They must had marched hard, Rell thought. He did not want them to settle in for the night to gain some rest. Rell formed everyone up as the sun was falling out of the sky and began marching. The ablest bodied of his father’s men were given a quick and dirty class on how to use a fire staff and they were sent up front. Rell’s own people were at the flanks so surrounding Rell’s forces would be a lot easier said than done. Rell then marched the entire force on the Voxians.
The Voxians formed up but their ranks were broken almost immediately. Their front line crumbled under the first fire attack and soon they were in full retreat. Rell had his army press steadily on. He was unsure if the Voxians had any mages. He didn't personally encounter any as he hunted down the Voxians right through the night and into the next morning. When Rell finally called a halt he knew the enemy needed it just as much as he did.
Rell gave his men four hours to sleep then everyone was back up again and on the move. The Voxians once again attempted to make a stand but the fire magic was still too strong and the lightning poured into the Voxian cavalry attempting to flank. Rell killed any potential prisoners he came across. He did not let anyone surrender and kept up his pursuit. On the fifth day after he had met up with his army, the Voxians sent a messenger. They were out of the Glades and were now in Earl Victory’s lands.
“Are you the commander of this army?” a man not much older than Rell asked as he stood at attention.
“I won't waste your time,” Rell replied. “My father has been killed and I want all of you to suffer.”
“If you let us retreat, we will free all of our hostages” the messenger said. “I am supposed to offer you gold as well.”
“I don't want gold; I want blood,” Rell replied. “I have your army on the run and I aim to go inside of Vox and kill eight times as many as you all did.”
“We can give you back the Duke’s and the Earl’s bodies for safe passage” the messenger said as Rell balled his fists up.
“You will release all prisoners, give me my gold and my father’s body” Rell replied. “You have an hour to hand over the bodies, two days to leave the kingdom or the offer is void.”
“My liege thinks we would need at least a week to get back home” the messenger said.
“Then you do not have a deal” Rell replied. “I will give you a very small head start to let your master know negotiations have failed. Tell him this war is personal and he might as well execute all of the prisoners as I will execute any I come across as well as Voxian citizens when I enter Vox.”
“We can do it in two days” the messenger said quickly. “We will leave within the hour and get the bodies returned to you.”
Rell wanted to fight some more but would see to it that his father received a decent burial. The messenger left quickly and Rell formed the troops up. He planned to only follow the Voxians unless they attacked or they were still in the territory at the end of the second day. Rell had made his men keep the pace somewhat. If he was honest he had lost all of the rage he held once he had gotten his father’s body back. He was simply looking forward to the Voxians leaving the kingdom. It took the Voxians four days to get out, Rell harassed them a couple of times and killed a few of their men after the second day. But his focus was on what he should to do afterwards. Rell had gained the respect of the men he had fighting for him, at least one spoke about moving away from the Duchy and into the new Barony. Rell was relieved when the royal army finally made their way to the frontlines. He grabbed his father’s body and left immediately along with his staves and his men. Some of the men from the duchy left with him as well as they had family they needed to check on.
CHAPTER 6
“So where do you keep all of the money that the Barony brings in?” Svend asked as he sat at dinner with Rell. It had been two weeks since Rell had left the front-lines and he was happy to hear that the fighting was at a standstill. Svend and Davin had come to visit. Rell was happy to have his brothers there and figured they could mend their relationship. Ever since they arrived yesterday though, Rell had noticed they were asking a lot of questions about how the Barony was run. Some they already knew from Jennings who was back in the Glades but the rest they were trying to get out of Rell.
“It depends. Most of the time it is not in my possession long enough to store, I was preparing for a big battle and all of my resources went to it.”
“Your staves that I have seen around,” Svend asked.
“That was a big part of it,” Rell admitted.
“Where do you keep most of your staves? I have only seen your guards with them.” Davin asked.
“Locked away,” Rell replied. “The only people who really need them are the mountain tribes because they are likely to come into contact with the Balenians. Balen is still amassed at the pass. I don't know though if they are readying for battle or if they are keeping that big force there because they are worried about us invading.”
“How do you contact the mountain men?” Svend asked.
“It is pretty simple,” Rell replied. “I just send a messenger to the pass.”
“The people here love you despite your heavy taxes,” Svend said. “His Majesty said you will not have to pay him any taxes, you or the charmcasters who settle down here. You could really increase your money by holding back on spending for the war effort.”
“I could. But I do not know when a fight is bound to break out,” Rell replied. “I do a lot of the work on the staves myself.”
“Well you have other charmcasters here for that,” Svend said. “You haven't really fought and killed anyone and your people see you as this great hero. All you did was put a little magic in their hands and even some people in the duchy want you leading them.”
“That is going to be your job,” Rell said. “Running the Barony is hard enough and I don't even have a quarter of the people you do. At least you have Jennings. That old man helped me out a lot, although I knew he didn't care for me.”
“You are a charmcaster and it is hard for him to see past that,” Svend said.
