by Brian Murray
He leapt onto the low wall and peered to the east. There was a massive camp to the east, which Rowet recognised instantly. A large central fire and all of the horses tethered to the north. Tents were to the south of the main fire and north of the horse pickets, with smaller fires surrounding them. The central fire was for cooking and warmth, whereas the outer smaller fires were to aid the guards in spotting any attackers. As usual, the horses were picketed between the Great Mountains and the central campfire—the Kharnacks.
Rowet knew the horses were positioned there in case of attack. Most of the Kharnacks’ enemies were away from the Great Mountains so it would be unlikely an attack would come from that direction. So, if attacked, the Kharnacks could flee home to the mountains.
The Chosen walked back to this room and called for Platos.
The Chosen’s Warlord and Master Armourer arrived shortly after the call with Danf in tow. The Chosen had dressed in cream leather leggings, a brown silk shirt, and deep brown moccasins. The three men walked to the Chosen’s private garden and the Chosen pointed to the east.
“Who?” asked Danf.
“Kharnacks,” hissed the Chosen, remembering their part in his fall from the throne. The Kharnacks had been tricked by the Darklord and marched with his Dark Brethren. They had defended the city whilst his son sat on the throne. Zane and his Rhaurns defeated fifteen thousand Kharnacks while the Chosen entered the city and recaptured his throne.
“What are the Kharnacks doing here?” asked Platos, cringing.
“I do not know, but they hold no allegiances with us. I can only think that they have come to aid the dark forces again.”
***
Zane woke and stretched his tired body. He saw Dax and Thade riding back to the camp from the east.
“Morning, Zane,” boomed Dax, smiling broadly.
“Why so happy?” asked Zane, rolling his shoulders to ease the stiffness.
“The Kharnacks have arrived,” announced Thade happily.
“The Kharnacks,” repeated Zane, his eyes wide in horror.
“Worry not, Zane,” said Dax, dismounting and walking up to Zane. He placed a hand on the young king’s shoulder. “Remember back at Thade’s home . . . ”
CHAPTER 20
RAYTH STEPPED FROM Maldino’s tent in the dawn light and smiled. He thought back to his journey with much comfort.
He was riding in the foothills of the Great Mountains when a storm hit. Lightning flashed brilliant white and thunder clapped. The rumble continued and Rayth looked over his shoulder. The innkeeper stopped his mountain pony. In the distance, Rayth could see a black shadow covering the land. The rumbling grew louder and louder and his pony turned on the spot. He leaned forward, patted the pony’s neck, and said soothing words to his mount. The ground started to rumble. Rayth turned his pony towards the sound, fear rising from his stomach. Suddenly, horses and ponies carrying warriors crested the hill and thundered around the Rhaurn. One of the horses pulled up and stopped in front of the former axe-wielder. On the horse sat a large man with war paint on his face and chest. The warrior had two swords strapped to his legs and a baldric with several throwing knives over his right shoulder. The man’s dark gaze held Rayth’s eyes.
Maldino grinned broadly. “Well met, Fire in the Storm.”
“Cloud Rider,” replied the Rhaurn, stunned as more and more riders galloped past him.
“Well, you didn’t think I would let you go alone. Did you?”
“What happened?” countered Rayth, also smiling.
“Well, when you rode off I walked back into the tent and threatened the other chieftains. I told them if they didn’t let their warriors ride with me to help my friends and defeat the one in black armour, then I would crush their clans. I let them stew over it for a while and when I returned, surprise, surprise, they were willing to send their warriors. And here I am.”
“You have done that?” said Rayth astonished.
“Of course. Like you said, Fire in the Storm, we must stand by our friends. If we do not, then what are we? Nothing, I tell you. Nothing.” Maldino boomed a rich laugh.
“Thank you, Cloud Rider,” said Rayth, bowing his head.
“Come, my friend, thank me later. I want to make sure we get to the fight before it’s all over. I haven’t dressed up like this for nothing. Anyway, today is a great day. Today, the Kharnacks are truly one. Today, we are one people. Long may it stay that way! Now, let’s go and help our friends.”
