“We have good defenses here,” Karus said, almost to himself. “Very good defenses.”
“The walls are strong.” Dennig waved a hand at the enemy. “The bastards will need time to settle in, construct siege equipment, scaling ladders, and just generally prepare for an assault. That all takes time. And you have gone and kindly burned the closest building supplies for such an effort. I am thinking we will have a few days before the fun begins … which is good for us. It gives our boys more time to prepare a hot welcome for our new guests.”
“There’s a whole forest out there, just a few miles away.” Karus gestured vaguely with a hand. “Plenty of building material for them there.”
After having been transported to this world, Karus well recalled the dark and forbidding forest the legion had marched through. The trees had been virtual giants compared to the ones they had known back in Britannia or the rest of the empire. Under the shade of the forest’s canopy, he had felt small and insignificant.
Then there had been the feeling of being watched. It had been ever present, and was almost unnerving, especially with the repeated reports of spotting people high up in the canopy. He had since learned that the forest was settled by elves, who lived and built their homes in the trees themselves. If he had not seen such things himself, he would scarcely believe it possible.
“It will take a little effort,” Karus continued, “but in short order, they will have all the construction material they’ll need.”
“That’s elven land,” Dennig said. “I doubt very much the elves will look kindly upon orcs harvesting their precious trees. The enemy will know this. There is a strong chance they will avoid the forest altogether and scavenge what they need from farther afield.”
“I hope you are right,” Karus said, though he personally doubted it. Short on food, the enemy commander would take the risk. A protracted siege was not in his best interest, even with a small train of teska shuttling back food. He would want to get at the city as quickly as possible and overcome the defenders before his food ran short and his warriors grew hungry.
“I know I am right,” Dennig said firmly. “The elves are fanatical about their trees. I’ve heard it said they even talk to them. Can you imagine such a thing? Talking to a tree … a daft thing to do.” The dwarf laughed. “It must be a one-sided conversation, like talking to yourself …” Dennig paused, as if considering something. “Though to be perfectly honest, I talk to myself all the time.” He shook his head, as if he were reconsidering. “So maybe it’s not so crazy after all.”
Karus turned toward Kol’Cara, who stood a few feet away. The elf was still gazing out through the battlements at the enemy. Since they had arrived, he had been oddly silent.
“What do you think?” Karus asked the elf.
“About what?” Kol’Cara looked over as the wind gusted lightly, bringing with it a modicum of relief from the growing heat. “Talking to the trees? Yes … we occasionally do that. There is much to be gained from listening to the voice of the forest.”
“Hah!” Dennig slapped the stone of the wall. “See? I knew it had to be true. I just knew it. You can’t make up something like that.”
Karus refused to be put off. “Do you think they will do it, risk going to the forest?”
“Despite any misgivings about trespassing upon elven lands, I think it a strong possibility.” As he spoke, a sad note had crept into Kol’Cara’s voice. “You should expect them to take down ancient trees that should be left to finish out their lives.”
“It’s your people’s land,” Karus said. “Won’t they try to stop the enemy from doing just that?”
“I told you,” Kol’Cara said, “we of the Anagradoom stand apart. We no longer have a people.”
“You know what he means, elf,” Dennig said. “You people can never just answer a simple question, can you? Whether you call them yours or not, they are still your kind. So, will they defend their trees or stand by while the orcs cut half the forest down?”
Kol’Cara shifted his gaze back to the enemy and fell silent. Just when Karus thought he might not answer, the elf looked back at them.
“Our enemy may succeed in taking a few trees,” Kol’Cara said, “but it will not be tolerated for long, no more than a day or two. The trees will cry out. After that, the rangers should begin making their feelings known on the matter.”
“Will they come to help?” Karus wished he had thought to ask before now. “We might be able to sneak one of your people out of the city before the enemy tightens the noose. If you asked, that is … would the elves in that forest come to help?”
“I don’t know if they will,” Kol’Cara said. “However, there is no need for such action.”
