“As will you have Nadarr’s. These threats from Thorne have gone on long enough. We will cease to stand idly by.” Azhan Glansayer clenched the fist that hovered in front of his lips, tapping his thumb lightly against his chin, pausing a moment before he continued. “You can count on the full support of my people, Alderich Ashener.” Through his black hair, the strong warrior looked at each at the table. His jaw clenched a moment before his closed hand went over his heart. “There is a time for peace and there is a time for battle. May the gods give us the wisdom to realize the difference now.”
“And I shall drink on that one, Azhan of Nadarr!” said the leader of Chrone. Laughter surrounded the table as Turlin Dantry did just that. Norryn had lost count of how many drinks the man had consumed. It was always difficult for the boy to tell if Turlin was getting drunk because the large man held the same temperament regardless. Yet no one could deny his open and honest exuberance was a welcome addition to the grimness of the situation.
Geyre Windfalls scratched the back of his neck as he kicked his feet onto the table. Alderich hated it when he did that, but he overlooked such things, for the value the knifefighter brought to his country could not be denied. Taking a large gulp from his ale, Geyre spoke casually. “That’s the thing about being too political. All the talk, all the dancing around the issue gets old if you ask me, but no one asks me.” Swirling his mug with one hand, he ran his other hand up the scar on his face that went from chin to temple. “Nothing more I’d like to do than bleed Thedron Ralick, slowly of course, or march up to Thorne and take care of this once and for all. But I’d be happy if he stayed where he is and rotted with his thumb up his ass. Granted, I don’t think we’ll be that lucky but we sure as hell better be ready when he does bring the fight. You can’t be too careful on that account.”
“I can’t imagine ya being careful at anything, Geyre, but I’m glad you are on our side just the same, insanity and all,” said Lancer Vanmorth. He winked at the young fighter as he twirled a single finger around his temple. Light laughter surrounded him, probably because he wasn’t the only one who thought Geyre was crazy. A born fighter, Lancer’s long red hair was the only thing that did not conform to his rigid demeanor. He leaned forward then. and his chair reminded him it did not like to support the weight of his large, strong frame. For the last four years, he had been charged with commanding Bannar’s home defense force, a duty he carried with pride. He looked around the table before speaking again, waiting for the chuckling to simmer down. “I know this is a bit premature, but I think it would be wise if we increased the strength of the guard here in Bannar. With your permission Alderich, I will take volunteers and begin training them immediately. I would think that if Thorne pushes down, this would be one of its primary targets.”
From around the table there were many nods and murmurs of consent. Adaven Milestor spoke again. “That brings us to another question, Alderich. Shall we consider declaring this war time and activating protocols for Vallance Force United?”
Before Alderich could speak, Rybert beat him to the punch. “Oh, I don’t think we need to stretch things as far as assembling the V.F.U. just yet,” observed Rybert casually. Alderich chose to say nothing and continued to sit back, wanting to hear what the others had to say.
“And why would you say that, Rybert?” That was Turlin, wiping some wetness from his lips with his sleeve. “Do you not think the threat here is valid enough to require an assembly of a united front?”
Rybert put up a hand as he rolled his eyes slightly. “Oh, I don’t have to say we are wasting time here, but it still wouldn’t make it any less true. Sure, let’s assemble that force and put it out there somewhere. You can put them all in pretty little dresses for all I care. We might as well send word to Thorne, announcing where they are and that many strategic locations have been left with their pants around their ankles. Did it occur to anyone that they might not be thinking about here as their first target? What if it’s Rucker? Or Fulton? Or-”
“Or Shinteu, right? I mean, that’s the only one you are really referring to anyway,” said Geyre. He made no effort to disguise any of the sarcasm or disdain in his comment.
