Thread Strands (Golden Threads Trilogy)

by Leeland Artra

  Dohma thought about it. He looked at the general, and then walked away as he recalled the battle in Llino. They never flinched. They stood and killed until they were too wounded to fight at all. Even the ones that had taken death blows continued to fight until they were dead. He recalled watching the fight from a distance. The Daggers had the tactical advantage until their ranks had been broken up. That was when he ordered the waiting guards into the battle.

  Dohma looked up from the floor and found the general was close by, watching him. “They don’t give in.”

  The general nodded and his lips where pressed so hard, they turned white. “You have it, milord. They are conditioned and hardened warriors. They are on an order far above our city guards or palace guards. Only Daggers are trained to the level needed to withstand the fear of death and pain required to fight them. The Covenant has brought us over five thousand years of relative peace. But in preventing the Alliance from having a standing army, it has also sealed the fate of Gracia, should the Nhia-Samri attack. It will take us years to build a force strong enough and skilled enough to fight back.”

  “But we beat them forty years ago.”

  The general shook his head. “No, we didn’t. They were playing at their shadow games. That war was between Yalthum and Laeusia. It was caused by the Nhia-Samri, and flames of war on both sides were being fanned by the Nhia-Samri. They wanted to tear apart the Covenant. Once their involvement was exposed, the hotheads involved saw how they had been used and manipulated. The Nhia-Samri withdrew before we got together and marched on them. At that point, we had two reasonably large armies and a larger force of Daggers coming from Duianna. We were better prepared to fight them then. Now, it has been forty years, and the warriors of that war are old and weak. The countries have allowed their armies to dwindle again. Once more, we are a soft target.”

  Electra sat in a chair next to Vesta and Arkady. The room had been changed to show tactical maps and data all around the three of them. Each could control their own section of displays. On both sides were full-wall displays of the images from Vesta’s satellites. Electra tried to keep from looking at the one on the left, but her eyes would flick over to it, taking in the thousands of dots moving around the great fortress valley.

  In less than one mark, everyone there will be dead, and my hands will never be clean again.

  She sighed and returned her attention to the displays in front of her. Her job was to look for anything unusual in the tactics and to advise Vesta and Arkady on the use of magic. Vesta was overseeing three hundred modified crab warriors. Arkady had an even larger number of crab warriors at his command, as well as the airlift units.

  The crabs had been pulled from their duties up and down the channel. Normally, they were maintenance workers. Vesta had explained how the sea channels had many devices hidden under the waters. Sand had to be moved at times to allow safe passage for ships. Also, there was the occasional giant sea creature that came up too high, and would get caught in the Loren Sound; the crabs would help it return to its deep water home. It would take years to replace the ones lost tonight, but both Vesta and Arkady were sure the underwater realm would be okay while they bred and outfitted replacement crabs.

  Arkady played with the controls in front of him.

  I know he doesn’t have to do that, but it is nice they both make the effort to act more human for me.

  “First drop will be landing in ten seconds.”

  Vesta nodded. “Signal is five-by-five, all surveillance systems normal, target remains unaware.”

  Electra sat up straighter.

  Time to be serious. We have work to do.

  Electra manipulated the controls and scanned the patrols around the Nhia-Samri base. Everything looked normal for that time of night. One of the units on Vesta’s side started another gate drill. “Target unit six in gate drill.”

  Vesta adjusted her display. “Acknowledged. Arkady, drop three points further south at grid 444 by 934.”

  Displays shifted in front of Arkady. “Acknowledged. Units 1, 2, 3, and 4 drop in 5 seconds now. Units 5, 6, 7, and 8 drop in 15 seconds. Electra, check grid 433 by 940. Tell me what the hell they are doing.”

  She punched her display over to the requested location. Two scouts were hiding under a tree. She had to shift to one of the new hawks to see the two warriors who were splitting a chunk of rations. “Break time. They are eating.”

  Arkady smiled. “In that case, two for one. Odds just went up.”

