Licking blood from her whiskers, Mrra bounded off into the forest, and Nicci smiled in her sleep.
The ships sailed into the night, heading toward Tanimura with the serpent ships behind them. Knowing that Mrra was on her way with a new pride of sand panthers brought joy to Nicci’s heart.
But now she also knew that General Utros and his army were marching closer and closer.
CHAPTER 73
While waiting for Nicci to return with her reconnaissance of the Norukai fleet, Tanimura prepared for war. General Zimmer knew that the fate of the D’Haran Empire rested on whether or not the forces under his command could stand against the crushing blow coming their way. They had to be ready.
Arriving at Tanimura aboard Captain Mills’s ship, which had sailed directly up from Serrimundi, he felt great satisfaction to see fifty significant ships protecting the harbor and patrolling the waters. They ranged in size from fishing boats to three-masted vessels capable of long sea voyages. Nicci’s earlier warning had sunk in. This city could mount formidable defenses, and Zimmer was glad to see it.
After disembarking from the cargo ship that had been anchored for months as a guardian of Renda Bay, he marched through the city with the remnants of his expeditionary force. Insisting on discipline, Zimmer forced his returning soldiers to walk in steady ranks to demonstrate they had not forgotten they served in the D’Haran army. After all the hardships they had suffered since leaving Tanimura, their uniforms were tattered and their boots were worn and cracked. Their skin was weathered, their muscles toughened through hardship. He said, “We must try to look as impressive on our return as when we departed.” The troops moved at a brisk pace up the city streets back to the garrison, glad to be home.
At the garrison, recruits were drilling in the town square, and they turned to look at the returning troops in surprise. Zimmer strode into the courtyard with squared shoulders and entered the main headquarters building.
When he reunited with General Linden, the other man rose from behind his desk to greet him, dismayed by the weathered condition of Zimmer’s armor, the tattered cape of rank, the hardened look in his eyes. “You look as if you fought a war just this morning!”
“I’ve fought several wars, Linden, and saved the biggest one for last. The battle is coming here, sooner than you might expect.”
Linden called for a hearty meal, the best food Zimmer had tasted in some time. While the weary general ate, Linden opened a ledger and dipped a quill in an inkpot so he could scribble notes as his companion described their adventures and the threat of the Norukai fleet as well as the army of General Utros.
“I am happy to report that we’re aware of it. Nicci warned us, and we have been making constant preparations.” Linden closed his ledger, then rattled off his own summary. “Lord Rahl understands our need, but he is occupied with another crisis in D’Hara. This war is ours to handle, and he has complete faith in us. He sent Nicci a powerful constructed spell, which he says is all she needs.”
Zimmer nodded. “I have seen what Nicci can do.” He tore another hunk of meat from the roast chicken on the platter in front of him. “But I have also seen the Norukai raiders, as well as the ancient army. Utros and his soldiers marched across an entire continent and they mean to conquer Tanimura. From there, they will move on to the New World. Unless we stop them.”
Linden set his jaw. “And we will form defenses they have never seen either. Tanimura is strong.”
Zimmer finished the entire chicken, ate a cluster of sweet grapes, and drank a goblet of water. “That’s what I am here to help you with.”
For the next several days he and his weary but energized troops whipped the Tanimura militia into shape. Zimmer wore fresh D’Haran armor, feeling resplendent as a general again. He inspected the city armories, watched the frantic work of swordsmiths, tanners, armorers, shield makers. Even though blacksmiths had worked all day and night, many new recruits did not have blades of their own, so they made do with clubs, axes, long-handled mallets. Crude weapons required less finesse and training to use, only anger and strength, and the fighters had plenty of that.
Tanimura was already a populous city, one of the main trading centers on the continent. The many citizens, as well as countless new refugees, were prepared to defend their homes. Fletchers produced arrows by the thousands, and archers practiced for hour after hour. Workers squatted on barrels and covered the arrow tips with pitch, rolling balls that could be lit on fire for an even more deadly barrage.
