As she sobbed, a soft wind blew through the canopy of flowers, and Leontta sat up, sensing her love was home. He had taken off after she had escorted her Hand back for a bath, and his roars could be heard for miles. She lifted herself from the bench and stared at the doorway as sounds of someone’s approach met her ears. Her shoulders relaxed as Holland rounded the corner, not stopping to even smile, but instead scooped her into his arms, having heard the news from Oedipus on his flight back.
Holland stroked Leonetta’s long, glistening hair and pressed his lips against her forehead. At that moment, she couldn’t hold the tears back and cried gently into his chest. He cooed to her through his mind, careful of prying ears in the garden.
My love, I will find her and bring her home. It is a promise.
Don’t promise what you cannot guarantee. Besides, I heard Oedipus talking; you will be escorting him to Allenforth and possibly going to battle.
If I am in combat, then she will be close by. Don’t cry, my sweet lady. I will be back before you know it.
Do you promise? Leonetta pulled back, tears still glistening on her cheeks.
“I love you,” Holland said out loud. It was the first time he had said it out loud to Leonetta, and her cheeks perked, a small smile emerging on her ruby lips.
“I love you, too, Holland,” she whispered as she closed her eyes and kissed him one last time before he hurried off to the castle. She stood beneath the canopy, the scent of Holland still lingering, and the taste of his lips fresh in her mouth. She wondered how much sorrow she could possibly bear.
Leonetta wiped the tears from her eyes and made her way to the front of the castle to bid her father and the others a safe trip. She pulled a small stone from the pocket in her dress and whispered a protection enchantment on it. The men were lined up at the steps of the palace as Ardontis and the others walked from one to the next, blessing them for a safe journey. Leonetta got in line and bowed to each of the Army’s officers as she made her way to her father. When she reached Holland, she glanced up slightly and took his hand. Oedipus was watching, so she slipped the stone into his hand and spoke quickly.
“May your journey be a successful one, and may you keep my father and the future king safe,” she said bowing.
Holland nodded and tightly squeezed Leonetta’s hand. As she approached Oedipus, she bowed but stared directly at the ground. She felt the roughness of his hand lift her face, and she tensed at his touch. He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, her eyes flashing toward Holland. Holland tensed his body and closed his fists as Oedipus stood back up. Leonetta smiled politely and moved in front of her father.
“Be safe, Your Grace,” Leonetta said as she bowed to her father. “May the gods be with you.” She leaned in and kissed her father on the cheek before turning to Ardontis, who escorted her back to the palace.
“While your father is away,” Ardontis whispered as they climbed the steps, “the throne belongs to you.”
***
As soon as the men had exited the gates of Thorn, Holland shifted into his dragon and took to the front with the other shifters. He kept his communication open with Oedipus, but he was strangely quiet. Holland wasn’t going to pry since he didn’t much feel like listening to Oedipus ramble on about things.
This trip was a bit more strenuous since cutting through their neighbor, Gillian, was out of the question. They would have to skirt the edges, walking through the flatlands of the realm Highlands and the realm of Direforth. It was a two-day trip by foot, so for the night camps, Holland was responsible for leading the shifters in watch. Shifters didn’t need as much sleep when in dragon form, and he could easily make it to Allenforth without resting. They would sleep in Direforth the first night and then make it as far as they could into Allenforth before sleeping the second night. If all went well, they would reach Trello by mid-day of the third march.
The sun was blazing hot overhead, and the shifters lined up in flight to cast a shadow down on the marching army. By the time the sun began to dip low in the sky, the soldiers were more than happy to stop and set up camp, getting themselves out of the blazing sun. They quickly assembled the king’s tent and then picked areas out for their own sleep that night.