“Why not?” Dennig asked.
“I have already sent word and requested their assistance,” Kol’Cara said, as if he were simply commenting on the weather. “We shall just have to wait and see if they are so inclined to come to our defense.”
Karus blinked, not sure he had heard correctly. “What? You did what? Why didn’t you say so before now?”
“There was no point in getting your hopes up.” Kol’Cara cocked his head to the side. “When it became clear you intended to hold the city, I sent Miron’Teh over the wall and into the forest. He left around the time of the assault on the tavern and … has yet to return.”
“What assault?” Dennig looked to Karus. “What happened? What is he talking about?”
“We had some locals we’d taken in,” Karus said. “A band of refugees who had lost their land. We gave them shelter and protection. They decided to cause trouble and killed some of my men. When I got back, I was forced to deal with it. The matter has been handled and they no longer pose a problem.”
Dennig seemed intrigued and on the verge of asking additional questions, but Karus had already turned his attention back to Kol’Cara. “Is that a good sign or not?”
“That Miron’Teh has yet to return?”
Karus gave a nod.
“Neither,” Kol’Cara said. “It will take him several days to reach the nearest settlement and make contact.”
“What of the rangers you mentioned?” Karus asked. “The ones that will make their feelings felt. Will they help?”
“Those will be individuals,” Kol’Cara said, “no more than four or five, perhaps even a ranger team. They will be unable to help, beyond making the orcs pay in blood for every tree they take. And they will make them pay dearly. What I asked for was something more substantial.”
“Substantial?” Karus asked. “As in soldiers?”
“Yes.” Kol’Cara gave a slow nod. “They will either come, or they won’t.”
“That’s not helpful,” Dennig groused. “Knowing elves, they won’t come at all, and just for spite, too. They would rather talk to trees or admire a pretty flower than lift a finger to help. All the while, we do the fighting and dying. Why should things change now?”
Expression neutral, Kol’Cara said nothing.
The dwarf made a snorting sound and turned away.
Karus privately suspected Dennig was correct. He knew in his heart the elves would not be coming. After what had happened with the Elantric Warden, Kol’Cara’s people would be in turmoil. Many would blame Karus for the warden’s death.
Kol’Cara seemed to read his mind, for the elf gave a knowing nod. It was filled with what Karus took to be regret. The elf turned his attention back out to the enemy. He clearly wished to speak no more on the matter.
Feeling far from satisfied by the exchange, Karus ran his gaze around the wall upon which they stood. There were dwarves posted every thirty feet. Behind him, in the nearest buildings, were billeted around five hundred more, ready to be called to action at a moment’s notice.
Dennig had another four hundred walking wounded caring for the injured, who, if need be, when the time came, would be formed into a reserve force. And Karus had no illusions about that. The need would come, likely sooner rather than later. Karus’s thoughts
shifted to Dennig’s wounded and how badly the warband had suffered.
“We’ve got your injured settled into the palace district,” Karus said. “I’ve assigned a couple of centuries to help your boys care for them. My surgeon and his doctors are assisting too. Some of our civilians have volunteered as well.”
“I know,” Dennig said. “Thank you for that. I appreciate your efforts.”
“There is no need to thank me,” Karus said. “I would have expected the same from you.”
“My people would not have so willingly reciprocated,” Dennig said. “Nor would we have been so generous. You understand that, right?”
“I don’t like the thought of it, but yes, I do understand,” Karus said. “There is not much love for us.”
“We were betrayed too many times, by outsiders”—Dennig paused—“or it could just be that my people are a stiff-necked race. Regardless, we do not like outsiders, let alone being indebted to them.”
“Perhaps we can change such feelings,” Karus said, “build a bridge between our two peoples. Maybe … it even starts here in Carthum, with us.”
Dennig looked over at him. At first, he said nothing. Then he shook his head slightly. “I count you a friend, but I would not plan on that ever happening. Trust me on this. There is no chance for such a thing, ever.”
