Chapter 22
Jeremy and the others arrived back at camp in time for the breaking of the fast. Their fatigue was showing but yet they remained excited. The smuggler’s tunnel had changed little but the guard was heavier at the gate itself. They had no trouble entering the city and there was no activity to speak of. Things overall seemed little changed from their last visit during the war between the kingdoms. After they had eaten, Heather sent them off for a rest period and continued her planning. She had teams of scouts sent out with the goal of identifying any spreading activity from those of the Red. She also wanted information on game availability and other available supplies from the countryside.
When the scouts had departed, Heather and Daniel continued planning. Heather said, "From the hilltop it seemed as if the catapult devices of those of the Red were much more massive than those of our peoples. Will your cannon device be able to destroy such machines as those?"
Daniel replied, "The power of the powder will be adequate if the iron tubes have strength enough to contain it. I will not know until we try."
"I would that the strength be enough, for a frontal assault will be quite costly to the lives and families of the soldiers of the Southern Kingdom. It appears that the wall has already suffered from the attack and it will be but a few weeks before the defenses of the Southern Kingdom are breached."
The planning went on but in mid-afternoon they took a rest period in the shade, relaxing in the relative safety of their camp and the comfort of each other. They joined those remaining for the evening meal and the stories. Darkness was approaching when they joined Jeremy for the trip into the city. Heather was not surprised when Betty also appeared ready to travel, and left Elrod in charge of making sure their camp remained secure. The four companions traveled easily and the darkness slowed them little. The breach in the wall Jeremy had chosen was indeed the same one Betty had used on her prior visit. She shuddered and her hand massaged the scar on her chest as she recalled the physical attack she had endured, but spoke not.
There was some activity at the taverns but otherwise the streets were quiet. Heather could tell their general direction of travel whenever she saw a glimpse of the stars, but otherwise relied entirely upon Jeremy. When they arrived, shortly before dawn, Jeremy again scaled the wall of the palace and secured his climbing rope. First Heather, then Daniel and finally Betty ascended the wall and climbed into the sitting room of the royal quarters. When Jeremy joined them they debated awakening Jason but decided instead to get some rest themselves.
Later in the morning, when Jason arose, he was alarmed when he saw four figures sleeping in his sitting room, but realized quickly he was again being visited by those of the Forest. He tried to be quiet but Jeremy had already seen him and given him a hand wave of recognition. The others too were soon awake and Betty and Heather were excused for their morning ritual. Jason spoke to his aid and had extra food prepared for the breaking of the fast, as well as sending for Arthur.
When Arthur arrived, he was less surprised to see those of the Forest and in way of greeting said, "Since the explosions and fires destroyed several of the ships, I had been expecting the spirits of the Forest to again appear. Your attack has greatly relieved the pressure on our city wall, for at least a short time."
Arthur had many more questions but Jason interrupted saying, "It is time for the breaking of the fast, let us enjoy this food together and then begin the work of the day with our planning." The talk during the breaking of the fast was of each other's personal well-being. Jason was especially excited to hear of Jeremy's wedding and declared, "I would propose a royal party to celebrate such an event. Your wife must be one special person, whom I would very much like to meet."
The meal was soon finished and now the talk was of the hard times on the ice field and of the invasion of the Southern Kingdom. Jason was most interested in the story of those left behind, but Arthur's interest was in the military capability of those of the Red. Discussion of the present situation did not begin until the time of the midday meal. As before, Jason insisted that the food be enjoyed and work would wait.
After the meal the discussion was of their attack on the ships of the Red. Arthur was impressed with their strategy and the power of the powder. This led to the discussion of Daniel's cannon device. Arthur reported that the workmen had completed two of the iron tubes and hundreds of the iron balls Daniel had requested. Daniel was now excited to examine them and began trial firings. Heather asked if one of the cannons could be brought to a secure area of the palace for Daniel to work with. Arthur and Jason conferred and came up with a suitable site and word was sent out to accomplish the task.
Heather then said, "We will need to transfer Daniel's powder from our camp to here. I would the transfer be kept quiet, for I know not if those of the Red still have ears within the kingdom. Once Daniel begins testing his cannon device our presence will be well known."