  Her display was still pulled in tight to the two warriors as the silver crab fell from the sky, its pinchers wide. As the crab landed, it closed both pinchers, severing the heads of both scouts. Her stomach did a summersault, and she felt light-headed.

  NO! Take control of yourself! You cannot blink or feel sick now. Later, you can curl into a ball and cry. Right now, Gracia depends on you doing your job.

  The crab squatted low in the grass and started moving towards the base.

  Swallowing, she reported, “Kill confirmed. No reaction from target. Target remains unaware.” She then flipped her displays back to the wide views, watching for anything to report.

  As she swept, she spotted a problem. “Warning! Hiri-Rula is with unit six.”

  Vesta looked over. “Oh, damn! I didn’t want to kill her.”

  - - -

  Hiri-Rula stood to the side of the drilling warriors, watching their maneuvers. Generals Armio-Ery and Ilil-Ushual stood with her discussing the formations.

  It will be hard to enter Gracia. Duke will have guards everywhere.

  She tried to think of a way to capture their targets, but she knew that was out of the question, as the Grand Warlord’s orders were very clear—they were to kill everyone. A sound she knew came from across the drill field. The sound of a battle, combined with the rapid, repeating drum of those creatures that attacked Outpost Two, when using their blow thorns.

  She drew her odassi. “Sound the alarm! Raise the outpost! We are under attack!”

  Dozens of warriors around her drew their odassi and started beating a percussion pattern with the blades. The sound was taken up by warriors further along. In moments, the entire valley rang with odassi blades beating the same pattern together.

  “Armio-Ery, take units 20 and 21 and cover the right. Ilil-Ushual, do the same on the left with units 22 and 23.” She started running towards the sound of battle. “UNITS 24 AND 25, WITH ME. NEW ATTACK FORMATIONS. MOVE IT!”

  As she ran, Hiri-Rula called on her powers and cast the incantation to create a link between her and the other fifty mages. ‘Get to your assigned locations. Use your shields for the warriors. Tell me if you have to fall back.’ Fifty mages’ voices rang in her head as they cross-chatted, coordinating their motions. A few took different positions due to the logistics of who was closer to which station.

  She bolted around a tent and her heart rate pumped up another notch. So many!

  Before her was a sea of those crabs moving in over a hill in a line that went as far as she could see, right and left. A dozen crabs were killed, along with hundreds of warriors wounded or dead. The remaining warriors were fighting in tight groups of five each. The crabs moved differently than before. They worked together in teams, as well.

  Damn it, these things are mimicking our strategies!

  Hiri-Rula sent a blast of power that blew a crab into pieces. Four crabs came at her. She leapt into the air, using her power to push her over them. As she passed over, she released a blaze of fire that would have turned a normal adversary to ashes. Instead, her flames made one of the crabs glow a bright red. It wiggled as if in pain, but still swung its claws with great effectiveness, knocking two warriors from a group. Its partner crab clipped at another warrior, who screamed as her legs were sheared off. In spite of the overwhelming pain, that warrior brought her blades down with great force as she fell, cutting through the front part of the crab that killed her.

  Hiri-Rula landed, spun, and cut the back of one of the crabs. Lightning danced
over its shell, but did not touch her.

  Ah, good! I wasn’t sure if that shield incantation would work.

  She called out to the other mages. ‘I have confirmed the new shield works against their interior lightning. Make sure you are providing the resistance to your warrior teams.’

  I should double-check my own teams.

  She used the power of her blades to move in a blur of speed, maneuvering around the crabs, dodging the attacks, while she double-checked that she was providing shielding to her teams.

  As she dodged, a hole opened to relative safety. She dove through the opening, coming out in a forward roll, popping back to her feet, spinning around to face the crab group. The crabs advanced on her, forcing her to shuffle step backwards out of range.

  They’re herding me, I think.

  The feeling of warning came, and she pushed herself to move, twisting and spinning, stepping right. The great claws of another crab snapped shut in the air where she had just been.