“Oh, your deduction skills astound me. You didn’t even have to take off your boots to use your toes in the process. But yes, let’s just ask the little question of what if. I would have to say I am not a fan of throwing valuable resources to the wind on a hunch, especially if it costs the lives of my people. Those are just the facts, Windfalls. Caution often prevails over rashness in the end. Had you learned that, your face-value might be a bit higher today.” Rybert stared unflinching at Geyre as he traced a finger down his own face to emphasize the point of Geyre’s scar. The young Windfalls made no attempt to cover his suspicion or his growing anger.
Rybert turned his head away from Geyre in disgust. “Hate me all you want, boy. You only prove you are a fire starter. You be sure to let me know when you are in charge of a town or the lives of its people. Then maybe I will value your opinion on the matter. Your words and antics prove you are unworthy of such a claim.”
“As your words have proven that you are a prissy coward and nothing more.”
Alderich stood to squash the little disagreement before it grew to be unbearable. “Gentlemen, please. You both are valid here, banter notwithstanding. The truth is we do not know what Ralick has planned, nor can we not be ready for the worst should his intent become malicious. However, you both know that we can meet in the middle here. There is sufficient manpower to bolster our defenses without diminishing or endangering any one town. But we will have to play this by ear and look out for one another. Anything is possible. Let’s not forget that. We are not at war, and I wish for it to stay that way. I will do nothing that will push our hands in that direction, but also I feel that preparation is in order.”
Once again, silence hammered into the vastness of the hall. Alderich looked in turn into the eyes of all those present. He saw combinations of fear, frustration and anger. He wondered if there was anything that he could do to alleviate that. It is not good for a leader to have to feel helpless. Please let me be anything but that now.
Finally, Wyndall of the Jacoi looked across at Norryn who had said nothing the entire meeting. “And what do you think in all of this, young Ashener? We have not heard from you yet.”
If he had been surprised when all heads turned to face him, it had been for a second. Only his father and Wyndall had caught it. Norryn closed his eyes for a long moment. His head rested in his right hand as he leaned on the table. Taking a deep breath, he met the eyes of everyone at the table. His hazel irises shimmered off his cheeks in the low light. “I believe that what we have united at this table now is the answer we seek, and it is this unification that has kept Thorne at bay for so long. There is great strength here, but each of us is made stronger by the rest. The smallest fragment lost could splinter everything that Vallance stands for. Our enemies know that. I have seen and talked with many of the soldiers in Bannar. There is fear there but none of them would run from it or their duties. I guess the question is what happens now? How do we plot our destiny?”
Norryn took another breath. If he was scared now, it could not be seen. “But there is a danger, and I can feel it. And it remains unseen. I do believe that there will be an attack, and it will not come openly at first. We must be prepared, and I don’t feel there is a lot of time to ready ourselves. We think that the enemy draws close, but I think they are closer than we would like to realize. And they have the means to cut us deep. We must be prepared for that moment. I cannot shake the feeling that we are in grave danger, and that we are being given over to it. More than that, I have nothing to add and I’m sorry that it’s not more.”
Wyndall smiled down at him. “You have nothing to be sorry for,” he said.
Rybert sniffed over from his seat. “So, Norryn, exactly what do you mean by this ‘unseen evil’ that you speak of?”
Norryn looked down to him a few seats over. His r
eply was simple enough. “I think there is a traitor among us, ready to help Thorne strike where we will least expect it. Yet their identity eludes me and ever haunts my dreams.”
Silence fell upon those present. Uneasy glances were exchanged. Finally, Rybert Toller put his attention to the rest of the table. “Wow. That was . . . riveting.” He patted his chest. “I mean, did that get anyone else right here? That settles it for me. Unite our forces this very second. We have a war to go to. Alderich’s son had a nightmare during sleepy time.”
Turlin set down his mug and looked firmly at Rybert for his sarcasm. “Easy, Rybert. He was just answering the question you asked him. There was no need for the ridicule.”