Arthur responded, "I would assume those of the Red indeed have spies within our walls. If you can deliver the powder to the east gate, I can have a wagon meet you outside the gate with a driver I trust and an escort of palace guards." He then asked, "Is this device capable of destroying the catapult being used against our walls?"
Daniel described briefly the copper cannon they had used aboard the ship and its effectiveness. He then added, "If the iron tube has strength enough, the powder will have the ability to destroy their machines of war."
While Daniel and Arthur discussed the details of the cannon device, Jason asked Heather, "What plans have you for yourself and those of the Forest with you?"
Heather hesitated before replying, "Those of the Forest are not well-suited for a siege type of war and belong not contained within walls. I would expect we will function mostly as scouts and as a small mobile attack force. The greatest weakness of our enemy is his long supply line. I would do my best to disrupt that line."
Jason thought carefully before responding, "It would seem that you have chosen a dangerous mission for yourself. Must you take such a risk?"
Heather answered not saying only, "What must be done, must be done."
As Daniel left to examine the iron tube, the discussion turned to the army of the Northern Kingdom. The sadness evident on Heather's face told the story as much as her words, "I fear that those of the Red have infiltrated deeply into the Kingdom of the north and some of my father's advisers are pushing hard to sue for peace with those of the Red."
Jason asked, "Understand they not the danger to all of our peoples?"
"My father understands well, but he is not yet whole and I can only pray to the God of the Sacred Water that he has the strength to overcome his advisers." Heather continued, "We must plan as if the army of the Northern Kingdom will not arrive. The army of the Red that has crossed the ice field will soon be descending through the great gorge. I would expect them to be much weakened from the hardship and lack of food. We must not allow them easy access to provisions."
Arthur spoke up saying, "We can order an evacuation of the valley, but our people will not be happy leaving their crops."
Betty for the first time spoke up saying, "I heard Edna. Many come in about eight days."
Jason wanted to know how Betty knew what was coming but Heather only explained that the spirits of the Forest were strong in Betty. She then went on saying, "We must move quickly on the evacuation. Those of the Red will take all to strengthen themselves for the upcoming battle."
Jason agreed and Arthur left to give the orders for the evacuation. While he was gone, they discussed what Heather thought the battle plan of those of the Red would be. Heather explained how she felt those of the Red would continue to attack the wall, and that when the reinforcements arrived they would probably mount a frontal assault. If they were successful in destroying the machines of war with Daniel's cannon, then the war would become a war of attrition. Whichever side starved first would lose the battle. Arthur returned and heard the end of the disc
ussion. He was in agreement with Heather's assessment.
Jason asked, "What is our goal in the battle? Simple survival?"
Heather took on the appearance of her grandmother as she replied, "We need a decisive victory to ensure that those of the Red fear to again attack us."
Jason was a little startled by the fierceness of Heather and responded, "You are probably right, but I would think that long-term peace will only be achieved by establishing formal trade. But that is for the future. For now we must concentrate on the battle at hand."
The time for the evening meal had already arrived and Jason excused himself to share the meal with those of the palace. Arthur remained with those of the Forest and continued with the planning in the royal chambers. By the time Jason had returned, they had decided on an initial plan. By midday on the morrow a wagon would depart the palace for the western gate and underneath cover would be those of the Forest. A small troop of the royal guard would accompany the wagon, which would turn south towards the barren lands. When safely out of sight, those of the Forest would make their way back to their camp. By dawn of the next day those of the Forest would again meet up with the wagon, and bring with them Daniel's powder.
Heather explained, "While Daniel finishes the cannon I will be preparing an attack on the supply lines for those of the Red. I would expect the cannon to cause significant confusion and will take advantage of the confusion to damage what I can. In three days at morning light, the counterattack will begin."
Arthur added, "I will have two columns of troops prepared and will attack the flanks of the enemy. I would expect not to be able to overwhelm their defenses but at least it will add further to the confusion.
The hour was not yet late but Heather's fatigue was showing and Daniel insisted it was time for some rest. Arthur left to complete his preparations and Jason retired to his quarters with Jeremy, who continued the stories of the ice field. The sleeping robes and pads seemed luxurious after their long journeys and Heather was soon asleep. Daniel's mind was busy with the thoughts of the cannon, with intermittent intense feelings of worry for his wife. Sleep came late and his dreams were troubled.
