At the riverbank, more than one hundred men, evidently from inside the city, were standing or sitting beside the chests and boxes and stacks of books they had carried out. Most were armed with swords or maces. More men were coming out of the tunnel, carrying all manner of goods. A few of Lord Vaina’s soldiers, led by Captain Gram, were trying to separate the Red Sword bearers from their chests, but without success, and angry words were being exchanged.
Lord Vaina advanced to the top of the riverbank and looked down upon the Red Swords below. His guards stood beside him, fifty tall men in armor. The Keltens came up and halted a little behind Lord Vaina, with hands on swords. Ako swiftly put on his armor, tearing the black cloth coverings off as he did so. More soldiers of the Red Crane Army came up from either side. Everyone at the riverbank turned to look up at Lord Vaina as he drew his polished sword and held it high in the air.
“Men of Kemeklos, followers of the Mavana. I am Lord Vaina, ruler of Tokolas, governor of Kunhalvar. You are to set down the things you carried—here, by the riverside. Boats will soon be coming to collect your goods and take them down the Jupol for safekeeping. You will follow my men to a place just south of this spot, but inside my camp where food and water will be provided. Five thousand more of my soldiers will be here within the hour. We have defeated the Kitran already, and they will not dare to attack us again. You are safe now.”
Lord Vaina paused and then took off his helmet and spoke in a different tone, as though he were sharing a deep secret with a group of trusted friends. “Do you know? I was sent by the Red Prophet himself to take Tokolas away from the Kitrans. It was his direction, his guidance that set me on the path I still follow today. I have been your friend, your ally, ever since. Have we not fought together against the Kitran and their treacherous followers ever since? Did we not fight together again, not six hours ago, and drive the enemy away from the south water gate? My army defeated the evil ones in the fields of Devek three days past, driving them off like sheep and rabbits. Do as I say, follow my commands, and you will be taken care of.
“Set your burdens aside,” Lord Vaina implored. “Lay them down. Your battle was long and hard, but it has ended. Go and rest, and remember your fallen in the city behind you. Bid them farewell. Someday, we shall return.”
Lord Vaina’s speech had an immediate effect on the men from Kemeklos; his words moved them as perhaps no one else’s could have. First one pair, then another pair of men left their chests or boxes and started south, turning backward at whiles to see the massive cloud of smoke and ash in the sky rising from Kemeklos and then averting their gaze and walking away.
Lord Vaina said quietly to a runner, “Have them all disarmed while they wait in line for food and drink.”
Down by the shore, all the Red Swords were moving south. Each man or pair of men arriving at the mouth of the tunnel was directed to leave any burdens in a growing pile beside the few boats and then sent along the muddy path to join their comrades at the south end of the camp. A few complained and tried to resist, but Lord Vaina’s men were now in overwhelming numbers. A few who struggled were pushed to the ground; only one man had to be beaten into submission.
Ako came close to Lord Vaina and said, “What about Sandun?”
Lord Vaina pointed to one of the Red Swords and had him brought up to talk. The man, young and rather simple, could tell them little. He said he worked in the kitchen and had been woken in the middle of the night and told to carry a chest down to the dungeon. From there, they had gone down stairs and through a long, very dark tunnel, with lamps on the ground providing the only light.
“They didn’t tell us anything, but everyone walking in the tunnel was saying the city defenses have fallen,” the young man said. “No one can understand why the Mavana hasn’t come yet. Isn’t this the Holy City? It doesn’t make any sense.”
A few of the chests were carefully opened and then closed again. As expected, they contained golden plates, silver ingots, statues of the Mavana in various poses, and the like.
A report came in from Kun the Younger’s cavalry. At least four thousand men and less than a thousand women had come out of the city. They were moving south in small groups, following the Red Sword irregulars who had stayed outside the city. There was no organization to this; it was flight, and it was continuing.