Rayth turned his pony and chased after Maldino, whooping as he rode down into the next valley.
***
Rayth had succeeded. Here he was at Kal-Pharina with twenty-plus thousand Kharnack warriors. He had not let his friends down. Maldino walked from the tent and looked at the white city. “Marvellous sight, hey,” said the chieftain with honest appreciation.
“Yes, it is.”
“Your first visit?” asked Maldino and Rayth just nodded. “You think it looks good from here, wait until you see inside.”
“You have been inside the city.”
“Yes. The priest who taught me to speak Rhaurien took me to see Teldor and here to Kal-Pharina. It’s a wonderfully beautiful place, but it does not match the mountains—too confined.”
“Nothing beats the sun rising over the mountains,” agreed Rayth.
“I’m sure you have some Kharnack blood in that body of yours.”
“You never know, my friend.”
Maldino chuckled and put his arm around his friend’s shoulder. “Come, let’s go and break our fast. No point fighting on an empty stomach.”
“Now that is more to my liking. Let’s eat.”
***
“So, Rayth has brought Maldino and the Kharnacks?” asked Zane, surprised.
“Yes,” replied Dax, smiling.
“There are about twenty thousand warriors with them.”
The crooked smile grew on Zane’s face as realisation struck the young king. “They’re allies, then?”
“Yes, they are here to help us defeat the Dark One,” replied Dax.
Zane whooped loudly and punched the air.
“I’m going to ride into their camp later,” said Dax. “Fancy coming?”
“You try and stop me. I will plant a wet kiss on Maldino’s lips,” replied Zane, beaming a smile.
“Now that is something I want to see,” replied Dax, joining in Zane’s excitement. “The only problem we have is that Rowet will not know they’re fighting on our side.”
“We can get around that problem.”
“How?” asked Dax.
Zane’s distinctive smile grew.
***
The Chosen woke during the night, his mind racing with a multitude of problems. He had the Dark One and the Dread to the west of the city and now the Kharnacks camped to the east. He swiftly got dressed and walked from the palace. Instead of going to the western mound, he made his way to the eastern mound. During the previous day, he had doubled the guards on the eastern mound.
He climbed the mound and looked out into the Kharnack camp. Fear knotted the Chosen’s stomach when he crested the mound. He had seen the sight before—when he was recapturing his city from his son. The Kharnacks were preparing for battle. They were putting on their white war paint and drinking a ritual brew called kashkar. Kashkar was a strong alcoholic drink heated with herbs that made it slightly hallucinogenic. The Chosen watched as the Kharnacks danced around the main fire in a mad frenzy. He walked along the mound to get a better view of the activity. Something caught his attention. He looked towards the central fire. To the east of the fire was a large tent. Outside the tent was a standard. The material flapped in the breeze. The Chosen swore softly and smiled to himself. It was the Rhaurien royal standard. It had been with his clansmen to the northeast of the city yesterday and now it was in the Kharnacks’ camp. A sign, a sign from Zane and Dax to tell him the Kharnacks were here to help. They were not enemies—today they were his allies.
The Chosen felt a weight l
ift from his soul. He laughed aloud and now looked at the ritual dancing in a new light.
***
Zane, Thade, and Dax made their way silently around the north of the city and rode to the Kharnack camp. Kharnack warriors intercepted the men and escorted the Rhaurns to Maldino’s tent.
“Well met, Violet Storm,” boomed the Kharnack chieftain.
“Well met, Cloud Rider. I see Fire in the Storm found you.”
“Yes, I did,” said Rayth, walking from the tent.
Zane and Dax dismounted from their horses and the friends embraced. “You didn’t think I would fail. Did you?”
“Of course not,” replied Dax, holding Rayth at arm’s length and studying his features. All looked intact, concluded the warrior.
Rayth stepped forward and put his arm around Zane’s shoulders. “Cloud Rider, this is King Zane of the Rhaurns. Zane, this is Maldino, chieftain of the Silverswords clan.”