The breaking of the fast was much earlier than normal for Jason but they had much work to accomplish before their midday departure. Those of the Forest would be moved from the royal quarters to the wagon in a large chest to maintain their secrecy. The thought of being closed-in appealed not at all to Daniel, but he understood the need. As the planning continued, Daniel made a private request to Jason asking, "I would a horse for my bride to ride." He explained not the reason for the request, nor his fears of the daydream he had experienced while on the ship.
Jason but nodded his head saying, "This is the least we can do for someone who has done so much for us."
The time for departure came and yet much planning remained to be done. Heather proposed that Daniel stay behind to complete the work on his cannon. Daniel objected, but the logic of Heather's proposal held sway. They embraced tightly and both had tears in their eyes as Heather climbed into her chest and the lid was closed. Seeing his bride confined in the chest brought back horrible images of his own confinement and Daniel could not help but shudder. He controlled his emotions only by returning to work on the cannon as his three companions left.
It was not until they were well outside the city gate before the chests were opened and those of the Forest again given freedom. Heather told those of the palace to continue to the south for two more hours of travel and then to wait. When one of the palace guards dismounted a beautiful white horse and handed the reins to Heather, she asked, "What do you call this beautiful creature?"
The guard replied, "She is called, ‘Spirit’ and she is a gift from our King Jason."
Heather ever so gently stroked the horse's neck and talked softly into its ears. She looked at the guard and said, "I accept this gift. Report to King Jason that I was much pleased by his gift." With that, she placed her left foot in the stirrup and seemed to just float up onto the saddle. Jeremy picked up Betty and placed her behind Heather. With a simple wave to the palace guard, they headed back north. They made excellent time, with Jeremy setting the pace with the loping run of those of the Forest.
They arrived back at their campsite as darkness was gathering in the east. They took time for food and some stories before Heather sent out twenty of those of the Forest to carry Daniel's powder back to the waiting wagon and the palace guard. Heather listened to the reports from the guards, but her fatigue made concentrating hard. She finally said, "I must rest. After the breaking of the morning fast I would hear the rest of the reports and finish our planning."
After Heather and Betty had completed their morning ritual they joined the others for the breaking of the fast. Heather listened to the scouting reports of how those of the Red had begun sending out small parties to scour the countryside for food. They destroyed everything they did not take. They had established two supply depots between the base camp and the ships, which were now scattered up and down the river. Only the more eastern of the supply depots had reasonable cover for an approach.
It was midday before the reports were all heard. They shared the midday meal but Heather said little as she considered her options. Only after the eating was complete did she begin to describe her plan to those of the Forest. They would position themselves for an attack on the eastern supply depot at morning light. Their goal was to destroy as much of the supplies as possible. Jeremy would be responsible for the lighting of Daniel's powder in the camp. A few of the Forest would be given the task of attacking one of the anchored ships, using a simple raft to approach in the darkness and set a charge of powder. After the attack, all were to scatter into the hills and return to the camp only after all pursuit had been evaded.
Heather spent the afternoon practicing with her sword, and Betty emulated her using her small dagger. The evening meal was quiet and everyone took advantage of the rest period, sleeping if they could. Around midnight, Jeremy had everyone up and prepared for travel. Heather was concerned that the horse would leave a trail too easy to follow, but Jeremy assured her that those of the Forest would follow behind and obliterate the path. They traveled quickly through the night and arrived at the hill overlooking the supply depot, about an hour before sunup. Heather sent the scouts forward and took advantage of her last chance to rest.
Just as the sky began to lighten, she and the rest of those of the Forest began moving into position along the edge of the camp, hiding in the rock outcroppings. As daylight became evident, the silence was broken by a booming sound arising from the city walls. The camp guard became active and the troops were soon positioning themselves along the road to the city to protect against a possible attack. The booming sounds continued on a regular basis as Daniel continued firing his cannon. Soon another explosion was heard along the river and smoke began to appear.