Rybert slapped his forehead before rolling his eyes. “Oh, gods, you’re right. I mean what was I thinking? I mean this is a meeting of the unified council. I forgot how important it was to waste time and energy on the fears of a boy who should be out playing or whatever it is boys do these days.” Rybert looked at his chosen, who was presently lowering her head. “What came over me, honey? You should have reminded me when I forgot about that entire change of protocol. Should we see if he dreamed about locusts too? I was curious about how next year’s crop will turn out.”
Norryn smiled in earnest at Shinteu’s leader. “It’s arlright, Rybert. I probably wouldn’t want to take me seriously if I were you either. It’s hard for me to be bothered by what you say because when I look into your eyes, for I can see the person you truly are. I can see deep loyalty there and what must be love for your people, whether you enjoy your role or not as leader. I for one believe we can all respect that. As a man of results, you want to be back home where you are in some control of the fate of your people, or at the very least to be able to share that fate no matter what. Deep down, I am willing to bet you are a great man. That is why I want you and everyone else here to be warned, so that your lives and the lives of countless thousands can be, in the end, safe.”
Rybert looked at the boy for a long and silent moments, using years of practice to hide his surprise. Somehow Rybert felt like an open book in the Norryn’s honest eyes. Sitting to his right, his chosen Ethandra put a hand onto his as he collected himself. “I will consider myself warned then.” He shifted uncomfortably under Norryn’s searching look. Finally, he motioned with his free hand hastily, tired of the spotlight. “Can we move on please?”
Norryn grinned at him. “Of course. But I think I will hand the floor back over to my father.”
The rest of the meeting went surprising well. It was finally decided that the V.F.U. would assemble at 50% of its usual strength. Each region would send an equal portion of manpower to a designated rendezvous point in four days. The preparation would increase war readiness exponentially while keeping the major towns with more than adequate defenses. It was a fair compromise in the end and seemed to satisfy all the leaders present.
Alderich’s hope was that perhaps if they showed Thorne they were ready for any opposition, then channels of communication could be opened. It was a slim hope in Alderich’s eyes, but a solution that did not require conflict was always preferred. Yet no matter the way the winds blew, he would be ready for Thorne’s next move, and he would meet any agression head on. Alderich made a solemn vow to himself then, to be ready for hell should hell make its way to his doorstep. Thorne would have to to face great peril and fight for every inch of territory should they be foolish enough to trifle with Vallance.
As plans were finalized, Alderich watched as many of the leaders addressed his son like an equal. This made him proud in ways that words could not fully reach. He knew that even Rybert did not hate Norryn. It was the fact that someone could see into him so easily that made him uneasy. Alderich knew that if you weren’t prepared for his son, the keenness of Norryn’s perception could be shattering. Alderich exchanged a proud smile with his wife before focusing on Norryn again. My son, I see you being a just and loved ruler one day. Bannar and all of Vallance will indeed be that much brighter under you. I can feel it.
It was in that instant that his attention was drawn to the opposite end of the great hall. The doors had opened and through them entered a man with four somber soldiers in his wake. The young man’s arm was heavily bandaged, but the injury did not detract from his intensity or the urgency of his steps. Equally he resembled his father and brother as he made his way down the aisle. Alderich was speechless but finally stood to go to his oldest son. Norryn too could not hide the joy of seeing his brother Rhoneck for the first time in months.
Everyone seated at the table stood as the Asheners surrounded one of their own. Rhoneck's family took him in a unified embrace. Rhoneck tensed at first as his mind and heart fought over family and duty. But soon his body relaxed as he welcomed the reunion. From the table, Wyndall was relieved for his friend, happy that they could have such a moment.
Clearning his throat, Alderich pulled back to look at his oldest child. “It has been too long, son,” he said before looking upon Rhoneck’s bandaged right arm. From the elbow to the fingers, it had been completely bound in a hasty cast. He reached down to take the wrist gently in his hand but Rhoneck grimaced and pulled it away. “Are you hurt badly?”