“We must be going Rell,” Davin said. “Svend is being named Duke in three days and His Majesty will be there. I think you should be there as well.”
“I wouldn't miss it,” Rell replied as he watched his brothers leave.
“I tell you something is not right about them,” Tenkay said from where he was hiding. Charmcaster Tenkay was the second most powerful charmcaster in the kingdom and was one of Rell’s primary teachers. Tenkay was wary of any of the mages and had warned Rell that his popularity among the people would get him into some trouble. Tenkay had been cautious of his brothers when they first showed up, especially when they seemed too interested in the running of the Barony.
“They are just looking for pointers on how to best run the duchy,” Rell replied.
“No they are not,” Tenkay said. “When our staves allowed us to beat the Martins it spread quickly. I was here when your brothers and the mages arrived, they were not happy at being saved by a bunch of commoners and they were beside themselves when they did not receive any special treatment when out in their own towns. Half-mages were shown respect, full mages were ignored as cowards who fled away from the fighting. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a plan to remove you from the Barony or at least change the way you are doing things here. A lot of merchants have complained about you already, of course that was before the war. Now all of them pay their taxes without any mumbling and are a pleasure to be around.”
“Let’s say you have the truth of it,” Rell argued. “Now what?”
“Scorched earth,” Tenkay said. “I am not going to hang around here if you are removed. Charmcasters are finally getting respect and the mages want to take it all away. Your mountain friends have offered me a place amongst the tribes and I could always go back to my home. I don't think many charmcasters would stay around here, some may be enticed but I think any of us with any power would not work for a newcomer the way we did with you. You should take all of your c
harmed staves, money and anything else and hide it. The mountains are vast and have many places to stow your gear. I have brought my fears to the attention of the mountain tribes and they do not intend on being an unpaid army protecting the pass. They only did it because they see you as one of them, just like the charmcasters see you as one of us.”
“What if you are being paranoid?” Rell asked.
“Tell you what,” Tenkay proposed. “Make a new law. No citizens have to pay any taxes for five years as a gift for fighting in two battles against two different enemies. Date it for today. Have it prepared, but do not tell anyone about it. Move all of your charmed staves and any money you have right now. If in three weeks nothing has happened, then bring everything back. Every time you are to meet with a bunch of high ranking nobles do the same thing with your property. If you are somehow relieved of your duties, I will make sure everyone knows about your edict regarding taxes. I know it is very petty but we have worked for something big here. The mountain men have gained confidence in defending themselves and us charmcasters now know that we more than matter. I will not have a mage either take that way or pervert it.”
“Do you think my brothers would do such a thing?” Rell asked.
“I believe them to be of low character,” Tenkay said. “I think they know something and instead of being honest they are being sneaky. They would do anything they can to please others.”
“We'll put your plan into effect and do so as sneakily as possible,” Rell said. “If you are right, then having a bunch of worthless staves and skilled people who will not work for a tiny wage will serve my successor right. Take all the staves I have filled up and leave behind those with no magic.”
“Thank you Your Lordship,” Tenkay said. “I have many spies amongst the royal servants. I haven't made a lot of contact with them but I know the king is happy with your results and angry that a charmcaster is the one making things happen.”
“I need to get ready to meet the king and queen,” Rell replied. “They were not able to make it in time to my father’s funeral. I haven't seen or heard from them since my duel with Davin.”
“I will have a meeting with the charmcasters and find out which way they will lean. I will not tell them about scorched earth plan but I will let them know all of my fears and that I will not stick around to serve anyone other than a charmcaster. Some will stay if the newest ruler sweetens the deal for them but I think the majority will leave with us.”
“You are dismissed,” Rell said as he got up.
Tenkay had been badgering him about his brothers and the more Rell thought about it the more he believed the charmcaster. Rell had no idea how many staves he had out there amongst his army but wanted them back right away. That would be suspicious Rell thought, maybe he would let them practice with real magic instead of using the dummy staves. He could use the excuse of realistic training and have all of the magic expended before he came back from the coronation. Rell wanted to get angry if Tenkay was telling the truth but didn't allow himself the luxury. He had always known his road would be tough. Already he had many ideas to make his fortune left over from the days when he worried about what would happen if his father had decided to give the Barony away to Davin instead of him.
CHAPTER 7
King Wayne
Wayne looked across at Baron Cliffs. The charmcaster was as massive as a mountain man and the king could see why men followed him. John’s eldest looked the part of a warrior. He was every bit as much the hammer his father had been. He had already chased not one but two enemies out of the kingdom. The charmcasters had a place in the kingdom. Wayne was sure of it now after reports of the battles had started pouring in. What charmcasters shouldn't be though were landed nobles. They were like smiths. They were great at building weapons but that was the gist of their abilities. Smiths made decent money in the kingdom and Wayne was sure John’s charmcaster would make a fortune selling his staves. Wayne even thought he would buy some for the royal army and equip his mundane guards. It would show the charmcaster that he had no hard feelings and wanted to see him succeed. John’s youngest boy should have gotten the Barony. Wayne would correct that mistake and get his kingdom back in order. Maybe T’Ericka would regain interest in the boy. It was unlikely she would find a better suitor.