The camp guard gave orders and divided his troops, with half marching towards the river. Heather now gave the signal and the scouts from the Forest began eliminating the camp guards. No warning was cried out, and soon Heather's troop moved into the camp itself. Jeremy was a whirlwind of activity as he placed small containers of the powder near each storage tent. When he had finished, those of the Forest with the torches ready lit the powder trails. The smoke was quickly followed by multiple small explosions and fires. Heather and those of the Forest began a rapid withdrawal up the hill. The camp guard was initially so concerned about the fires that the pursuit was delayed.
Heather debated doing battle on the hillside, but decided instead to withdraw completely and fight another day. With Betty behind her on the horse, they made rapid their retreat. They continue to ascend into the high country and only after many miles separated them from the camp did they begin dispersing. Jeremy led her along a rocky shelf where the horse left no trail. The journey back to camp was long and convoluted but Jeremy was taking no chances on those of the Red following t
he trail. The scouts who had been acting as observers were already at camp. Heather listened to a summary of their reports, about the success of their mission, before retiring to her tent for much-needed rest.
She was awakened almost twelve hours later by a gentle kiss and looked up to see her Daniel leaning over her. She instinctively reached up and hugged his neck for all she was worth. Eventually the call of nature overcame her contentment of holding Daniel, and she arose to complete the morning ritual. Indeed it was morning, but now already two days after her attack. Those of the Forest were already gathered for the breaking of the fast when she and Daniel joined them. They had lost one from the Forest in the attack on the ship with several wounded. Heather grieved for the loss, but the needs of the present quickly overcame the grief and they resumed their planning.
Daniel reported of the partial success with the cannon. They had successfully destroyed one of the war machines, but those of the Red had succeeded in moving the other one behind a small embankment, which protected it. The superior weapons used by those of the Red had been adequate to overcome the charges by the forces of the South. A significant battle victory, but yet not enough to ensure their survival. It was late morning before the reports were all fully given. Heather thanked everyone for their efforts and reports and stood, saying, "We have been successful in our first effort but much more is yet to come. I would everyone rest as much as possible, for you deserve it greatly." She then turned to Daniel and said, "I would walk with you."
They walked hand-in-hand around the confines of the camp, staying within their perimeter of sentries. At first they talked of the battle and of Daniel's cannon but gradually the talk turned to their own future and their dreams. For most of an hour they were at peace but the arrival of the long-range scout brought them back to the present. The scout had traveled hard and great fatigue was evident. His report was simple, "The army of the north marches and will arrive in four days’ time."
Heather responded, "Your news is of great importance. Now you must rest and eat."
Heather's pace had noticeably quickened and she walked with strong determination but said nothing. Finally she announced, "We must meet with Jason and Arthur tonight."
"I will find Jeremy. Arthur had the old soldier guide me to the gate. He will be waiting there for any messages."
Heather thought for some time about whether to maintain her secrecy or risk using Arthur's messaging system. She trusted not everyone at the palace. She asked Daniel, "Could Jason and Arthur meet us at the east gate without raising too much notice?"
Daniel thought for a while before replying, "Most certainly Arthur could meet us, but for Jason to travel in secrecy would seem difficult."
Heather said, "Time is becoming critical. We would save a day if the meeting could be held near the east gate. I would risk losing some of our secrecy to gain that day. For now let us hold council with those of the Forest."
While Daniel left to find Jeremy and send the message to Arthur and Jason, Heather arranged for all available from the Forest to meet for the holding of council. In short time, those of the Forest were gathered around her in the center of the camp. Daniel and Jeremy had not yet arrived when Heather began the meeting. She first told them of the imminent arrival of her father's army and also of the army of the Red descending through the great gorge. She spent time explaining the normal siege tactics of traditional warfare, and how frequently the winner was the one who avoided starvation the longest. She then said, "I believe we must completely defeat those of the Red if we would have peace in our lands. A simple withdrawal of the forces of the Red would be but a temporary victory."
She was interrupted by a question asking, "Does that mean all of those of the Red must die?"
Heather nodded her head in appreciation of the question and answered, "No, but we must force them to surrender unconditionally and deprive them of their ability to escape without surrendering."
Another asked, "How do we prevent their escape by sea?"
Heather smiled slightly as the question was leading directly to her reason for calling the council. She responded, "Escape over the ice field is no longer possible because of the season already growing late, so escape by sea would be their only choice. We must come up with a plan to destroy more of their ships."