“Are you so certain,” Karus said, “that you don’t even want to try?”
Instead of replying to Karus’s question, Dennig stiffened as his gaze was drawn toward the gatehouse.
“What is that doing here?” Dennig’s tone was cold, hard, and tinged with hostility.
Karus followed his gaze and saw Ugin approaching. Six of the Anagradoom trailed after him. With the enemy on the city’s doorstep, Karus had need of every man. He had released the century guarding Ugin to return to their normal duties.
It was a risk, but he felt he had no choice. Kol’Cara, however, had insisted a small team of his Anagradoom watch the Vass every moment, day or night. The rest, when the fighting came, would be glued to Karus.
The dwarves on the wall stared in horror at Ugin—or was it loathing? Karus wasn’t sure which, but they seemed stunned by the Vass’s appearance in their midst.
“What is he doing here?” Dennig asked Karus as Ugin joined them. Before Karus could answer, the dwarf fixed an unfriendly gaze that simmered with heat on the Vass. “Ugincalt, it is so good to see you again.”
Dennig’s tone dripped with acid.
“As welcoming as ever,” Ugin said. “That’s why I like you, Shoega. Though I willingly admit, I did not expect to find you here in Carthum … with these humans.” The Vass looked over at Karus. “I am impressed. You keep the most interesting company, Karus, and continually surprise.”
“I take it you are both acquainted,” Karus said, more as a statement than a question.
“Aye.” There was a hard note in Dennig’s voice. He seemed genuinely displeased to have discovered Ugin in the city. “I am well acquainted with Ugincalt, Knight of the Vass and Lord Commander of the Death Watch. He and I have had past dealings.”
Though the titles meant nothing to Karus, the elves seemed stunned by the revelation. He had never seen them look so surprised. Almost nothing could get a rise out of them, and yet this had. Two of the Anagradoom that had been trailing Ugin took a step back, hands going to their weapons. They did not draw them though. Their gazes were fixed upon Ugin, intensely so … as if they expected him to attack at any moment.
Ugin spared the two elves a disdainful look that spoke volumes.
“So”—Dennig pointed a finger at Ugin—“I ask again, my friend … what is he doing here?”
“Karus and I have an arrangement,” Ugin answered in a growl.
“What sort of an arrangement?” Dennig asked suspiciously, glancing over at Karus.
“I have pledged myself to fight at his side,” Ugin said simply.
“Really?” Dennig asked. “What do you get out of it?”
Instead of responding, Ugin’s gaze slid over the top of the wall to the enemy and then back to Karus. The Vass’s gaze was intense. “You neglected to mention a Horde army was coming. Once I heard, I decided to come looking for you, Karus. Would you care to explain how such a detail could slip your mind?”
There was a terrible burning menace in those words, an undeniable threat. Karus itched to draw his sword and defend himself, for he could sense the Vass’s anger and urge to draw blood. Ugin seemed almost hungry to do so.
Instead of reacting, Karus restrained himself. He judged such an attack unlikely. Should Ugin try anything, Karus knew the Vass would end up paying with his own life. For surely the elves would kill him. Then again, Ugin might kill Karus first, before they could take him down.
“You might recall, it was you who insisted on our deal,” Karus said. “I wanted no part of it and you did not ask me about the Horde.”
Karus felt his anger stir at the Vass. He had been forced into accepting Ugin’s help and had not appreciated that. Karus did not enjoy being forced to do things he thought risky or questionable.
“That still does not excuse such an omission,” Ugin growled.
“Had you bothered or thought to ask …” Karus’s anger surged to new levels. He felt no fear toward the large tiger-man, only a growing rage. Where it came from, Karus had no idea. “I would have told you of the enemy marching on the city. Besides, you seemed so bloody eager to get in on the fight at the tavern too. Why would I spoil a good thing after it was so freely offered?”