Captains Mills and Donell had delivered the displaced population of Renda Bay, and those thousands of angry people expanded the fighting force. Many families offered to share spare rooms so that the new refugees had places to stay and food to eat.
Zimmer rode down the streets, rallying everyone. In the practice yards he saw townspeople fitted with leather vests and helmets. They sparred with one another, flinging sweat out of their hair as they learned the basics of swordplay.
Attached to the lower part of the harbor, Halsband Island—where the Palace of the Prophets had once stood—was just a flat area of crushed rubble, perfect for use as a training field. Militia members marched back and forth, learning how to fall into ranks and clashing in mock battles.
As he walked the streets to the waterfront, Zimmer came upon Oron and Perri. Lord Oron’s expression was dour as usual. He had rebraided his pale hair and restored his haughty expression. Perri followed him, younger and meeker, but her eyes also had a hardness after what she’d been through. Together they looked out at the multiple ships gathered to defend the waters around Tanimura. Every ship carried spears, bows, and fire arrows to be used for naval battles.
“We might just be able to hold off the Norukai fleet,” Zimmer said. “Tanimura has never seen such a powerful navy.”
Oron ran a finger along his lower lip. “Ildakar taught us many ways to fight, but this city also has plenty of gifted, including the Sisters of the Light. Many of us will man the ships in the harbor to face the Norukai fleet, but others will remain in the city to assist your large army. You have thousands of defenders ready to fight against a land invasion.” He gazed at the hills behind Tanimura. “There’s no telling when General Utros will arrive.”
“We’ll be ready for him,” Perri said. “And the Norukai.”
Zimmer mentally reviewed the other times he had faced impossible odds. He himself had led guerrilla teams to harass Old World towns that supported the Imperial Order. Back then, he had been forced to accept the new dictum that there were no innocents in that war, that even women and children who aided enemy soldiers were enemies in their own way. Zimmer had not been proud of that work, but Lord Rahl’s forces had won.
Across the harbor, smoke signals rose into the sky, and a succession of brightly colored pennants waved to signal the arrival of ships. The Chaser, the Mist Maiden, and two other large sailing ships had just arrived from Serrimundi, putting the rest of the harbor on high alert.
When the swift krakener pulled ahead of the larger ships and reached the main piers first, Zimmer, Oron, and Perri hurried to meet them. Nicci and Nathan were the first to disembark, both of them looking exhausted from a great expenditure of their gift.
“We pressed these ships as fast as we could,” Nathan said.
Nicci added, “The Norukai fleet is on its way, right behind us.”
“Has Serrimundi been attacked?” Zimmer asked. “What happened?”
Oron interrupted, “How much damage did Lady Olgya cause? I hope she wrecked dozens of serpent ships.”
“If our plan worked, then Serrimundi is safe. Olgya disguised the harbor with a great fog bank at night, while we lured the ships onward. They pursued us through the darkness.” Nicci looked around impatiently. “King Grieve’s ships will arrive in less than a day. All of Tanimura must be ready to battle them.”
Zimmer clenched his fists. “We’ll be on high alert. As you can see, we have prepared significant defenses.”
“Tanimura is our best hope
of stopping them,” Nathan said.
Bannon and Lila joined them. “We have a score to settle with the Norukai. I’m ready to fight them again, any time.”
“It’s more than just the Norukai,” Nicci said. “Last night, I dreamed through my sand panther’s eyes. The army of General Utros is closing in, and then we will be fighting on two fronts.”
CHAPTER 74
The Chaser sailed out to the edge of the harbor in the morning sunlight. Standing on the deck of the krakener, Bannon wrapped his palm around the hilt of Nathan’s sword, his sword, and kept watch for the Norukai serpent ships, sure that soon enough they would see countless dark blue sails. Nathan had decided to stay with him and Lila aboard the Chaser, where they could face the first clash with the vile raiders. Captain Jared’s vessel was a scrappy little warship prepared for battle.
Bannon’s long ginger hair was loose, just like Nathan’s. Lila looked at them both. “You should cut your hair so no enemy can grab it.”