The survivor of the recent attack spoke up saying, "Those of the Red have taken much greater precautions. Attacking the ships as before will be very costly."
Daniel and Jeremy arrived, with Jeremy carrying several rabbits from his hunt. Heather but nodded towards them to acknowledge their arrival. She said, "I agree with the danger of repeating our attack. I would a new plan with less danger."
One of the traders from the Forest who had stayed with them spoke up saying, "Could we not use oil floating on the water to start a fire?"
Heather asked, "Were could we get enough oil and how would we transport it?"
The trader responded, "Those of the South make an oil out of the seeds of their wine grapes. It is stored in small cask, which could be carried with only some difficulty."
One of the hunters added, "There is much hay stored in the valley. It could be used to add to the fire."
The conversation went on with many suggestions for increasing the strength of their floating fire. Heather turned to Daniel and asked, "What think you of this plan?"
Daniel responded, "I would expect the downstream ships to simply pull anchor and sail away from the fire."
Heather asked, "And where would they sail to?"
"They could simply sail to the opposite side of the river and be perfectly safe."
Heather then asked, "And if one of your cannons was set up on the high hill on the north side of the river, what then?"
Daniel thought for a moment before replying, "With the advantage of the height the cannon would be a potent weapon until the forces of the Red counterattacked." He then added, "How would we move the cannon across the river without being detected?"
Jeremy spoke up saying, "Those of the Red have many patrols out, but they are easily evaded. If the cannon could be moved in a small wagon I think I can get it across the river by moving upstream about ten miles."
The discussion continued for some time before Betty spoke up saying, "Larby would be heard."
Heather turned to the quiet stranger from the Southland and said, "We would hear what you would say."
Larby looked only at Heather as he asked in his still heavy accent, "Can we not just disable these wonderful ships rather than destroy them?"
Heather asked, "How could this be done?"
Larby responded, "If these ships are like the one we sailed in, turning of the helm activates the rudder by moving a rope. If this rope was cut, the rudder would be unable to respond and the boat uncontrollable. The sandbars would soon capture the disabled vessel."
One of the Forest asked, "Would they not simply replace the rope?"
Larby answered without turning his attention from Heather by saying, "It would take several hours of work and the ship would still need to be pulled from the sandbar."
Heather asked, "How would you approach the ships without being seen for they have guards looking out?"
Larby responded, "I would expect the guards to be watching upstream. I would approach in a small canoe from downriver, in the darkness of the night."
Heather spoke not for several moments and Larby began to worry that he had offended her. He was about to apologize when Heather spoke up, saying, "Larby, you are of the Sea and I trust what you say. If you are willing to take on this task, so be it. We will assist as we can, but those of the Forest know little of ships." She then asked if any others would work with Larby, and Stan from those left behind spoke up and agreed to assist.
The discussion continued for some time but a general plan had been formulated. Heather thanked everyone for their input and said, "We have much work and little time. I need an envoy to carry a message to my father, and scouts se
nt up the great gorge to track those of the Red. By the breaking of the fast on the morrow we will have completed the planning, and then it will be up to the God of the Sacred Water. For now, I must rest and will write the letter to my father."
Heather and Daniel retreated to their tent and Heather used some of Daniel's paper and wrote a brief letter explaining the battle situation. She requested that her father divide his troops and set up an ambush of those of the Red who were descending through the great gorge. The smaller force would continue on and provide backup protection for those of the Forest retreating from their attack on the ships. She closed by saying, "By joining together we can win this war and secure peace for our peoples." She signed the letter, "With much love, your daughter."
As she was sealing the letter Daniel asked how she could be certain her father was leading the army. Heather responded simply, "He is."
After the envoy had left to deliver the letter Heather tried to rest, but her mind was racing despite her fatigue. It was soon time for the evening meal, and as the darkness began its climb through the sky, Heather left for her meeting with Arthur and, hopefully, Jason. She traveled on her horse with Daniel at her side while Jeremy led the way. They would occasionally speak to scouts coming and going on their assigned task. It was shortly after midnight when they arrived at the east gate. Jeremy entered the city through the smuggler’s tunnel while Daniel and Heather remained hidden just outside the gate. Heather had not realized she had fallen asleep until Daniel said quietly, "Jeremy has signaled, we may proceed."