Rhoneck put his good hand on his father’s shoulder, smiling. “Not to worry, father. Artillery fire knocked me from my horse, but it was a clean break. Most were not as lucky as I was,” he offered darkly.
Enora could not cover her relief or her concern. “What do you mean? What has happened, son?” She looked over her oldest boy, checking for other injuries. She still was in disbelief that Rhoneck was home.
Rhoneck’s hand left his father’s shoulder as it went into the hair of his younger brother. His eyes then shifted to his mother. “I’m saying that it has started, mother. Not more than two days ago Thorne’s forces came into Vallance and attacked our camp. We were caught off guard, and they showed no mercy. We fell back while I took a few trusted men and made my way here to warn you.”
Alderich felt a stillness thunder through his chest at the revelation thrust upon him. “So it is war then,” he breathed.
Rhoneck Ashener took a breath as he prepared his family for more dire news. Lowering his voice, he continued. “And it grows worse. I fear that we were sold out. Hurler Rinstan knew the attack was coming. During our retreat, he acted like a madman, all the while our men were cut to pieces.” Rhoneck took a moment to collect his composure. “I know not what else to say on that. Hurler was killed by artillery fire during the retreat and what knowledge he held died with him. He tried to stop me from coming here, from making it you you, father. I fear we have been utterly betrayed.” Rhoneck bowed his head as he administered the dismal news.
“I just can’t believe this,” whispered Norryn.
The news of Rhoneck’s commanding officer then lowered the Ashener family to deafening silence. A long-time friend and general in Bannar’s army, his death had come as a blow to them all. Rhoneck looked at his brother for a moment before turning to his father. “I feel the same way. But they’re coming, father, and we do not have much time.”
Alderich let the new knowledge sink upon him fully, still clamoring to process the new reality unleashed only moments prior. Hurler is dead. There is a chance that he led our enemy to our gates. Thorne is moving down to assail us, and everything has changed in a single moment. “We should address the table, Rhoneck. Come and join me please.”
Rhoneck placed his healthy hand on his chest. “Please, father, allow me.” Rhoneck then took steps past his family and toward the table. “Combined leaders of Vallance, hear me. You have come to make decisions regarding the lands of Thorne. I have come here to tell you that decision has been made for you. Ralick sent his armies to us, and they are heading this way from the North. And they are only a three-day march from here. As I have told my father, they attacked our camp. We lost hundreds of men and were forced to retreat. Those forces have regrouped but remain outnumbered. Our estimates put the approaching threat to be at over 15,000 stron
g plus artillery. We must bolster our forces and take the fight back to Thorne and repel them. I have come here to ask for your aid, for Bannar and all Vallance. If there were ever a time for our regions to stand united, then tonight is such a time. Only together can we meet this threat. Only together can we push northward and send Thorne back where they belong. So I ask you now, leaders of Vallance, what say you?”
There was silence like death at the table as those words struck their mark. Some bowed their heads while others sighed in resignation. Azhan Glansayer’s head came up with fire in his eyes. “So, it has begun.”
Mareyna Dricore put her hands over her mouth. Her chosen Hanser put one of his hands onto her lap trying to reassure her, but he looked as fearful as she. “There is no other choice then. We will dispatch couriers and draw support immediately.”
Rhoneck stepped forward, urgency rising, adding power to this voice. “We have no time for that now!” His voice boomed into every crevice of the hall. “Every second we waste is another step closer Thorne looms to Vallance. Do you realize what their long-distance artillery could do to our streets as they overflow with patrons of the Grand Harvest? I was there when the fighting started. There is no favor to be had from these men. When they get here there will be no negotiation. We need whatever we can muster out there now. Bannar’s survival may very well depend on it. They march for the capital as we speak!”
Alderich faced his son, locking eye to eye as he spoke. “Are you certain of this, son? Is there anything to lead you to believe that their destination is anywhere but Bannar?”
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