“I am rather fond of my hair,” Nathan said. “It makes me look dashing. One cannot sacrifice everything.”
Lila sniffed, but didn’t argue with him. Wearing only her morazeth leather, she planted her feet on the deck and stood ready. The studded soles of her high battle sandals would give her good traction even if the deck were tilted or covered with spilled blood.
Bannon looked across the sparkling waves, then turned to the wizard. “Thank you again for giving me the sword. I never wanted a better blade than Sturdy, but I will make you proud with this one.” He slid the weapon from its scabbard, and sunshine gleamed on the smooth steel.
“Use it well, my boy, and that will be thanks enough.”
Bannon turned back toward the city. “I bought Sturdy here in Tanimura after those thugs nearly killed me. I’m not so destitute anymore. I can’t believe Nicci rescued me instead of just leaving me to my fate. It was my own foolishness!”
Nathan mused, “The sorceress likes others to think she has an icy heart, but Richard taught her to help those in need. She can see the value of an investment. She made the effort to save you, and how many enemies have you slain to repay her for that one kindness?”
“Not enough,” Lila said. “But we will make up for it as soon as King Grieve arrives.”
Pounding drums and ringing bells set up a racket across the ships. Farther out to sea, patrol boats lit their smoky signals.
“Norukai are coming!” shouted Captain Jared. His grin showed the gap between his front teeth. “Set the sails! What are we waiting for?”
Bannon braced himself, and Lila stood beside him, wearing a satisfied smile. “Maybe the stink of this ship will kill the first line of attackers,” she said.
Jared brushed aside the teasing insult and stared ahead at the oncoming ships.
*
King Grieve stood behind the carved serpent figurehead and stared at the great city as it came into view. He let out a hissing roar when he saw the countless armored ships arrayed in a defensive line, blocking the harbor.
But they couldn’t stop him. Grieve was the serpent god. Every fighter in his fleet also carried the blood of the serpent god. His warriors had the energy and soul of their deity surging through their veins.
In the previous day, as they sailed with all possible speed toward Tanimura in pursuit of their prey, his warriors had seen a great omen that added fire to their veins. One of the lookouts had shouted, pointing off to the horizon where another huge snakelike form curled in the waves. Grieve had felt his heart swell to see another manifestation of the serpent god, and he let out a bellow that echoed across the choppy sea. The other Norukai joined in a resounding roar as the new serpent god swam off.
Grieve and his people would engage in this battle themselves, but they all carried its presence inside them. Their victory was now assured.
Grieve didn’t know where General Utros’s army was, nor did he care. Though they were supposedly allies, the pompous commander was worthless, and the Norukai would do what they already did so well. His raiders would smash Tanimura and claim all the surrounding lands by the time Utros and his exhausted army marched up the imperial road. By then, the Norukai might be ready for another fight and wipe them out.
The raider ships cut through the water like sea serpents. Warriors strained at the oars, pulling in perfect unison. The oar masters pounded their drums as hard and fast as the heartbeat of an angry fighter. Grieve’s fleet raced headlong toward the Tanimuran ships lined up to block him. They would all sink. He would smash them. Burn them.
Atta strode up behind him. “I fight at your side, Grieve. They will all grieve, while we laugh and feast. Afterward, we will make love like two animals in heat.”
Grieve let out a low rumble in his chest. Atta was a vigorous and exhausting lover, just what he needed to burn off the bloodlust from a good battle. Right now, he had to concentrate on killing instead of lust.
A sullen mood crossed him. He missed Chalk’s amusing antics and his chatter. The shaman could have foretold how this battle would end. Then again, Grieve often could not understand the albino’s confusing pronouncements. “The axe cleaves the wood, the sword cleaves the bone.”
As she looked toward the defensive ships braced outside of Tanimura, Atta snorted, “It is a trap. They lured us here.”
“We see their trap, but we will not be deterred.” Grieve’s raiders would careen like a battering ram into those warships. “The sharks will feed well tonight.”
“We all will,” Atta replied. Other crew members added their cheers.