They moved on foot to smuggler’s tunnel and made their way beneath the city wall. They were met by Jeremy who led them to one of the guard buildings. A small squadron of palace guards surrounded the building. They parted to allow Heather and Daniel to enter. Inside they found not only Arthur but also Jason. The warm greetings were exchanged with Jason declaring, "Why is it that my only freedom from the palace is under the cover of darkness, to meet with those of the Forest?"
Heather noticed that Jeremy was no longer with them and asked of Jeremy. Jason replied, "It seems our young friend was more interested in sharing a bit of ale with some of my troops then of listening to our conversation."
Heather smiled only briefly before beginning her summary of the present situation. When Jason and Arthur heard that her father's army was approaching, they had many questions, but Heather had few answers. Arthur agreed with Heather's assessment that they needed to try and completely defeat those of the Red, but Jason seemed less sure. His feelings were that negotiations were all that would be successful in bringing lasting peace. Both Heather and Arthur argued that without a total defeat, those of the Red would simply return with ever larger forces until their conquest was complete.
Jason struggled with this concept for some time before agreeing saying, "You two are the warriors and I expect what you say is true. If we are successful, then our position for negotiations and trade will be far greater. I abhor the death and destruction involved, but it may be the only way."
Arthur added to the planning by saying, "We must create not only a diversion but a true counterattack to further tie up the forces of those of the Red. It would seem a major flank attack may be able to penetrate and further cut off the supply line. We will need to have the support of Daniel's cannon."
Daniel spoke up saying, "The officer you have assigned to the cannon is very capable and I trust his ability." He then went on to explain how they planned to use the second cannon for their attack.
Arthur was obviously concerned about letting such a potent weapon out of his control, or even worse, to have it captured by those of the Red. Heather was adamant that the cannon was necessary and only after developing a plan for the destruction of the cannon was Arthur satisfied. It was agreed that all attacks would begin at morning light on the fourth rising of the sun. The cannon would be delivered to the east gate by midday of the day following the morrow. The oil would be ready at the same time. Arthur's troops would begin exploring the west flank and they would use the cannon to disrupt the forces of the Red.
The planning continued for a few hours more. Heather and Daniel took their leave and were met by Jeremy, who seemed none the worse for having found a source of ale. They made their way back through the smuggler’s tunnel and were well on their way back to their camp before the morning light shone. Heather was at ease on her horse and managed some sleep while they traveled. Daniel knew not how she could sleep while riding, but was grateful for the rest she got.
They arrived back at camp after most had finished the breaking of the fast. Heather listened to the reports while she ate. She gave not orders, for everyone seemed to have already taken on the tasks needed. She simply listened and rarely added suggestions. When the reports were finished, Daniel insisted she take a rest period. It was mid-afternoon before she rejoined those of the Forest. Everyone was busy and all seemed to have a task except for Heather. Larby, with Betty's help, was sharpening his obsidian knife, creating an edge as sharp as Daniel's scalpel. Heather asked him, "Are you sure you wish to take this risk?"
Larby simply nodded in the affirmative before adding, "These ships have led to the destruction of my village and people. They could also be our chance to grow and interact with our cousins so far removed."
Heather replied with only a smile acknowledging his wisdom, and left him to his work. She sought out Daniel, who was busy dividing up his dwindling supply of powder. She interrupted not his work but simply enjoyed watching him. When he stopped for a rest she said, "You brood over your powder like a hen over her chicks."
Daniel started to explain how he was dividing the powder into single charge portions when Heather stopped him with a kiss. He relaxed and they sat together amongst the kegs of the powder. They talked of the plan Jeremy had developed for moving of the cannon. Daniel then said, "The scouts from the great gorge reported that those of the Red are much reduced in number, but still move in a column down the great gorge. They are but four days out."
Heather was lost in thought for some time before replying, "They are not following the trade route and will have to pass the narrowness of the canyon, below where we captured the sacred mud. We must attack them there."
Daniel responded, "Have we the ability to mount an attack?"
