Burden of Stones

by James Dale

  "Even if they push their Val'anna to the point of collapse, the Raashani couldn't reach the pass before...noon tomorrow?" Einnael speculated.

  "Not before noon," A’randrial agreed.

  "Less than a day," Jack sighed. "Our...travelers? How soon would they need to leave to set up a proper ambush?"

  "It would be best to leave now," Cilandrion replied.

  "By nightfall at the latest," A’randrial added.

  "Then we have get busy if this plan going is to work," Jack said. "Find Ara’fael. I will speak to your father."

  "We will brief Ara’fael..."

  "...it will be safer that way." the Ailfar twins smiled.

  "My thoughts exactly," Jack grinned, as the two Spellweavers and the Ailfar bowed and rode away.

  "Ummm, Jack," Tarsus said thoughtfully. He had returned to overhear the bulk of their conversation. "Those dangerous and willing men in your little plan, one of them wouldn't happen to be you by any chance?"

  "It is my plan," Jack shrugged. "I should be allowed to see it's done right."

  "Somehow, I don't think your reasoning will be acceptable to a certain princess," the Amarian grinned. “Or the Dragonslayer and Elf King.”

  "Probably not," Jack admitted.

  "Well, I did promise the lass I'd keep you safe. I can think of no better way than by going with you," Tarsus said.

  "It'll be just like old times," Jack smiled.

  "That's what I'm afraid of," the Amarian laughed.

  A few minutes later, he and Tarsus reached the gates of Immer. Though it had been only a week since Jack and the Golden Lions had passed through them disguised as weary travelers coming to the Haelfest, it seemed like a lifetime ago. Waiting there for them, watching as the company of horsemen passed through, was Annawyn. She waved as she spotted him and Jack's soul leapt at the sight of her.

  "Did you miss me, Beloved?" the princess asked. Her smile was like breaking dawn on the first morning of spring.

  "Maybe just a little," Jack grinned, casting a sidelong glance at Captain Einnael. The Horse-maiden captain sighed in defeat and rolled her eyes. "Did you find who you were looking for?"

  "Yes, I did," Anna said, her heart fluttering at the sound of his voice. She wished so badly he would reach out now and pull her to him to claim another kiss, but...the way the Galekinder regarded her with barely contained amusement as they watched...she could wait. They would be alone soon enough. "Uncle Morgan and the rest are waiting outside the gate. They need to speak with you."

  Jack would be the first to admit he knew very little about the complexities of a woman's mind or how they felt, but he could see it in Anna's eyes and hear it in the tone of her voice now wasn't the time to joke or make one of his usual smart-ass remarks. He simply nodded and motioned for the princess to lead the way.

  "Later, when there is opportunity, there are some...things we need to discuss.”

  "I do not think there will be much leisure time between here and Dorshev," Jack said as he followed the princess toward the gate. "But I will discuss whatever you wish, whenever you wish to please you, Anna."

  The princess graced him with another glowing smile.

  Even if Jack didn't understand women, apparently, he could still stumble upon the right words now and again.

  General Gamrin was speaking with Theros, Cilidon, Duke Morgan and several of their captains and lieutenants as Jack approached. They each gave him a respectful bow as he stopped before them.

  "It doesn't look good Jack," the general began. "The Dog and his curs have almost two hours on us. His entire company rides Val'anna while the same can be said of less than half our force. And I'm including the Cilidon's Rangers and their Ailfar mounts in that number. Of the remainder of the volunteers we have gathered, only the High King's Hammer, Anna’s Horsemaiden’s and a select handful of other's ride Val'anna. Should we catch them, outnumbered two to one, the best we can hope to do is harass them. Of course, Kiathan won't stand and fight. He'll not stop until he reaches Dorshev if he has to waste his whole company to keep us from him. I'm not saying we won't give our best, but our best might not be good enough."

  "Kiathan cannot reach Dorshev!" Annawyn said fiercely. "We will have to burn it down around him if we do not find a way to stop him."

  Braedan knew well the speed of the Val'anna. He didn't doubt for a second Kiathan would push them until they dropped dead beneath the Raashani to reach Dorshev ahead of them.

  "I have a plan," Jack said quietly. "It may be a little risky but..."

  "That just might work," General Gamrin grinned. "Who were you thinking on sending?"