His fur standing on edge, Ugin leaned forward slightly and flexed both hands into fists. Karus could hear the joints in his hands crack and the Vass’s black armor creak. Ugin’s gaze was intense and bored in on Karus. They stared at each other for several long moments. Then the Vass leaned back. The tension abruptly left him as he bared his teeth at Karus. He made a chuffing sound that could have been laughter. It grew into a deep belly laugh.
“Long has it been,” Ugin said, “since anyone challenged me as openly as you do. With each passing day, I become more convinced you are part Vass. For a human, you are quite cunning and frustrating … You roped me into fighting the Horde. Well played … well played.”
Karus felt some of the anger begin to drain away from him.
“If you want me to release you from our bargain,” Karus said, “I will.”
“What?” The Vass seemed taken aback.
“There is still time for you to leave,” Karus said. “If you want to.”
“I gave my word,” Ugin said. “I will not back out now. You are stuck with me. My honor would be tarnished if I cut and ran now with the enemy just over there.”
“Oh really?” Dennig scoffed.
“I am staying,” Ugin said, “and that’s my last word on the matter.”
“Where are your protectors?” Kol’Cara asked, drawing the Vass’s attention.
Ugin hesitated a moment, then made a show of slowly gazing around them. “Obviously, not here.”
“Are they in the city?” Kol’Cara pressed. “Don’t toy with me, Ugin, not today.”
Ugin did not reply, but his jawline flexed, ever so slightly.
“I hate to admit it, but the elf has a point,” Dennig said. “Your escort seems to be lacking. A Knight of the Vass always has protection. Why are you alone? Where are they hiding?”
“I don’t see any,” Ugin said, “so it must be just me.”
“How ironic,” Dennig said, with a glance to Karus.
Ugin gave another chuffing laugh.
“When we found him,” Karus said, “there were two other Vass that had been killed. Perhaps his escort is dead. We did find him near death. You would think, if others lived, they would have rendered him assistance.”
“A Knight of the Vass,” Kol’Cara said, in an icy tone, “usually travels with no less than twelve protectors. The number is mandated by their goddess. So, there are ten more that are missing. They could be somewhere in the city, and that does not count th
e servants of the Death Watch.”
“For what purpose?” Karus asked. “Why would they be out there hiding?”
“That is a good question,” Kol’Cara said, his gaze fixed on Ugin.
“If they were here,” Ugin said, “they would not be hiding. Vass don’t hide.”
“I don’t even know what a Knight of the Vass is,” Karus said, “let alone a Lord Commander … Care to explain?”
“Amongst his kind, he is a warrior of some renown,” Dennig said. “He has won the favor of his god. She has blessed him with gifts other mortals can only dream about. Not only does he have protectors—think overly fanatical guards— but there is a religious faction or sect amongst his people that he leads too. All of them would willingly lay down their lives for him. Ugin is a nightmare to those he names his enemies.”
“That is true,” Ugin said in simple agreement.
“Where are they?” Kol’Cara asked again, taking a step closer. “Tell me.”
Ugin grinned at the elf in challenge. “Or what?”
“Don’t test me,” Kol’Cara said.
“We’re on the same side,” Karus said, stepping between the two before things could escalate.
“Are we?” Kol’Cara said. “Are we really?”
“For the moment,” Karus said, “we are.”
Kol’Cara’s eyes shifted to Karus’s. The elf gave a nod and took a step back.
“I don’t trust him,” Dennig said.
“Now you are being unkind,” Ugin said. “Our past dealings proved beneficial to you. I delivered on my end. More importantly, I kept my word.”
Dennig shot the Vass a pained look. “I believe you got more out of the bargain than I did …”
“Possibly.”
“You know,” Dennig said, “the Thane almost removed me from command because of our dealings.”
“The politics of dwarves do not concern me. You got what you wanted, and I got”—Ugin barred his teeth at Dennig—“what I desired. Just because you got what you wanted, doesn’t mean it will make you happy.”
The First Compact: The Karus Saga (The Karus Saga: Book Book 3) Page 25