Valo Peli said, “I believe I can guess what has happened. When the defenders unblocked a passage through the south water gate to allow their soldiers to join in the attack on the mercenaries, others decided that the time was ripe to leave the city. An unplanned and uncontrolled retreat began, and the defenses on the walls began to collapse. A few hours ago, the advisors to the Radiant Prince realized the situation was hopeless, and they began a hurried escape. It may be that they waited too long and the palace is cut off from the south gate by fire or Kitran soldiers, which is why they are using the hidden tunnel.”
“And what happened to Renieth and Sandun?” Lord Vaina asked.
“Most likely, they are with the Radiant Prince and his advisors. Hopefully, they will be out soon.”
“Why would they have stayed with the Radiant Prince?” Ako said. “They owed no duty to defend or escort him.”
“This is true,” Valo Peli replied thoughtfully. “Protocol says that ambassadors are the first to leave. The ruler’s guards are the ones who must stay to the bitter end. Here now are some soldiers.”
A group of armored soldiers came out, shielding their eyes against the sudden light.
“Disarm them,” ordered Lord Vaina. “Take them to the northwest corner with the other Red Sword warriors who were in the camp.”
There was some pushing and curses from the Red Sword guards as their weapons were seized. However, they were outnumbered a hundred to one, plus they were tired, and many were injured. A sergeant was brought up to see Lord Vaina. He was angry at being disarmed, and when he was forced to his knees by Lord Vaina’s bodyguards he looked up and said, “Am I a prisoner? By what right do you treat me this way?”
Lord Vaina didn’t answer his questions. Instead, he said commandingly, “Where are Minister Renieth and my advisor, Lord Sandun?”
The sergeant looked away, and it seemed the color drained from his face. “I don’t know,” he replied slowly.
“They came into the palace? They met with the Radiant Prince?”
“The Radiant King, yes. They met him.”
“And then what happened?” Lord Vaina said with growing irritation.
“I don’t know. I was ordered to begin the evacuation. My men and I are escorting the women of the palace.”
Sobs and the sounds of women crying confirmed at least that much of the sergeant’s story. A group of young women now appeared, their elegant silk dresses stained and dirty. Several, on reaching the end of the tunnel, collapsed on the ground, their hands covering their faces in a display of feminine exhaustion. Apparently, walking several miles through a dark tunnel was too much for these frail beauties, Ako thought. He was positive his lovely wife wouldn’t act in such a fashion; Russu was made of sterner stuff.
“Have the women taken to the center of the camp,” Lord Vaina ordered, with a hint of amusement. “I want them disarmed as well, including their hairpins.”
The young women made no complaints as the Lady Eun directed them to follow her; she told them that tea was waiting.
Another group of guards emerged, wearing ornate red silk cords around their necks and over their chest armor. They stood still and silent for nearly a minute while they were ordered, repeatedly, to hand over their weapons. Their leader, a captain with only one eye, looked intently all around, assessing the situation. Ako, now fully armored, drew his sword and moved down the riverbank, glowering at the Red Sword veterans. He was followed by all the other Keltens, in a silent, menacing group. Eventually, the one-eyed captain shrugged and commanded his men to surrender their weapons. They carried many weapons
on them.
“Search them carefully, and take their armor,” Lord Vaina said. “I know their captain. He is a deadly fighter. Have them bound, and double the guard.”
Finally, the advisors came out of the tunnel. Their robes of the finest silk, their headbands decorated with patterns in gold thread that glinted in the light were all the proof needed that they were the leaders of the Red Swords in Kemeklos. In their midst, a young man was supported by two near giants. The Radiant Prince, thought Ako. But where was Sandun? No sign of him, nor of Renieth either.
An older man in a red robe sized up the situation and strode up the hill, seeking out Lord Vaina. But the governor’s bodyguard formed a line and prevented the chief advisor from getting close. Forced to stop, he held himself very straight and said in a loud voice, “The Radiant King, the herald of the Mavana, has arrived. His light fills the world, and his wisdom encompasses the ages. The king of Serica is here. Bow, all of you, and show your obedience.” He looked around; no one moved.