  "Lukas a'Maeridon will play the most important role," Jack replied. "Everyone else would be there to give him the chance. As you've rightly pointed out, only a few of this company rides Val'anna..."

  "It is obvious we must send those riding slower mounts with my sons and the Lady Ara’fael," Cilidon nodded. "The speed of Val'anna will be better used in the chase."

  "Those on slower mounts," Theros said, "we will have to ask for volunteers. Even entrenched in the pass, their likelihood of...success is slim."

  "They don't have to kill five hundred Raashani," Jack said. "Only one. And failing that, they only have to delay them until the rest of the company arrives."

  "These volunteers..." Annawyn said slowly, "they must all understand the risk they will be taking. They must accept it willingly."

  "There should be no end of willing volunteers. Not when the Heir of Ljmarn is leading..." Jack began.

  "No!" several voices said at once, Annawyn's the loudest. "I would rather see Dorshev in ashes!"

  "We cannot risk you to kill one man, Jack," Theros added. "Not even Kiathan. Your destiny lies in another battle."

  "I won't ask men to die in a fight I'm not willing to..." Jack started to argue, but was cut off once more.

  "Oh, it is all too obvious you are willing, Jack Braedan," General Gamrin said. "And it is equally as obvious this ambush is much too dangerous to risk the Heir of Ljmarn. Here is your first lesson as High Prince, Jack Braedan. Know when to fight a battle and know when to trust others to fight it for you. Captain Khalmiya will command the ambush. He will take the Razorbacks, the Galekindar, and as many volunteers as we can muster. Those mounted on Val'anna will make all speed to the Pass of Galhir. Any that fall behind can follow as quickly as they can. If the Bowmaster makes his shot, our ambushers will fade safely away into the Ruwe Mountains. If he does not, they will hold the Raashani until we arrive to fall upon their rear."

  Though it was difficult, Jack considered the general's adjustments to his plan with critical detachment. It went against all his military experience and training. To lead in the Special Forces or Delta meant just that, you were out front, your team followed, you faced the same dangers. But he was no longer in a position to accept such risk. He no longer had only ten or twelve highly skilled operators depending on his leadership, but...nations. No, that was not true. Nations weren't depending on his leadership. The Whesguard had kings like Theros and Cilidon to guide them. It had men like Duke Morgan and General Malik Gamrin. What the Whesguard needed from him was the one thing only he could provide. It needed the blood flowing through his veins. It needed him to wield Yhswyndyr against the power of the Bloodstone. To do that it needed him alive. As soon as he had spoken his claim to Ljmarn's vacant throne and his sleeping sword, he had forfeited any right to recklessly risk his life, even to kill a traitor such as Kiathan.

  "Okay Malik," Jack nodded reluctantly. "See to it. But I will speak to the men before they depart."

  The group was taken aback by his swift agreement to General Gamrin's decision. Tarsus, who knew him best, was clearly the most surprised of all. Annawyn, smiling with relief, was clearly the most pleased.

  "What?" Jack shrugged. "Did you expect me to hold my breath and stomp my feet until I got my way? You're right. Though I would like nothing better than spilling Kiathan's blood myself, whether I do it, or Lukas, or some lucky privat
e who catches him off guard, dead is dead and justice is accomplished. But it will not happen with us sitting here no matter how much we talk. The twins say the ambushers should leave before nightfall to set our trap. Tarsus, ready the Galekindar. If you want to go with them, I won't argue with you. General, have Captain Khalmiya roust the Razorbacks and look for volunteers. Once assembled, our ambushers will ride as quickly as they are ready and make plans as they may. When they depart, the rest of us will ride hard, but we'll stay together. If we catch the Raashani without enough force to battle our way through to Kiathan, all we'll have done is waste lives, and Aralon will pay the price for our failure. And failure is not an option."

  "Not bad," Tarsus grinned. "Still needs a little work."

  "What?" Jack asked.

  "If that's the speech you're going to give to the ambushers," the Amarian explained. "I think it still needs a little work."

  "You worry about the ambush," Jack replied. "Let me worry about the speech."

  "Fair enough," Tarsus nodded. "But you better work quickly. The Galekindar will be ready to ride in fifteen minutes. Hey! Captain Aemaen!" he shouted, turning his mount. "Assemble the lads! There's going to be a magic show!"

