The First Compact: The Karus Saga (The Karus Saga: Book Book 3)

by Marc Alan Edelheit

  Dennig gave a grimace and turned to Karus. His expression was sour. “Striking a bargain with him was extremely unwise.”

  “He has agreed to fight at our side and against our enemies,” Karus said.

  “While in the city,” Ugin pointed out. “Once we both leave, our deal is done, concluded … finished. Just so they understand and there are no questions later.”

  “I’d still have him watched like a hawk,” Dennig said. “A bargain made with a Vass typically comes back to bite. You can take my word on it.”

  “We are watching him,” Kol’Cara said, “and if he so much as steps out of line, we will end him.”

  “I’d like to see you try,” Ugin said.

  “Easy.” Karus held a hand out to each of them. “We don’t need to fight amongst ourselves … not now.”

  Dennig expelled a heated breath. “I never thought I would see the day. Humans, elves, and now a Vass.” He looked toward the heavens. “Thulla, just what have I gotten myself into?”

  Shaking his head, Dennig returned to his position by the wall and gazed outward. Ugin moved to the battlement on the dwarf’s right. As he did, Kol’Cara’s veiled eyes followed him. In them was a dangerous glint. Karus had the impression the elf was weighing whether to attempt to kill Ugin outright, here and now.

  Before he could say or do anything to dissuade him, Kol’Cara looked to those Anagradoom that had accompanied the Vass. He did something with his fingers that Karus realized was a form of communication. Message sent, he returned to his position at the wall and resumed his vigil, gazing outward at the enemy. The Anagradoom guard spread out, eyes on the Vass. Though they seemed watchful, gone was the coiled tension.

  Karus blew out a relieved breath. Why couldn’t things ever be simple? Fortuna simply loved screwing with him.

  “That is a big army out there,” Ugin said, “very big.”

  “You think?” Dennig said. “Perhaps it will test even your people’s thirst for blood?”

  “This will prove a true test of the warrior’s spirit.” Ugin leaned on the stone, almost eagerly staring out at the enemy army. “The goddess will be well-pleased with the severed souls I send her … for I will kill many race enemies before this is all over.”

  “It’s going to be a bastard of a fight,” Dennig said, “that’s for sure.”

  Frustrated, Karus turned around and walked over to the other side of the wall, more to get some space to think. He rubbed the back of his neck as he gazed out over the heavily shadowed city. Toward the palace, there was a light cloud of dust rising into the air.

  The morning sunlight had given the dust an almost orange glow. His men were busy tearing down a line of buildings. He had ordered that the city be pushed back by five hundred yards from the walls surrounding the palace district. The work was proceeding rapidly and Karus had been well pleased with the last report on their progress. If things remained on schedule, in two days’ time, the work would be complete.

  When it came time to fall back upon the safety of the palace district’s walls, there would be no ready cover for anyone attempting to assault them. Any enemy units attacking the palace district walls would be exposed to a veritable killing field. That would make defense a little easier.

  His men were also hard at it, blocking streets and key choke points throughout the city. They were actively building makeshift walls and defensive positions, even digging deep trenches filled with wooden spikes across main roads.

  The fighting would eventually move from the outer walls to the city itself. There was simply too much wall to properly defend and, despite the legion’s size, not enough men and dwarves to hold it for an extended period.

  After a few determined assaults, at some point, part of the wall would be overcome. The enemy would eventually gain a foothold and expand upon it. Then a determined and stubborn fight through the city would follow, moving back toward the palace.

  When they finally fell back to the safety of the palace district, the walls there would be much easier to hold. This was due simply to there being much less actual wall to defend.

  How long they would manage to hold the city walls was anyone’s guess. The longer, obviously, the better. Though there was something Karus was certain about … the cost in blood for the enemy would be high, especially with all that he and his senior officers had planned. To overcome his defense of the city, the Horde would pay dearly. At least, he hoped so. He reminded himself the enemy always had a say.

  Karus went back to his original spot next to Dennig. Multiple enemy formations had stacked up. Each new unit was met by a guide, given instruction, and then led off the road into the growing encampment. With the size of the enemy’s army, Karus suspected new formations would still be arriving well into the next day.

  Watching them, he felt ill. Despite all that he had planned, and was preparing to do to defend the city, there was no doubt in his mind … the enemy had plenty of blood to spare in the taking of Carthum.

  The legion did not.

  Chapter Seventeen

  “It was an exhaustive search, but I believe we have found every single cask, amphora, bucket, and whatever else there was in the city, sir.” Centurion Macrinus of Third Cohort sounded tired, weary even. “We’ve concentrated nearly everything capable of holding water here in the palace district.”

  Karus gave a nod of understanding as he gazed around the table in his office. Senior Centurions Felix, Flaccus, Macrinus, and Arrens had joined him for this morning meeting, Tribune Delvaris also. They all looked tired and worn.

  Seven days had passed since the enemy army had arrived. There had yet to be an assault upon the walls. The enemy had improved their encampment, and then set about sealing the defenders into the city with a series of siege works erected around each gate. While the enemy worked, the legion and dwarves prepared the city for a determined defense.