“Well met, King Zane. I understand you’re to have this man as your . . . What are the words? Ah yes, father-in-law,” said Maldino, stepping forward and bowing.
Zane stepped forward returned the bow. “For my sins, yes. I thank you for coming to our aid. Your arrival is truly a pleasant and timely surprise. If there is anything I can do for you, please just ask.” Zane stretched out his hand and Maldino gripped it warrior-style at the wrist. This was the first meeting between a major Kharnack chieftain and a Rhaurien king.
“Well, let’s just defeat those beasts and then we can talk. Now enough standing here, come and let me introduce you to Kharnack hospitality.”
“One moment, Maldino. Do you have a long spear?”
“Of course, what for?” asked Maldino.
“The Chosen will not know you have come to his aid,” said Dax seriously. “This is Zane’s banner and the Chosen should recognise it. He will then know you come to help rather than hinder.”
Maldino called Chahar. The champion took the banner and placed it next to the Silverswords clan’s own standard.
Inside the tent, the men were offered drinks and food. “So Zane, these men speak very highly of you.”
“That’s because I have them to guide me,” replied Zane humbly. “To be a good pupil, one must surround oneself with excellent teachers. I’ve had that honour. My teachers are the best of men and my friends.”
“But it takes an exceptional man to know his weaknesses and to want to learn. You’ve thwarted my brethren twice, but that’s in the past. I look towards the future. As far as I’m concerned, the past is dead.”
“Past indiscretions should be not forgotten but at least forgiven,” replied Zane.
“A wise head on such young shoulders. Indeed, you have learned from wise men. I understand your father was a fair man and a great leader. I have spoken to my brethren who were here at Kal-Pharina. They assure me that no Kharnack had anything to do with that crime,” said Maldino, watching Zane’s reaction, looking into his stormy-grey eyes. He saw hurt, then the young king regained his composure and smiled. Maldino almost laughed at the young man’s crooked smile.
“I hear your words and assure you there’s no blood feud between us. When this little problem has been resolved, we will sit and talk of trade and peace.”
“That would be most welcomed. Let’s drink to the future. It may only be a day, but at this moment the three nations fight together and that is something to drink to.”
“Well, if we’re to drink to our three nations, then let’s share our drink with our friends in the city,” said Thade, smiling.
“Yes, why not,” answered Maldino, rising smoothly.
The four men walked from the camp towards the moat surrounding the city with several hundred guards around them.
***
The Chosen stared as hundreds of warriors walked towards the moat, many carrying torches. This move confused him, and he watched intently. Something caught the Chosen’s eye and he smiled. Three of the men walking with the Kharnack warriors were wearing armour. The Chosen walked to the edge of the mound when the party reached the moat.
“Well met, Rowet,” bellowed Dax, stretching his arms out wide.
“Is that you Dax, you old rogue?”
“Yes, it is I. I’m here with Zane, Thade, Rayth, and Maldino who is a Kharnack chieftain.”
“I welcome you all to my city. Unfortunately, I cannot open my gates and welcome you properly. However, I thank you all for coming to my people’s aid.”
“We have come to toast the joining of our three nations,” shouted Dax.
Rowet turned and called one of his guards to bring him a drink. The guard returned with a goblet of water.
The Chosen raised his goblet to the air. “TO VICTORY!” he bellowed. He watched his friends lift their drinks.
“VICTORY!” chorused the friends in reply.
“We will see you soon,” shouted Dax.
“I look forward to hosting a feast in all your honour.”
“I will hold you to that, Rowet.”
The friends raised their glasses again and walked back to the Kharnacks’ camp. Rowet walked from the mound, his heart full of joy. He mounted his horse and headed back to his palace. He entered the palace and walked to his private chambers with several Imperial Guards in tow. The emperor had a new spring in his step and a smirk on his face. He walked past his daughter’s room and paused. He heard sobbing from the room. He knocked on the door and entered. The moonlight flooded into the room bathing it in silver.