The silence held for some moments. Lord Vaina stood, impassive, waiting. The river gurgled. A boat tied up by the shore banged against another boat next to it.
Concerned, the chief minister tried again. “The herald of the Mavana stands before you, in majesty. The king of all, the speaker for the divine Mavana. Bow before him, and seek his blessing!”
Again, there was no response. Nervously, the chief minister of the Red Swords stepped back down the hill, looking for support.
Lord Vaina then said, “Where is my Minister Renieth of Rituals, and my high advisor, Lord Sandun Eiger of Kelten?”
“Soldiers of the evil one appeared suddenly within the palace.” The Red Sword minister spoke rapidly, his words sounding overly rehearsed to Ako’s ears. “We were forced to escape with unexpected haste. We were separated. We lost track of them in the confusion. Many of our people also did not escape.”
“They are ambassadors. Why were they not sent ahead? Why were they behind you at all?”
The chief minister licked his lips and swallowed hard.
“Your emissaries were asleep, and we hesitated to wake them at such an hour. And when the fighting started, by then it was too late.”
“You are lying to me.” Lord Vaina spoke with ice in his voice. “You will tell me the truth, or you will die, right here, right now.”
At this threat, the young man, the Radiant Prince, roused himself and stood up.
“You may not speak to my chief minister like that, Governor. I am the king of Serica. The all-powerful Mavana speaks through me. You are not to threaten my holy advisors. Remember, you serve at my pleasure. You obey me!” The young man spoke with a high, clarion voice. Ako thought the Radiant Prince could be a leader, if it weren’t for the fact that he was standing on a muddy riverbank, and the city from which he claimed to rule the world was turning into smoke and ash.
“Seize the advisors,” Lord Vaina ordered. “If I don’t hear the truth in the next minute, execute them. Starting with their chief. What happened to my people? Tell me now, or die.”
The advisors of the Radiant Prince were knocked to the ground and their arms were tied behind their backs, then they were forced to kneel in the dirt. The Radiant Prince was surrounded by Lord Vaina’s bodyguards with spears pointed at him while the two hefty men who had carried him through the tunnel were beaten to the ground with maces; they did not get up.
“Wait! Wait,” a heavy man dressed in a green robe said in a deep voice. “Your emissaries insulted the Radiant King. He…” And he looked at the man who had first spoken. “The Chief Minister had them confined to a room near the palace. Then, in our deliberations, we forgot about them till it was too late. The Kitran soldiers broke through the walls of the palace before dawn. We barely escaped.”
Lord Vaina spoke very loudly so all around him could hear his words.
“You imprisoned my minister and advisor and left them to die while you ran from the palace? You had time to flee with your gold and silver and statues and your women, but not time to free my people? If you think this story moves me to mercy, you are mistaken!”
At this, Miri grabbed Ako’s arm and pulled on it. Ako looked at her; he knew what she was trying to communicate. He spoke directly to Lord Vaina.
“My lord, there is no time to waste. My men and I will go in through the tunnel and rescue Sandun and Renieth.”
At Ako’s word, one of the younger ministers cried out, “You can’t! The tunnel is being flooded. We were ordered to…to stop the pursuit.” He continued on, frantically, “I know where they were hidden away. We might be able to get through the city. There is still a chance. They were behind a concealed door, an old treasure room. The…the palace wasn’t on fire, just the city around it. I can guide you. Allow me to make amends!”
“Flooded?” Lord Vaina was incredulous. “War Leader, what is the penalty for killing an ambassador?”
Valo Peli solemnly intoned the word: “Death.”
At this, one of the other ministers looked up and wailed, “We didn’t kill them. They were left behind by accident! Ask the guards! They were alive when we had to leave.”
“Yet you are here, and they are not. The city is in flames, and you flooded the escape tunnel to prevent the Kitran from following you. Since you cannot show me that my advisors are alive, it must be acknowledged by all that they are dead.”