Heather replied, "No, but if I had my father's army change course to the east as soon as they cross through the pass, they would reach the narrow point before those of the Red."
Daniel asked, "Your father will understand this?"
"No, they know not the terrain. I may have to lead them."
It was now Daniel's time for quiet reflection of the vision he had of his bride leading the charge upon her horse. With all his might he wished it not to be, but felt within himself his grandfather saying, "It will be as the God of the Sacred Water would have it."
Heather could see the emotions play out on Daniel's face and spoke not. Finally Daniel spoke up saying, "I fear greatly for you, but I have heard my grandfather and he says to put our trust in the God of the Sacred Water." He then asked, "When must you leave?"
It was Heather's turn for thought, but her face held the look of determination. She replied, "I would travel at night across the river and away from those of the Red. I will leave after the evening meal."
Daniel asked, "Would you have Jeremy be your guide?"
Heather was silent again for a moment before replying, "I would think Jeremy needs to assist you in positioning your cannon. I will have others of the Forest guide me."
Daniel without thinking said, "Then I would you take Betty with you, for I fear you will need her."
Heather was going to object that having Betty with would slow her travel, but the look of anguish on Daniel's face silenced her and she simply nodded in agreement. They both had tears in their eyes as Heather left Daniel to his work, and began to prepare for travel. Betty was already packing when she arrived at the tent.
The evening meal
was somewhat somber as those of the Forest realized that Heather was leaving to meet with her father. It was decided that a group of ten of the hunters would accompany her. Heather reviewed briefly again the battle plan and was confident that those she was leaving behind understood well their task. She and Daniel took a little time for a walk together around the perimeter of their camp. They said little, but simply held hands and enjoyed the time together.
When they returned to the camp the travel group was ready and her horse, Spirit, was already saddled and appeared to be having a conversation with Betty. Heather donned her cape and with a final embrace of Daniel, easily mounted her horse. Ignoring her own tears, she bent down and wiped the tears from Daniel's cheeks. Then she and her companions were off. They traveled far to the east before turning north. With Betty behind her, they easily kept up with those of the Forest who were scouting ahead in their leapfrog fashion. They crossed the river shortly before daybreak and made their way somewhat further north until good cover was found. Heather's fatigue was showing and it was time for a rest period. Their simple camp was made and travel rations shared. Heather and Betty retired to their tent for much-needed rest while those of the Forest alternated resting and scouting.
It was late afternoon when the party again shared rations and resumed travel. The scouts had reported the route clear and they made good time. It was late evening before they arrived at the pass, and finally met up with the advance scouts of her father's army. They were escorted back to the camp and entered it with no fanfare. Her father was only a little surprised at the sudden arrival of his daughter, and interrupted the meeting with his advisers to warmly greet her.
Heather joined the planning session with only brief introductions. They were discussing possible attack strategies. Heather listened for but a short time before speaking up, "Those of the Red who crossed the ice field are but two days away. They must pass through the narrows of the great gorge before gaining access to the valleys of the Southern Kingdom. We must stop them at that point. They number about 2000 but have suffered much from hunger and the cold of the ice field."
The King’s generals had many questions and great concern about attacking an enemy with such little planning and were unsure of following the advice of one so young. The King, however, was appreciating his daughter in a much different light. This was not the pretty little girl he had raised, but instead a fierce warrior. The look of determination on her face was enough to intimidate even his generals. With her fighting cape on and her sword at her side, she looked much like the painting of his grandmother. He was brought back to the present only when Heather demanded a decision.
The King spoke slowly and carefully saying to his generals, "We are arriving late to this battle. My daughter speaks wisely and I would we follow her advice. We will march to the narrows at morning light."
The discussion now became much more technical and Heather answered questions regarding the terrain and travel time. She explained the dangers represented by the longer-range weapons of those of the Red and why confining them to the narrows of the great gorge was important. Heather's fatigue was beginning to show and her father spoke up saying, ""Our decision is made. Go complete your planning for the attack in the great gorge and leave me to enjoy the company of my daughter."
When everyone else had departed, Heather sat beside her father and in silence they watched the campfire. Heather could not help yawning for she had traveled hard and yet suffered from the fatigue of her pregnancy. Her father ever so gently said, "I would stay up all night just to be with you, but I would think some rest is needed."