  You will not take me down again!

  She sliced down, cutting the claw in half before the creature could pull it back.

  Turning, Hiri-Rula saw a group of crabs raise up. Pointing with her odassi, she sent a rush of power, creating a solid shield around that entire group. The creatures fired their magic fire balls, unaware of her shield. The fireballs exploded on the inside of the bubble she had made. Her shield held for a few seconds before failing under the power it had contained. The shield burst with an explosion of dirt, crab parts, smoke, and fire.

  Twisting out of the way of another crab, she smiled, seeing that the four crabs had been blown apart by their own fireballs. As she moved around more crabs, a group of warriors joined her. She merged into their formation, working with them to hack up three crabs that had turned around to attack them.

  Hiri-Rula told the other mages, ‘They are vulnerable to their own magics. If you see them rising up as I described, create the strongest shield you can in a containment bubble around them. Their magics will tear them apart.’

  Only thirty-eight mages responded.

  Have we really lost twelve mages already?

  She moved with the group as they fought the crabs. Her warriors were getting better as they became used to the motions and flow of the enemy. All around, she saw warrior groups merging as they lost members. They fought on. The inferior warriors were dying, but as each warrior died, the remaining that regrouped were superior.

  These things are making us harder to kill.

  Her swords rose and fell, twisting and turning. She stayed with her group. Warriors died and others fought on. Hiri-Rula spun around, using her incantations to throw the crabs away, but that didn’t work. When they landed on their backs, their legs changed direction. The crabs looked the same upside down as right side up. Hard, silver shells were everywhere. She watched for any opportunity to use their magics against them, but after that first group, no other group of crabs near her tried to use their fire balls.

  These things are learning too fast. At least, they can’t learn to not be cut by the odassi.

  Castle Warlord Maru-Ashua stepped out of the tower onto the arched sky bridge that connected to the central tower of the . Each tower had three sky bridges at different levels, as well as a walkway around the tower wide enough for two carriages to pass each other. The effect was beautiful. At night time, they were doubly beautiful as their lanterns burned a soft amber that illuminated them like orange silk bands.

  He chose to walk to the outer towers. From there, he would take one of the internal lifts to the ground. He loved the feel of Hisuru Amajoo. It was larger than any other city or fort he had ever seen. It exceeded the scale of even Gracia by a wide margin. Life there was peaceful; the people loved and supported each other. Men and women could choose to join the Nhia-Samri or not. If they wanted to, they were tested. So long as they passed the physical and mental challenges, they remained Nhia-Samri. The moment they failed even one test, they were retired back to their home to live as respected people.

  Many chose other professions, and none were denied their choices. They had only to show the wits and ability to take any profession.

  This is almost a paradise. No murders, no rape, and everyone feels safe. Of course, we are all under the direct rule of the Grand Warlord, but he is kind to his people. If only his heart wasn’t so cold.

  As Maru-Ashua approached the outer tower, he could look out over the lights of the valley. He paused to examine the farms and city.

  I am responsible to all here to ensure everything is done correctly.

  He recalled his fear as he and his officers had approached Hisuru Amajoo.

  Because of the failures in Llino, I thought I had lost all honor. As we entered the throne room, I knew the only way to regain honor was to give my life to the Grand Warlord.

  He shook his head, remembering how Shar-Lumen had sat in his silver and red velvet filigree throne, watching Maru-Ashua’s every move, every nuance.

  He read my soul that day. He let me finish my report. I dropped to my knees and placed my odassi before him, expecting the order to come. Then he showed me how much of a true leader he is.

  He could hear the Grand Warlord speaking, as if it was happening again.

  ‘Warlord Maru-Ashua, your service has been long and honorable. This failure could not be helped. The responsibility is mine. I bypassed your command, and so, insulted your honor. I have watched you for years and know you have studied and remained a true Nhia-Samri in all things. I have been without a second for forty years, and the lack of sound council has caused me to make mistakes. I, therefore, name you second in command of the Nhia-Samri. You now speak with my voice, and are charged with speaking to me with your own.’