  "Maadim and I will gather volunteers," General Malik nodded, then left in search of Captain Khalmiya.

  Jack watched Tarsus and General Gamrin move off to begin gathering the troops for the ambush with a heavy heart. He understood it wasn't...logical for him to take unnecessary risks, but it still galled him to be left behind while others risked their lives. They had not even gathered to depart yet and he was beginning to worry and fret. It was going to be a long, anxious ride to the Pass of Galhir.

  "I understand how you feel," Theros said, seeing his obvious distress. "Learning when to lead and when to trust others is a lesson we've all had to master. What Malik didn't tell you is it will never grow any easier. I won't tell you not to worry, Jack. If fact, I'd be...concerned if you did not. Here is the second lesson you must learn, High Prince. Do not to let worry cloud other decisions you must make."

  "It's a good plan," Duke Morgan added. "With a bit of luck, the Bowmaster will feather Kiathan and all we'll have to do is convince his Raashani further bloodshed is unnecessary."

  "That should be easy enough," Braedan laughed wryly.

  "Come, Jack," Anna said, holding out her hand to him. "I will help you with your speech. They will be fighting for Doridan after all. Come," she insisted, when he did not immediately obey her.

  Jack sighed and slide from his saddle, and the princess slid her arm into his. Strangely, he looked at Captain Einnael. Had her captain had words with him while she was gone? Obviously, she had! Whatever had passed between them would have to wait however. She could tell being asked…ordered even, to stay behind had not set well with him. She could also tell he knew it was necessary because of the greater purpose, the greater destiny, he served. Such was the burden he would carry until his destiny was fulfilled. Well, he would not have to carry it alone. Malik was right. Jack would need a strong woman at his side. He would need someone he could trust without reservation, someone who could give him strength when he faltered, and someone who...who could remind him there was still love even when the whole world seemed consumed with darkness and hate. As difficult as the path Jack Braedan must tread, Annawyn vowed he would never again be forced to travel it alone.

  The pair stood silent for several seconds, while all around them Galekindar, Razorbacks, and sorted other horsemen prepared themselves to depart under the direction of the two Ailfar Spellweaver's. Even as Jack watched, reveling at the touch of Anna's arm entwined with his own, two more Ailfar arrived at a gallop. It was the Princess Ailicia and her Spellweaver ward the Lady Ara’fael. Ailicia had looked joyous, while the Ailfar Spellweaver wore her customary scowl.

  Ara’fael went immediately to join Cilandrion and A’randrial, most likely to voice her objections to this endeavor, while Ailicia dismounted before them. She regarded Jack and Anna, arm in arm, with a glowing smile, obviously pleased the long, arduous quest of his heart had been realized.

  "I bring news from Immer palace," she said, her smile growing. "Thessa has delivered a son. She and the babe are well," she added. "Thonicil begs your leave to be excused from this...outing."

  "That's the best news I've heard all day," Jack laughed.

  "Indeed?" Annawyn inquired, but she was smiling as she asked and snuggled against him.

  "Second best," he corrected quickly, lifting her hand and kissing it. He looked quickly at Captain Einnael and she nodded her approval. The other Horsemaiden’s struggled to contain their smiles.

  "Where is Theros?" Ailicia asked. "I must tell him the Dragon Throne has another heir. I won't be long," the Ailfar maiden promised, then stepped close to Annawyn and whispered briefly in her ear.

  Jack couldn't hear what she said, but whatever it was it caused Anna to blush furiously. Seeing this, Ailicia laughed musically, then winked at Jack before moving off to inform the Dragon-slayer he was a grandfather.

  "Anna..." Jack began, but the Doridanian princess cut him off as if she could read his thoughts.

  "Never you mind what Ailicia said," she told him. "It was simply...girl talk."

  "Girl talk? You two?" Jack asked playfully.

  "And that surprises you?" the princess asked.

  "No. It just..."

  "Yes?" Anna smiled.

  "Never mind," Jack sighed. "Keep your secrets. You were going to help me with my speech?" He asked, changing the subject.

  "Whatever you say will be perfect, Beloved," Anna said, moving to slide her arms around his waist and look into his eyes. "I just wanted an excuse to be alone with you."