Holland took the first shift to allow the shifters to grab some food before going into the long overnight watch. As he soared through the warm evening air, his thoughts fell to Leonetta and her being alone in Thorne until they returned. He rolled the stone around in his claw, wondering what type of enchantment she had put on it. The few seconds he had to look at it before shifting revealed a small, blue pebble that glowed in his hand. As he shifted before leaving Avalon, he made sure to clasp it in his claw for safe keeping.
The Avalon army wasn’t used to the presence of the king, himself, at camp, so tonight there was no joyful music or singing by the fires. Once chow was done, the men quietly went to their tents to get a full night’s sleep. Oedipus reminded Holland his job was to protect the king and the commander first and foremost, so Holland’s flights didn’t leave the king’s tent out of view. Once the other shifters were back on watch, Holland landed right outside of the perimeter of the king’s tent and stood guard.
The hours tended to be lonely while on watch, but with the other shifters here, babbling to each other telepathically, Holland invited the distraction from his own thoughts. Things were changing in the kingdom, and Holland realized there may come a time, where he would have to choose between what was loyal and what was right. At this point, all he had ever chosen was Leonetta. That might not always be the case.
The night went by quickly, and Oedipus alerted Holland to create flight ranks just before the sun had breached the horizon. The horns sounded across the camp, signaling a new day of march, and everyone moved quickly and quietly. The sky was peppered with gray clouds, which gave a needed reprieve to the soldiers from the bracing sun. As they moved closer to Allenforth, though, the winds picked up from the mountains in the distance, blowing sand and dirt through the air. The mood was watchful as they passed through the point where Gillian, Allenforth, and Direforth met. Fortunately, there were no armies or shifters in sight, even from high in the sky where Holland flew.
The trek through Allenforth didn’t take as long as they had thought, and the king decided to push through dusk to reach the gates of Trello. There were high, iron gates said to have been built by the gods themselves. The watchman of the city opened the wide doors and the flags perched on the hilltops came into view, a welcoming sight for the tired and hungry troops. The shifters touched down in a line in front of the king, shifting back into their human form before entering the city. King Osiris and his commander rode forward to meet King Levontis, who was standing at the doors, arms stretched in welcome. Holland followed the two men as a guard and stood quietly to the side as the men embraced.
“It is good to see you, brother,” Levontis spoke. “Though the circumstances could be better. Come, join us for a feast. My men will show your soldiers to their quarters, where we have prepared a celebration of arrival for them.”
You stay close. Sometimes your biggest ally can switch to your greatest enemy.
Holland nodded at the words of Oedipus, surprised by his wariness toward Levontis. He signaled the other shifters to follow the army before retrieving his sword from one of their horses. The men rode their horses to the palace, while Holland walked wearily next to them. The castle was large, with high marble walls and golden statues representing the gods. Levontis was a strong man of faith, something Holland never understood.
Once inside the palace and locked in Levontis’ private chambers, Levontis handed Oedipus the letter that had been left with Lady Mary’s horse. Oedipus read the letter to himself before looking wildly at Osiris, half from anger, the other from disbelief.
“Well,” Osiris said impatiently.
“They wish for you to step down as king and relinquish your lands to…,” Oedipus stopped rereading the last part. “To your daughter, without the inclusio
n of your commander as the next in line.”
“What?!” Osiris yelled, grabbing the paper from Oedipus and gazing over the words himself. “Are they absolutely mad? And what if I refuse?”
“Well, then they will kill Lady Mary and attack your Kingdom,” Levontis said, looking out his terrace doors.
Holland stood listening to the two kings converse back and forth about different options to retrieve Lady Mary, when Levontis said something that struck Holland in his gut.
“They were last seen on the edges of Allenforth and Gillian,” Levontis explained to Osiris. “Directly at the face of the Allenforth Mountain split, where the valley reaches the land.”
Dear lords. Holland said to Oedipus. His eyes darted toward Oedipus at the realization of the camp he flew over just a night before.
What is it Holland?
Sir, when I was flying back to camp at your word, it was dark, and I passed over a camp in that exact location. It was hidden by the shadows of the mountain reaching the valley pass, but it was there.