  He shook his head as if it was all a dream.

  I am second in command now. I cannot believe this. I was sure Grand Warlord Shar-Lumen was going to require of me the last restoration of honor. But instead, he granted me a medal for my actions and named me his second.

  A presence stood next to him. He knew it was Shar-Lumen, without looking.

  He moves like shadows and makes about as much noise. It is strange, how he seems to be anywhere he chooses in Hisuru Amajoo instantly. I wonder if he has mastered the gate incantation. He was a mage of the highest magnitude before he started the Nhia-Samri. Warrior, mage, leader, and yet, he has a cold heart. We could have been so much more.

  “Maru-Ashua, are all the units ready?”

  He turned and bowed. “Yes, Grand Warlord. I have inspected all units this day and their training has been superb. You will have all of your warriors in Gracia within fifteen minutes. The Assembly cannot resist.”

  Shar-Lumen looked out, his face a model of perfection. “Do not be so sure. The generals of the Alliance are aware of our plans and are making preparations to resist. Also, Duke will be there with some of the Daggers he hired.”

  Maru-Ashua considered Shar-Lumen’s words.

  He has received a report. That is why he sought me out.

  “I ask again, instead of killing everyone, would it not be better to strike a hard blow and capture them?”

  Shar-Lumen looked at him with those cold, violet eyes that had lost emotion so long ago. He shook his head. “No. If we capture them, their armies will be inspired to attack. Given time, they may succeed. In killing them, we strike fear into their warriors. Then we will never be defeated.”

  Shar-Lumen turned and started to walk away, when a warning horn sounded across the valley. The warning was picked up by other guards. Even this far up, the sound of thousands of odassi being drawn was inspiring. The valley brightened as the warning fires were lit all across the valley.

  Shar-Lumen stepped over to the banister and scanned the area. Maru-Ashua joined him. Many guards were repeating the warning horn, which oddly did not carry a direction.

  Shar-Lumen, with his keen night eyesight-sight, was the first to realize what was causing the alarm. Maru-Ashua saw that warriors were looking up with their
mouths hanging open. He joined Shar-Lumen in looking up.

  Shar-Lumen clasped his hands behind his back and smiled. The starry sky was filled with fire. Hundreds of fiery balls, all growing in size, were heading straight at them.

  The blood ran from his head as he stepped back, looking at the fiery death approaching. Shar-Lumen hadn’t moved. “Lord, we need to take cover.”

  Shar-Lumen waved a hand at him. “Do not worry, Maru-Ashua. I must admit though, this is not what I expected. Ingenious, really. I should have predicted it. It always seems to fire.”

  The first of the fiery balls slammed into something a hundred feet above the tallest tower. The percussion of the strike sent vibrations through his body. His heart raced, and he looked at Shar-Lumen, who continued to look up as if examining a cloud. More strikes hit the invisible shield, sounding like an army of drummers. The stars were blocked by the debris, but the fires of the explosions burned bright enough to make everything orange.

  The citizens had all come out with lanterns across the valley, making it look like a bright gathering evening.

  Maru-Ashua looked back and forth between the seeming death from the sky and the Grand Warlord, who stood there, pondering the meaning of the event.

  He isn’t surprised in the least. How could the mages have raised a shield so fast?

  Fires burned in an arching dome over the valley while the percussion of new strikes rang out from above, but not so much as a flake of ash came any closer. The percussion reports of the strikes continued for at least ten minutes before they dwindled to an ominous quiet.

  “Maru-Ashua, have the warriors train harder this next week. The gods will be present at the Assembly, too. We shall have to deal with them.”

  Gods! The Gods will be there!

  He couldn’t help himself. His mind was overwhelmed by events. “Lord, how do you know the Gods will be there?”

  Shar-Lumen looked away from the molten red dome that covered the valley. The red light reflecting off of his silver skin made him look like some kind of ethereal creature. “Because they have noticed our actions in Llino.”