  "You said earlier we needed to talk?"

  "Our talk can wait," Anna replied, resting her head on his shoulder. "Right now, I just need you to hold me."

  "As you wish my princess," Jack whispered, and pulled her close. Even though they were both wearing Ithlemere plate, Braedan imagined he could feel Annawyn's heart beating in time with his own. He could feel Captain Einnael watching them like a hawk as well, but he didn’t care. He could have stood thus, Anna wrapped contentedly in his arms, the smell of her filling his head, until the end of days. But all too soon, Malik Gamrin appeared to interrupt his moment of peace.

  "The detail is formed and ready," the mercenary general said quietly.

  Jack sighed and reluctantly released the princess, then turned to find Eaudreuil and Annawyn's Val'anna waiting on either side of the Razorback's mounted commander. Behind the general rode Theros, Cilidon and several captains and knights.

  "Shall we see off the troops?" Jack asked, offering Annawyn his hand.

  Anna accepted his hand, gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, and then allowed him to help her mount. After a deep, calming breath, Jack put foot into stirrup and swung onto Eaudreuil's saddle. "Let's do this," he said to no one in particular, and guided Eaudreuil forward.

  Chapter Four

  Long Road South

  Tarsus, Captain Maadim Khalmiya, the three Ailfar Spellweaver's, Cilandrion, A’randrial, and the Lady Ara’fael, sat mounted at the front of the formed ranks. Tarsus, as uncrowned King of Amar, technically held the higher position of the group, but the Kadinar mercenary had been selected as war leader by General Gamrin. Though Jack trusted Tarsus with his life, Khalmiya held the confidence of the Razorback's commander, and that was good enough for him. Tarsus no doubt would offer suggestions when the situation warranted; he was an Amarian after all, but unless the Galekindar were needlessly endangered, Jack did not foresee a power struggle on the horizon from those two. Lady Ara’fael however, was another matter. She would likely try to assume command of the group the second they stepped into the Stream of Time. If that happened? Jack sighed deeply. His first lesson as High Prince, letting others fight for him at need, was going to be learned with much difficulty.

  Behind Maadim, Tarsus and the Ailfar, were two ranks, twenty abreast, of Raashan Razorbacks. Behind
them were four more ranks of Galekindar. The rest of his...volunteers...perhaps another hundred or so horsemen, were a mix of men from Immer, Caladin, and Doridan...then Jack spotted the familiar colors of his Golden Lions and his heart sank. Of course, his men would be here. Borg, Kirk, Cyran and the rest did not have Val'anna mounts. That was a shortcoming he vowed immediately to rectify if...when, he and the Lions made it to Doridan. They would never be separated from him again for a reason as easily remedied as the purchase of swift mounts! For an instant, Jack considered pulling them out of the ranks and buying Val'anna, if indeed any could be found in Immer, but there simply wasn't time.

  Bloody Hell! If they died in this ambush...

  "Great Prince," Khalmiya bowed, interrupting his dismay. "We await your command."

  The time had come. But he didn't know what to say to these men who were about to risk their lives on a plan born in haste and desperation. Then Annawyn was at his side. The warm smile she gave him, the confident way she sat in the saddle, every inch of her a Horsemaiden Princess, steeled his resolve.

  "Lady Ara’fael," Jack began, inclining his head to the Ailfar Spellweaver.

  Ara’fael gave a start at this honor, the first time Jack could ever recall her show surprise, and for some odd reason, this calmed him even more.

  "Soldiers of the Whesguard!" he began, his voice loud and strong enough for all to hear. "Some of you know me. Some have fought at my side. Some few of you have sworn oaths to me. Some, no doubt, are here only because of what you have seen, or dare to hope what you have heard is true! I am John Braedan of the House Bra'Adan. Of my claim to Ljmarn's Throne, Yhswyndyr will one day judge the quality of my blood! Of my testimony against the Duke of Raashan, let the quality of those who have placed their trust in me bear witness! Kiathan Ellgaer, once Swordmaster and a champion of the Whesguard, has sold his soul to the Sa’tan for the crown of Doridan! He has done murder and shed innocent blood for the promise of power which he will use only to enslave! Evidence of his treachery can be seen in the smoke rising above Immer and the blood soaking the field of the Haelfest!