“Your Grace,” Oedipus said, stepping forward, “Holland knows the location.”
“Is this true, boy?” King Osiris barked, stepping forward. “Well, speak up!”
“Yes, Your Grace,” Holland answered, stepping forward. “I was flying back the other night and saw it. I didn’t think much of it as I passed, but now with King Levontis’ words, I realize it was them.”
“How sure are you, son?” Levontis said kindly.
“Almost positive,” Holland responded. “There was a man standing outside of a tent, and his description fits that of the Commander of Gillian.”
“Could you lead us there?” King Osiris asked quickly. “At daybreak?”
“Of course, Your Grace,” Holland replied with a bow of his head.
“Oedipus,” the king snapped, “we leave at dawn. Prepare your men and then meet us for dinner. We will discuss our strategy.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” Oedipus said as he bowed to both kings and nodded at Holland to follow him from the room.
Prepare your shifters, Holland. I want you to take a flight tonight and scout out the camp. Report back immediately.
Yes, Commander.
Holland, we must keep the king from the battle. He hasn’t seen battle in decades, and I fear we will put him in danger by taking him there.
I agree, sir. I will be back as soon as possible.
With that, Holland broke off from Oedipus, calling his shifters to meet him in the courtyard. He explained the mission as he made his way to the center, being careful to explain that they must stay out of sight. The men moved quickly out of the gates of the palace, through Trello, and into the fields beyond the large iron gates. Each shifted into flight, forming a line of dragons swooping around the castle grounds and over the mountains. If they were to scout the camp without being seen, they would have to fly through the mountains and into the pass.
The winds were high in the mountains, and it was hard to control the dragons’ direction. Holland ordered the shifters to fall back as he slowly approached the edge of the valley walls. Lights glimmered from fires beyond the openings, and the sounds of songs from the soldiers echoed through the valley walls. They were still there, and as he watched the men drinking and talking, a thought came to Holland’s mind.
He slowly moved back from the opening before swooping back and led the shifters through the mountains and back into Allenforth. Holland moved with a purpose, keeping quiet, and giving direction to the shifters to prepare for the morning. When they reached the gates, the other shifters changed, while Holland continued up and over the walls of the castle. He landed gingerly in front of the palace and shifted back into his human form.
Taking the steps two at a time, Holland nodded at the guards as he ran through the halls of the castle toward the meeting rooms in the center. The doors were open, and Holland paused to bow to the two kings at the heart of a long, wooden table. They nodded, and Holland moved to sit next to Oedipus.
“What have you learned?” King Osiris said as he took a drink from his cup.
“They are still there,” Holland said, catching his breath. “And, I think–if you would allow me to speak freely, Your Grace–I have figured out a strategy that would catch them completely off guard.”
Holland reverted his eyes to Oedipus, whose face was covered in anger. He ignored it and looked back to the Osiris, who waved his hand in agreeance. Holland shifted in his chair, slightly uncomfortable from the glaring violence of Oedipus.
“Each dragon can carry nearly fifty men on their backs,” Holland began. “If we carry these men through the unpassable steepness of the Allenforth mountains and drop them in the break that leads to the valley, we may be able to strike before they are aware we are coming. They are looking outward, not suspecting we could attack from behind. It will take three trips to get them all there, but once in place, it will be nearly impossible for Gillian’s troops to know we are at their backdoor.”
King Osiris looked at Holland with surprise and then shifted his eyes to Oedipus, who was still glaring angrily at Holland for his lack of communication. King Levontis sipped his wine, attempting to hide the grin he was showing from Oedipus’ irritation. Oedipus took a deep breath and turned to Osiris.
“What do you think, Oedipus?” the Osiris asked, obviously not concerned with his thoughts but giving Oedipus a chance to redeem his pride. “Will this work?”
