of parchment. After handing it to Balinor, he waited while the general quickly sorted through them.
“What use is this to us? Tusul is supposedly a genius alchemist or something. He should have sent us something useful.” Balinor had torn open the seal on Tusul’s parchment and briefly scanned the contents.
“He detailed the instructions for making a few of his favorite concoctions. If you read it, I am sure that you will find them useful. He demonstrated a couple for me and I was impressed to say the least.”
“If you have the chance, thank him on our behalf. His assistance is sure to be appreciated.” Em’risi was about to make another comment when Balinor angrily broke in.
“An itching powder? A potion that causes uncontrollable retching? How is that going to be useful?!”
“That retching one is actually quite impressive. I hear that Ildroth ingested it under the impression that it was an antidote for some poison he was supposedly afflicted with. He was halfway to Cercha before he was well enough to speak and a week after that before he was able to do anything other than heap curses on Tusul. Flavorless and dissolves in water, or so I hear.” Enthack sat casually in his saddle as he expounded.
“That could well be useful if we are under siege. You mentioned earlier that there was a chance that house Inarack might defect to our side. Wouldn’t Reigns punish their families?” Em’risi inquired with a concerned undertone in her voice.
“Most assuredly he would. If he could find them. Quite the vindictive one he is. I once saw him have a courier, who delivered a message late because of a nail in his horse’s hoof, lashed half a dozen times.
I am told that the Asgare’s men are busy working on that problem so I wouldn’t trouble myself if I were you my princess.” Em’risi raised an eyebrow as she tried to think of what Urake might have in mind in the way of hiding thousands of people from Reigns.
“Intriguing, he was not speaking lightly when he said that he would be of more use to me on the other side of the lines.”
“One other thing, my princess. What is your official response to Reigns’ offer?”
“We reject the proposal and won’t even recognize Reigns’ authority by offering a counter proposal.” Balinor surly responded causing Em’risi to shake her head sadly at him.
“What Balinor was trying to say is that Reigns’ offer is untenable and that we reject it on the grounds that it is not a legitimate treaty offer considering that I never gave him the right to negotiate for the Braebach Empire. Our counter offer is that should he surrender, he and those loyal to him will be treated fairly and justly.” Em’risi smiled graciously.
“Permission to speak freely, my princess?” Enthack requested seriously without the customary smile that irked Balinor.
“You haven’t needed permission to speak freely heretofore. Why should you need it now?” Balinor’s question unhappily returned that wretched smile.
“If I were to tell Reigns that, he would have my head lifted from my shoulders. I have grown accustomed to having my head and would rather not continue without it.”
“Fine. Tell him that Balinor was surly and childish while I hid behind his back in terror. Try not to mention Balinor’s black horse. He is certain to be enraged by hearing about Elmet.” Em’risi’s proposal was met with a wider grin.
“Farewell, my princess. Perhaps we will meet again in the future.” Enthack nodded to the princess before wheeling and trotting towards the tree line where his escort met him. They would make sure that he safely got back to the tree line at the mouth of the Outlands before returning to their respective companies.
“Surly and childish? I don’t believe that you are frightened of a thing so why make him believe that you were hiding behind me? Reigns will not respect us in battle because of this!” Balinor complained to Em’risi as they returned to the breach in the wall.
Chronicles of Den'dra: A land on Fire Page 14