  The map that had been unfolded on the table was an extremely detailed representation of the city. While Karus had journeyed to the Fortress of Radiance, Serma had found it in one of the palace cellars, amongst several other old maps. He had said the room where he had made his discovery had looked like an archive.

  The parchment had turned yellow with age and the map itself was outdated, but for the most part it gave them an accurate detailing of Carthum. In planning the defense of the city, it had proved an invaluable tool.

  “Not counting the deep wells here in the palace, sir,” Macrinus continued. “We’re using the aqueducts to fill everything we can. I have drafted camp followers to help with the work and speed things up. We should have plenty of water when the time comes to give up the city. Let’s just say we are not gonna be running out anytime soon. That is for sure.”

  “Give up the city,” Flaccus groused and then snorted. “We will spill much of their blood before that happens”—the centurion paused and looked to Karus—“and even more after.”

  “That is the plan,” Karus said and, desiring to stay on topic, turned back to Macrinus. “And what of the water sources in the city? How is that work progressing?”

  “We’ve already begun spiking, poisoning, and/or salting the wells,” Macrinus said. “The city’s sewage system is old and poorly maintained. Most of the wells we found were already polluted and fouled from leaking sewage. They seem to predate the aqueducts. It is doubtful many were used by the populace. Still, we are dealing with the wells just the same. When it comes to the aqueduct-fed fountains, the holding basins are being destroyed … except for the ones our boys are currently using. When it’s time, those fountains will be wrecked too. The aqueducts themselves will be a little trickier.”

  “How so?” Karus asked.

  Macrinus gestured toward the map. “Since they arrive in the city from underground channels and pipes, they are still gonna deliver water no matter what we do. Instead of going into a basin or letting them spill out into the street, we’re diverting as many as we can into the city’s sewers. I have some of the engineers helping with that.”


  “I see,” Karus said.

  “We have no way to stop the flow from the source.” Macrinus gave a shrug of his shoulders. “With a little effort, if they know how … the enemy will be able to repair them and, in a few days, get clean, drinkable water.”

  “I just need them disabled is all … for a little while,” Karus said. “That can be done, right?”

  “Yes, sir, it can,” Macrinus said. “I’ve got two hundred boys on it.”

  “Very good.” Karus turned to Centurion Arrens of Eighth Cohort. “Tell me of the oil stocks that have been accumulated and what you’ve accomplished so far. I’d very much like an update, for as you well know, it is critical to our plans.”

  “Yes, sir,” Arrens said. “We’ve scoured the city for oils of any type that will burn. When Carthum was abandoned, the inhabitants left a surprising amount behind. It seems they couldn’t bring it all with them. We found two entire warehouses that were full of what we think is lamp oil.” Arrens leaned forward toward the map of the city. “As directed, we have moved sufficient supplies for our own use here, to the palace district. We have enough to last more than a month, longer if we ration and cut back on the number of lamps being used. We found plenty of tallow candles and I’d recommend using them instead.”

  “That can be easily done,” Karus said and looked to Delvaris. “See that it happens.”

  “Yes, sir,” Delvaris said.

  “Continue,” Karus said to Arrens.

  “Large quantities, several thousand amphorae and casks of oil, have been distributed to the cohorts manning the city walls, as well as any pitch or tar that could be found.” Arrens leaned forward, pointing at the map. “These buildings here, here, here, and here, sir, by each gatehouse, have been set aside as depots to resupply the defenders on the wall if they run low.”

  “How far back are those buildings from the wall?” Karus asked. “The enemy has been constructing artillery. That last thing we need, while we’re trying to hold the walls, is for a fire breaking out in the city and those buildings going up. Should that happen, it could well prove catastrophic, as any fire would likely spread, and quickly too.”

  “They’re a good ways back, sir,” Arrens said. “Each one’s at least five hundred yards from the wall. There is some risk, but the distance helps minimize it.”

  “I worked with Arrens on this, sir,” Felix said. “We both selected the buildings in question. If we put the depots too far back, we run the risk of complicating and weakening our defense of the walls. More men will need to be sent in relays to fetch what they need on the wall. Set the depot too far back and it’s basically useless … too near and it becomes a risk. This is the best solution.”

  “I understand,” Karus said. Though he did not like the idea of the depots being so near, the argument was sound. Holding the walls was the priority. Karus idly tapped an index finger on the wood of the tabletop as he thought it through. “It seems it is a risk we must take. Arrens, please continue.”

  “As directed, these seven buildings, mostly apartment blocks, on the main streets”—Arrens touched the positions on the map closer to the palace district—“have been set aside for the overflow …” Arrens smirked slightly and then chuckled at his own joke. No one else in the room laughed or seemed amused. Suddenly uncomfortable, Arrens cleared his throat. “All seven have been packed full of various types of oil, sir, along with the excess pitch and a strange black powder we found that burns intensely when lit. It smells too. Since the designated buildings are full, we’ve begun storing the excess oil, pitch, and powder in the surrounding buildings.”

  “Black powder?” Karus asked. “It burns?”