“Though this boy has little understanding of military strategy,” Oedipus said, glancing at Holland, “I believe this may be exactly what we need to implement surprise.”
Osiris nodded, a pleased look on his face.
“However,” Oedipus continued carefully, “it makes it difficult to keep track of everyone. I implore you, Your Grace, please wait patiently at the side of King Levontis. I fear we may not be able to provide you adequate protection, and though you are the King of Kings, able to slay fifty men without breaking a sweat, what is Avalon without its King?”
“Osiris,” King Levontis intervened, attempting to calm Osiris’ visible irritation, “Your commander is wise, and I think this shows his unrelenting dedication to you. I know my heir to the throne revels at the thought of putting me in harm’s way.”
Oedipus nodded in thanks to Levontis before turning back to King Osiris and waiting for his response. Osiris fiddled with the cup before him, thinking through Oedipus’ exact words. This showed high strength, and Osiris paused before looking at Holland and Oedipus.
“Besides,” Oedipus added, “once Lady Mary is safe, we will need you to assemble our forces when we ride on King Ballus.”
“King Ballus?” Osiris responded. “Commander, when we have Lady Mary safe, we will be traveling home. We will regroup and decide on the best course of action. However, I believe you are wise in your words, otherwise. I will stay put here with King Levontis. You have work to do. I will see that food is brought to you and Holland.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” Oedipus replied through gritted teeth. The two men bowed to the kings as they left the meeting chamber and traveled through the empty halls. Holland paused when Oedipus turned to him, pushing him against the wall and pressing his dagger against his throat.
“If you ever go over my head to our king again,” Oedipus whispered, “I will sever your head from your shoulders.”
“My apologies,” Holland replied with a sense of bravery. “I did not think straight. You have taught me too well.”
Oedipus looked at Holland carefully as if he were looking for his sincerity. Slowly, his angered face relaxed, and he looked down at the dagger pressed against Holland’s skin. He withdrew and stepped back.
“You may be right,” Oedipus replied, straightening his shirt and sword. “I will need you when we figure out a way to convince that daft idiot that war is vital.”
Holland stood up straight and followed Oedipus to the soldier quarters, where he stood by patiently as Oedipus addressed the leaders individually. Immediately, they began
relaying the information to the troops and preparing for the early morning raid. Holland took the shifters aside and explained the process as well as their role once the troops began to attack. The shifters were going to play a significant role in this battle, and Holland was sure that, without them, Avalon’s army would fall short.
Holland retreated to his room that the king had given him as a sign of appreciation for his contribution. He sat in the large chair next to the window that overlooked Trello. The city closely resembled that of Thorne before the king had drained it of its people and resources. He moved Leonetta’s stone between his fingers as he watched the moon move in its cycle.
There would be no sleep for Holland that night. And as the sky began to lighten, he stood and straightened his clothing. Today, he would ride into battle.
Chapter Six: The Head of the Enemy
The men were quiet but concise as they donned their armor and patted the swords on their sides. This would be the first time the shifters transported the army anywhere, and one could feel the tension in the room. Oedipus stood strongly by the gates, waiting for the king to address the men before sending them into battle. He glanced up at the dragons flying overhead, Holland at their lead. Through the night, Oedipus had worked on a strategy he was positive would end this battle before it had barely begun. However, his thoughts raced back and forth at the thought of leaving Allenforth without an attack planned for Gillian.
Oedipus stood tall at the sound of the trumpets that welcomed King Osiris to the front of the troops. He rode his white horse gallantly through the men as they looked on in hopes his words would pierce their resolve just as if they came from the gods themselves. The crowd fell silent as the king sat atop his horse in front of them.
“Men!” he shouted. “Our lady, as much our queen as anyone, if not by name, has been taken by the ruthless savages of Gillian. They care not for our safety or our honor, and they, through our beloved lady, have dishonored our kingdom, our army, and our gods!”
War of the Realms Box Set Page 5