“Ireen, what is the matter, child?”
“I saw the Kharnacks, Father. There are thousands of the barbarians.”
“Aye, there are,” said Rowet, softly sitting on his daughter’s bed and wiping the tears from her cheeks.
“Why are you so happy, Father? We cannot win with them fighting with the Dark One.”
“Who said they were fighting on his side?”
“But . . . ”
“Do not worry yourself, child. Guess who I have just seen?”
“Who?” asked Ireen, wiping her eyes and sitting up.
“Thade.”
“Thade is here? Truly?” she asked, jumping to her feet.
“Truly,” answered Rowet, now seeing new tears—tears of joy—rolling down her smooth cheeks. She sat up and hugged her father.
“I knew he would come, Father. I just knew it.”
“Aye, he is here. The Rhaurns are here. The Kharnacks are here. The three nations have united.”
“It’s a great day,” she replied, lying back down.
“Yes Ireen, a great day. Sleep now.” Rowet leaned forward, kissed his daughter on the forehead, then tucked her in like he had done when she was a child years earlier. Rowet left the room, clicking the door quietly shut. “Yes, it is a great day,” whispered the Chosen, walking to his room.
***
The three companions made their way silently from the Kharnacks’ camp. They had discussed battle plans with Rayth and Maldino. Agreeing on the Kharnacks’ role, Zane, Thade, and Dax left to discuss plans with Urkin. The men were now ready. They were ready to take the fight to the Dark One and his Dread.
CHAPTER 21
MESSAGES WERE SENT around the camps, notifying them the Kharnacks were allies. Urkin was one of those mystified by this revelation. The general had been stationed at the northern borders and had many skirmishes with the mountain people. He had been brought up to hate both the Phadrine and the Kharnacks. Now in the space of a couple of months his world had been turned upside down—they were all allies. He sat in his tent looking over maps of the region, still not believing it. He sighed and planned the Rhaurns’ campaign—he corrected himself—the three nations’ campaign. King Zane and Dax had left the planning to him. They had entrusted the general with a lot of responsibility and he was beginning to feel the pressure. But Urkin was a professional soldier. He had written home to his family and told them of his promotion. He eagerly wanted to go home, to see his family and tell them they were moving to Teldor. He had not said s
o in his letter; he would rather tell his wife face to face and see her delight.
The general finished planning and lifted his cloak. Looping the oiled material over his shoulders, the man stepped out of his tent. He had not completed a night inspection of the camp and decided tonight would be the night. He summoned the watch captain to him and the two walked around the compound. There was very little wrong with the camp, but Urkin noticed one or two points that were in breach of procedure and pointed them out. After an hour, Urkin returned to his tent satisfied. The general undressed and fell asleep as soon as his head hit his pillow.
***
At dawn the men were ready. To the west the heavy cavalrymen waited with the light cavalry behind and archers bringing up the rear. To the south the Royal Lancers waited with more archers behind. To the northwest the clansmen waited with the three companions, Zane, Thade, and Dax. The Kharnacks lurked around the city, waiting to attack. Urkin stood on a hilltop overlooking the battlefield, with his messengers waiting. In the shallow valley, the Dread stirred themselves into position. The masses of Talon Hunters and Shadows stalked about hissing and howling, waiting for the men to attack. Behind the ranks of Talon Hunters and Shadows the mounted Caynians waited.
Urkin looked up at the sky. It was pale blue with fluffy clouds gliding in from the south. No bad weather would arrive today. He looked down at the battlefield. The grass had been churned and only small clumps of green remained. He looked to his left. The clansmen were ready. He looked to his right—the cavalries were ready. He nodded and turned to his messengers. “Heavy cavalry, please.”
The red flag was lowered and the heavy cavalry moved off, thundering down the western slope.
“Clansmen please.”
The violet flag was lowered. The clansmen roared and charged their ponies down the slope, veering to the east. Urkin watched the beasts shuffle about as the horsemen charged.