  “Yes, sir,” Arrens said. “The blacksmiths think it’s used in the forges somehow, but have no idea on how to work it yet. It seems to be dangerous stuff, sir. It burned one of the smiths when he experimented with it. Not too badly. Ampelius says he will recover. Anyway, we found a substantial supply of the powder, so I thought it best to put it with the rest.”

  “Good thinking,” Karus said, extremely pleased. “How much more time do you need to complete the job?”

  “We’re about done, sir,” Arrens said. “There’s not much left for us to move. Before sundown, my men will be available for reassignment.”

  “Right,” Karus said. “Your boys have been working hard. We will give them a break from labor, with a day or two on the walls.”

  “They could use it, sir,” Arrens said. “Hopefully, they will be quiet days.”

  “Delvaris,” Karus said, “when we’re done, see that appropriate orders are cut.”

  “I will, sir,” Delvaris said.

  “Felix,” Karus said, “how are preparations going on your end?”

  “We’ve finished work on the six main streets that lead to the palace district, sir. On each street, there are five lines of defense, with each one blocked by a trench and backed up with a defended wall.” Felix leaned forward and pointed to several positions that had been marked on the map in a charcoal pencil. “The adjacent buildings around each position have been filled with dirt, at least their ground floors, to keep the enemy from easily flanking. In the event something unexpected happens, initially these positions will be manned at all times by a century of men. When the enemy gets into the city and the horn call is sounded to give up the walls, the cohorts have been issued orders to withdraw to their respective defensive positions. Each position will be held by an entire cohort and in some instances, such as the main avenue leading to the palace, by more than one.”

  “I would not want to be the ones asked to assault those defensive lines,” Flaccus said. “I’ve seen them, and they are plain mean, just nasty.”

  “What about the secondary streets?” Karus asked. “What have you done with them?”

  “We’ve begun working on those,” Felix said. “Mainly just blocking any side streets or alleys with whatever we can, piles of furniture or trash. The city is just too large to fortify them all and we don’t have the manpower to hold them, if we did. The back streets are really a confusing maze, more rabbit warren than anything else. It is easy to get turned around. That should also help us. However, each defensive position will have several centuries watching and blocking the nearest alleys and side streets.” Felix paused, almost dramatically. “Eventually, the enemy will work their way around in strength and threaten to flank. At that point, the main defensive position will be given up and the defenders will fall back in good order to the next line and so on, until there is nowhere to fall back to but the safety of the palace district walls. The goal is to delay and bleed the enemy and reduce their numbers. Once in the city, it should take them a day or more likely two … hopefully three, to overcome our defenses and force us into the palace district.”

  “And the rooftops surrounding the defensive positions?” Karus asked. “What of them?”

  “We’re in the process of securing those as well,” Felix said. “We won’t make it easy on them, sir. We’ve managed to build walkways linking several buildings around each defensive position. Teams of archers and men with javelins will be working the rooftops, raining death down on the enemy.”

  Karus was silent for several heartbeats. He was liking everything he was hearing … Real progress had been made, and yet he found himself somewhat unsettled. He had the feeling they were overlooking something … vital. Though he had no idea what that was … it nagged at him and had kept him up at night.

  He had not expressed this to his officers. They need not learn of his concerns and doubts. That might weaken their resolve. What they needed from him was strength, professional confidence, and that was what they were getting. Karus dearly wished Dio was here, for if there was anyone he could confide in, it would have been his old friend. Felix was a close friend, but their relationship was not the same, not as close. He didn’t feel he could be as open with Felix. When Dio had died, Karus had lost something that would likely never be regained.

  “I would like a tour.�
� Karus had last seen the defensive positions two days prior. He had been more focused on walking the walls, checking to make certain the proper preparations had been made, for that was where the enemy would strike first. Though his senior officers were professionals, Karus had long since learned to take nothing for granted.

  He had put in years of service to the empire. In that time, Karus had experienced more than many of his senior officers when it came to sieges and the breaking of them. His inspection tours served to confirm that things were being done properly, but also to make certain everything that could be done was.

  Occasionally, Karus spotted things others had missed, overlooked, or found something that could be handled a different way, and better too. But for the most part, he had been well satisfied with all that he’d seen. His senior cohort commanders were seasoned men, well-trained and extremely competent. When it came to killing others in a systematic way, there was no one better than a legionary centurion.

  “Yes, sir,” Felix said. “I believe you will be pleased with all that has been accomplished. How detailed do you want the tour to be?”

  “I would like to see each main defensive line,” Karus said, “and get a proper sense for them. A thorough walkthrough.”

  “That will take about three hours, sir,” Felix said.

  “Have any more tunnels been discovered?” Karus asked.

  “No, sir,” Felix said. “We’re still searching and have regular patrols out, sweeping the city. But, sir, it is a big city.”

  Feeling slightly dissatisfied, Karus gave an understanding nod.

  “Flaccus.” Karus turned to the centurion. “Any movement from the enemy?”

  “Not much has changed from the report I gave in our meeting last night, sir,” Flaccus said. “They have continued to bring up siege ladders to within three hundred yards of the city walls on all fronts. They’re not even bothering to hide them from us, and there are a lot of ladders, sir. The green bastards have been busy.”