Heather acknowledged him by reaching over and squeezing his strong left hand. The strength of his remaining hand made her feel again like a little girl. She arose and kissed him gently on the side of his head, saying only, "It is the will of the God of the Sacred Water that we ride together." She then left to join Betty in the tent that had been set up for them.
Morning light was just becoming evident when Betty woke Heather and they completed their morning ritual. Betty said, "I dreamed last night that those of the Red were attacking Daniel."
Heather asked, "Were there many in the attack?"
"Lots of people in red. It very scary."
"Did Daniel get away?"
Betty had tears in her eyes as she replied, "It too scary, I quit seeing."
They said nothing until they were almost back at her father's tent and Betty spoke up one more time saying, "We need help Daniel."
Heather responded not as she calculated the travel times to reach the river and the high hill. She finally spoke up telling her father, "Those of the Red have discovered Daniel's trail. His escape route will be blocked."
Her father asked how she knew this and Heather responded, "The spirits of the Forest are strong in Betty. I must leave immediately and would have one half of your calvary ride with me."
The generals were upset that plans were being made based on the whims of a half brain, and objected to dividing their forces. The King studied Heather's face and saw only confidence and determination. He spoke up, saying, "I know not how you know what you know, but I trust your judgment. It will be as you request."
Heather nodded her thanks and said, "I will have some of the hunters from the Forest stay with the main force and act as scouts."
A look of sadness came over the King as he asked, "Must you lead this charge?"
Some softness returned to Heather's face and she replied, "I am the one who assigned Daniel and the others of the Forest this dangerous mission. I must protect them."
It was her father who was now quiet and he seemed not to hear his generals’ arguments. Finally he stood up and said, "I ride with my daughter."
His senior general objected that he should not take such a great risk, but the King just dismissed everyone saying, "My decision is made. You are in charge of the attack at the narrows of the great gorge. Our people’s survival depends on your success. I go to where I am called by the God of the Sacred Water. I will rejoin you as soon as possible."
They pushed their horses hard, but those of the Forest seemed to have no difficulty keeping up. The scouts were bringing back reports of the battle. The fire attack on the ships had proceeded well and the army of the South was pushing hard at the western front. The cannon was firing repeatedly from the palace.
They stopped only briefly to rest the horses and take rations. She and her father rode together and finally had time to visit as father and daughter. Heather mentioned not her pregnancy but did ask of her father's Queen. He reported that she had given birth to a healthy son. They talked at length about Daniel and his cannon and of the harshness of the ice field. Heather asked how he had convinced his advisers that they needed to join the battle.
After a hearty laugh he replied, "I ended up acting much like you. The head of the traders’ guild was leading the opposition and arguing that we sue for peace. Our meeting was running late and he stood to be excused because he needed to take his medicine. I started remembering Alvin's behavior, and I told him that he needed to stay until the meeting was complete. He was becoming somewhat agitated that he could not take his medicine and I reminded everyone about the horrible death Alvin had when he could not take his medicine. This really upset him and he became almost irrational. I stood my ground, and soon he broke down begging for the medication. I relented only after he admitted that those of the Red had provided the medication. After that, all of the advisers agreed that we needed to proceed to assist the Southern Kingdom."
As they pushed towards the river they spoke of strategy. Heather was sure that those of the Red would counterattack when they realized Daniel was attacking the ships from the high hill with the cannon. She said, "I would we could maintain the hilltop, for it gives us great strategic advantage. If the counterattack is too great then all we can hope for is a safe retreat."
They discussed how to use their small force to the greatest advan
tage. Heather felt that being mounted was their main advantage.
Her father agreed, saying only, "When it is man against horses, it is the fear that gives the horses such an advantage."
They then talked at length as to how utilize this fear. Heather calculated their arrival time and figured there was going to be adequate time for a brief rest period before the final push to the battle site. She spoke to Betty, saying, "Would you ride to battle?"
Betty responded, "I too small. It be best if I stay here and listen. You be careful."
Heather smiled at her little friend and said, "I would you and one of the Forest stay behind and make your way more slowly so that you can hear. We need to know if others of the Red are headed our way."
Sacred Water, Book 2, The Time Before Page 26