Duke Stoney’s sons did not get the gift of magic. Wayne wanted all of his bloodline to be mages like everyone before him. Duke Welch had three sons but they were all older and married. Their children were too young to make a match with. Duke Welch also had a daughter, though she was unmarried at twenty-two. Wayne thought it was because she was overweight and had a skin condition. She was a mage and Davin would receive a large dowry for marrying the girl. His mother would likely make the match if she thought T’Ericka was no longer interested in Davin. Wayne did not like Welch much. His opinion soured even more when the man had gotten in contact with Kimberly about fixing up the charmcaster across from him with Welch’s daughter.
“How are you all doing?” King Wayne said as he looked at John’s family.
“We are surviving Your Grace,” Rell replied. “There is still a lot to do but I am going to take the time to grieve. I have been working nonstop and my people and I need some time to ourselves. After our victory over the Balenians and the Voxians, we know we have a large target painted on us and either group will be looking to squash the Cliffs. We just don't have enough people or I would venture into Balen and make sure they would never think about attacking again.”
“I am not going to honeycoat anything,” King Wayne said. “Rell you have done this kingdom a service but I cannot keep you as a landed noble. The only reason I went along with everything is because of your father. He is dead now and I see no reason to keep this up. You have proven yourself to be a great leader of men and you can continue to be so. If your brothers will not have you for their Commander of Troops then I will find a place for you in the royal army. You can always make and sell your staves and I will be happy to be your first customer, I will buy all you can make.”
“You are taking away my birthright even though I did as well as anyone could have in the face of the enemy Your Majesty?” Rell asked.
“Yes” King Wayne snapped. “No amount of begging or otherwise is going to change that.”
“I see,” Rell replied.
“Well what do you have to say about it?” King Wayne asked.
“I do not think there is anything to say,” Rell replied. “I thought my relationship with what is left of my family had improved, I am a big reason why they all still live. But it turns out I was wrong, I do not think I will take any position in the Cliffs or the Glades. I thank you for your offer but I also decline joining the royal army as well Your Majesty.”
“Rell my son should have always been Baron,” Kimberly said. “You saved me and did a great job in fighting off the enemy. But Davin is a full mage and not a charmcaster. Out of respect to your father, I told Svend and Davin to find you a position.”
“I decline,” Rell said. “I do not want anything to do with either of them. For the kingdom’s sake I hope both of them are up to the challenge.”
“We are,” Svend said. “You came in and ruined everything Rell. You are not as horrid as I once thought but you are not leadership material.”
“As I have just learned,” Rell replied. “May I be excused Your Majesty? I am sure you and His Grace and His Lordship have things to discuss that no longer concern me. I have to find myself a place to live – among other things.”
“Don't be so dramatic,” Kimberly said. “Your father had plenty of homes all over the duchy. Just pick one and I will see to it Svend gives it to you.”
“I am not in the business of taking or being gifted things I have not earned,” Rell replied. “You can keep it all.”
“You are just upset,” King Wayne said. “Yes you may go.”
Wayne watched the charmcaster get out of his seat, pay his courtesies then leave the room. That part went better than Wayne ever
expected. He had to smile when he thought about his late friend. John had always said his first son was the type of man he wished the others were, he didn't cry, moan or beg. It worried Wayne though about how easily he took the news, maybe the charmcaster knew he was in over his head and welcomed handing the reins off to someone else. Wayne’s spies had told him the charmcaster was running himself ragged dealing with the mountain people, the other charmcasters, prepping for war and enforcing his laws. But Wayne had thought the man should have jumped on getting a free home. Kimberly had even told him to pick any one of them and Svend would gift it to him. The charmcaster had to be angry then, he wouldn't accept charity and would make it on his own. John had believed his son could make a fortune on his own just by selling staves, Wayne smiled again as he thought his friend was right.
“I think he needs a friend,” Ashlyn said as she went to stand up.
“Sit down” Kimberly said. “He needs to cool off. I know he fought off the enemy but your real brother has been going through hell since the charmcaster showed up. I offered him a job and a place to stay and he declined it. He will come back begging for a handout and we will give him what we offered.”
“Your mother is half right” King Wayne said. “I don't know if he will come back after the friendships he made in the Cliffs. Someone will put him up until he could stand on his own. I froze all of his accounts as soon as he left the Cliffs, the treasury was also locked down and my people are now surrounding your new estate Davin, in case your brother decides to be undignified.”
“Rell is a gentleman Your Majesty,” Ashlyn said. “Charmcaster or not, he is as dignified as any man. He could have turned us away but kept us safe and fought off the enemy. Even with the news he received here today, he handled it better that anyone here would have.”
“Well enough about him” Davin said. “I am getting what I should have gotten before he showed up.”
The Charmcaster Page 6