As the ships approached, Grieve recognized a small gray vessel pulling ahead of the other Tanimuran ships. The krakener. “There, that ship! We will destroy every vessel that stands against us, but first . . .” He ground his teeth together, rippling his scarred jaws. “That ship is first. That ship is mine.”
CHAPTER 75
The widely dispersed Tanimuran navy was a motley collection of large and small ships, some heavily armored and riding low in the water, others more nimble. Hardened fishermen and veteran traders knew how to combat storms and big fish on the high seas, but they had never battled anything like the Norukai.
More than a hundred serpent ships sailed toward them. Nathan stood at the bow of the Chaser, feeling his pulse race. He found that he quite looked forward to the encounter.
The foremost Norukai ship pressed directly toward the krakener, oars churning the water. “Sweet Sea Mother, here they come!” Bannon said.
Across the defensive line, the fighters prepared for the clash, soldiers, sailors, and archers. There were also gifted men and women, including Oron, Perri, several Sisters of the Light, trained scholars from Cliffwall, and other gifted Tanimura residents who offered their abilities.
Captain Jared grew more serious than Nathan had seen him before. “I didn’t know the Norukai had so many ships!”
Impressed, Nathan smiled. “King Grieve likes to prey upon helpless villages. Today, he will learn we are different.”
Nicci had stayed on land along with Zimmer and Linden, joining the D’Haran troops that patrolled the waterfront. They were ready to fight in the streets if the Norukai broke through the naval blockade and tried to pillage the city. Nathan knew the sorceress could stop them, but he didn’t intend to let any of the serpent ships break through.
As the attackers approached, the scarred warriors crowded the decks, raising swords and axes. Clutching the serpent figurehead, King Grieve thundered out his primal challenge.
Bannon roared back at the top of his lungs, “We will kill you, Grieve! Come and get us, you ugly bastard!”
Looking at him, Lila cocked an eyebrow. “Impressive, boy.”
Nathan directed his sharp focus toward the Norukai king, who was the most hideous of them all. A repulsive blocky woman beside him pumped a fist into the air with a meaty arm.
Nathan felt the dangerous magic build inside him. “Come and meet your fate.”
He had first seen the Norukai after he,
Nicci, and Bannon had been shipwrecked near Renda Bay. During the attack on that town, the Norukai had mowed down so many helpless people. . . .
As if Bannon was recalling that same night, his expression hardened. He held his sword in a death grip, and sweat prickled his forehead. “There’ll be a big fight ahead. I may go into my blood rage and I won’t know what’s happening.” He looked at Lila. “So many of them to kill.”
The pounding of Norukai drums echoed across the harbor, and the shouts of challenge grew louder. Inside his chest, Nathan felt his heart twist with anger, not entirely caused by the lingering shadow of Chief Handler Ivan. He whispered to the dark presence inside him, “You will soon have as much violence as you desire. Make yourself useful.”
The serpent ships came closer and closer. The raiders pulled on their oars in a final charge.
At the Chaser’s bow, Nathan raised his hands, spread his fingers. “It’s about time.” As a crackle of magic infused the air, the breezes picked up, and his cape snapped about like a flag in the wind. On other nearby ships he saw Sisters of the Light standing at the bow, and they all summoned their magic as well.
All along the defensive line, the gifted fighters stirred the water, tugged on the waves, stretched the sea. Froth swirled in front of the Chaser, and Nathan drew upon his gift to fashion new waves like a baker stretching dough. Exhaling with the effort, he pushed his hands down, using the unseen force to create a trough in the water. The blow sent successive ripples, each one building upon the last, and waves began to coalesce into whitecaps that rolled toward the Norukai fleet.
Nathan shoved more power into the water, churning bigger waves and pushing a storm into the sea. His fellow gifted fighters on other ships used similar magic to form waves and unleash surging currents into the normally placid harbor. As the enemy fleet advanced, high waves rocked the vessels from side to side like flotsam in a squall, throwing several Norukai overboard. One man slipped down into the sweeping oars, which battered him under the water.
Heart of Black Ice (Sister of Darkness: The Nicci Chronicles Book 4) Page 44