Lord Vaina paused and looked at the men below him. None of them would look him in the eyes; his wrath burned like fire. “The sentence is just, and it is confirmed. I will not wait, and I will not be merciful. Execute each one of them. All but the man who says he can lead brave men into a city of flames. If he can bring back my people alive, he will be spared. As for the rest of you, your lives are forfeit.”
The Radiant Prince stepped forward, touching with his bare hands the spear tips held by Lord Vaina’s bodyguards.
“This has gone too far. If…if my ministers have done wrong, then I shall be the one to order their punishment. You, Jori Vaina, have no authority over my…the king’s advisors. Your emissaries were rude, their conduct unbecoming, and their punishment was lenient. I could have had them beaten to death when they insulted me, but instead I spared them. That they were left behind in the confusion was an oversight. You are better off without such men. You should remember that I have not confirmed you as governor of Kunhalvar. There may be other men who are worthier of the position, other men who are more loyal to their true king.” He looked at the men around Lord Vaina, but no one said anything in response.
Lord Vaina ignored the self-proclaimed king completely. “Begin the executions.”
One by one, the eight ministers marked for death were forced onto the muddy earth beside the river, and mighty axe blows severed their heads from their bodies. Their blood poured out into the river. It was a gruesome sight, but Ako had seen worse. He found it hard to hold himself in check; Sandun was inside Kemeklos, and time was pressing.
The Radiant Prince’s face turned pale, and he blinked rapidly. Ako thought the boy was going to faint. Strangled noises came from the boy’s gaping mouth. Lord Vaina made his way down the slope and, pushing aside his guards, came up to young man and slapped him across the face. Then he did it again, drawing blood.
“The Red Prophet saw something in you. I don’t know what it was. All I see is a spoiled, ignorant boy with no talent or virtue. The people call you the Radiant Prince, but I see you shrouded in shadows, unable to tell friend from foe or truth from lies! I know what my emissaries said to you because I told them what to say! Did it profit you to reject their words? Your needless delay in leaving Kemeklos gained you nothing and cost the lives of many. You think you know more about life than me? Your knowledge of this world is like that of a suckling babe!
“However, as you were surrounded by evil advisors and, because of your youth, I will give you a choice, Habaluk.” The young man’s eyes widened
. “Yes, I know your name, just as I knew your father, just as I knew the Red Prophet who had more virtue in his fingernail than you have in your entire body. Your choice is as follows: You will obey me and follow my every command, however small. Or you will join your father in the Mavana’s embrace. Is that clear enough for you, Prince of Shadows?”
The boy wiped his bloody nose and then looked at the blood on his hands in wonder. “I…I will not obey you. I am the herald of the Mavana. You can’t kill me.”
“If you do not swear to obey me right now, my men will force you back into the tunnel.” Lord Vaina pointed at the black cave entrance. “And then, they will collapse the earth with iron poles. You will remain in Kemeklos for the rest of your very short life. Those are your only two choices, Habaluk. Obey me, or return to the dark tunnel from whence you came!”
The young man shook his head. “I won’t. Who are you? Why should I obey you? You’re just a riverboatman’s son.”
Lord Vaina saluted the boy mockingly. “As you wish. Send him back to the city!”
Lord Vaina’s bodyguards grabbed the young man by the arms and dragged him to the tunnel’s mouth. Habaluk tried to struggle, but he was weak. As they were about to push him in, he turned his head and shouted, “I will…I will obey you, Lord Vaina! I see my error. You are the hand of the Mavana. I see it now. My advisors, they…they knew you had the blessing of the goddess, and they were jealous. Yes, jealous of your righteous authority. I will obey you and seek your guidance in all things. You are blessed. My eyes are opened now.”
Lord Vaina signaled his guards, and they sat the young man by the tunnel’s mouth and stood around him.
“Have him bound, gagged, and put on a boat going downriver, under concealment, with a heavy guard,” Lord Vaina said quietly to Valo Peli. “No one is to speak with him, and he is not to talk. He is to be kept in the fort of Jupelos until a more secure location can be arranged. Have the bodies of his councillors sent downriver for burial with the others who died at Devek.”
The Fire Sword Page 44
