by Alex Janaway
‘And how are you going to tell them?’
‘Town meeting. Tomorrow. You go right ahead and tell them the good news.’
‘As simple as that?’ Owen said, suspicion in his voice.
‘As simple as that. I’m not stepping in. You tell them the Emperor is back and see if they get on board with it.’
‘And you?’
‘I’ll go right along with whatever they want,’ she said reasonably; she could hardly not, could she? ‘You gotta realise, I’m a business woman now, all I want is to sit back in the middle of my vineyard and drink the profits.’
Owen stood. He eyed her suspiciously. ‘Tomorrow then?’
‘Yes. I’ll spread the word. We’ll pack them into the square. Let’s say midday.’
‘Very well. I’ll head back to the barracks.’
‘There’s a tavern, the Duke of Aberpool, you say I sent you and the drinks are on me.’
Owen made a face, like he was going to argue. Instead he nodded. ‘Thank you, but–’
‘But nothing. We’re not enemies, Owen. When was the last time you actually relaxed, in a real drinking establishment? Take your friends.’
Owen’s shoulders dropped, just a little. ‘Thank you.’ He opened the door and made his way out.
She waited for the footsteps to go, leaned back in her chair and put her feet up on the table. Issar walked in.
‘You get all that?’ she asked.
‘Uh huh.’
‘Want to get the word out?’
‘Suppose so,’ he muttered.
‘I know, it’s shit,’ she said.
‘It’s not good, Cade,’ he said as he retreated from the room.
No, it wasn’t good. And Owen had been right. They would listen to her. She just had to decide what the Hells she was going to do.
CHAPTER 39 – OWEN
‘That could have gone better,’ Owen announced, as he and Cadarn walked back towards the barracks.
‘I heard,’ replied Cadarn.
‘You did?’
‘Yes, General. I was just outside with the Erebeshi. You were quite vocal.’
Owen grimaced inside. ‘You don’t have to call me that.’
Cadarn flicked an eyebrow. ‘That is your rank now.’
‘Yes, I know. Everyone calls me that, they have for a while. But can we leave it when we are not in company?’
‘As you wish.’
Ahead of them the bridge came into view. There was some work going on. Some people were constructing a frame around it for a new gateway.
‘I don’t feel like it, you know,’ Owen said.
‘A general?’
‘Yes. I don’t know what that means. And it doesn’t sit right with me. You are supposed to earn it, move up through the ranks. Learning as you go. Like you did.’
‘Owen, you’ve been doing just that since the day Aberpool fell,’ Cadarn said, stopping briefly and turning to regard him. ‘You have more experience at fighting the enemy than anyone else here. You have decided strategy and led successfully.’ Cadarn smiled ruefully, a rare occurrence. ‘Rank sometimes comes from what you do, not just because of time served or privilege of birth. This isn’t like the old Empire, with its nepotism and politics. You have earned the right to be called General. And, trust me, that other thing that is going on in your head, that voice that is telling you that you shouldn’t be in charge, that you don’t know what you are doing?’
Owen nodded. He knew that voice.
‘We all have it. Every one of us. In time, you’ll learn to ignore it, because you are too busy getting on with the job.’
Owen rocked back on his heels. ‘Does it ever go away?’
‘Yes, with time, mostly. Believe me Owen, I would be more worried if you didn’t have that voice. That would make you overconfident, foolish and likely to get yourself and your command killed.’
Owen understood that. He never felt overconfident, but it worried him that perhaps he pushed his people too hard, asked too much of them. But it was the only way to get things done.
‘Owen, we have company,’ said Cadarn, pointing along the bridge. Two men were walking towards them, it was Saul and Killen.
‘Welcome back’ said Saul, grinning as he slapped Owen on the shoulder.
‘Thanks. Is everyone alright?’ he asked.
‘They are, considering. We almost had a repeat of Eagle’s Rest, but the lady in charge pulled a neat trick. Got to say, we were all relieved.’
Owen didn’t want to get on to that topic right now. He turned to Killen. ‘Major, may I introduce Leader Cadarn.’
The two men shook hands.
‘Good to have you home, Owen. Things were dicey for a moment. As you can see, we are still not taking any chances,’ he said, indicating the construction works.
‘Devlin told me a little of what happened,’ said Owen. ‘Do you think it is permanent?’
Killen shrugged.
‘Who knows, Owen. But our people need time. They’ve been through a lot,’ said Saul.
‘I know. Naimh, Jenni, are they about?’
‘They’ve got quarters on the island, our people are spread all over it. The Brevis folk have been kind.’
Owen nodded. Yes, and that made it harder. ‘I guess you’d like to know what’s happened up north. Things have changed.’
‘Indeed,’ said Killen. ‘The Emperor is back. Damn but what does that even mean for us?’
‘It means we all take orders again,’ said Cadarn simply.
Killen eyed him for a moment then ran a hand along his forked beard. ‘Aye, I suppose it does.’ He looked at Owen, ‘So what are your orders, General?’
Owen figured he had better get that particular manticore out in the open. ‘I’m thirsty. Let’s go find a drink. Either of you two know the Duke?’
Owen refilled his goblet from the water barrels stacked against the side of the barracks wall. He drank deep. Anything to get rid of the pounding head. ‘Oh Emperor,’ he muttered. When was he going to learn? The landlord at The Duke of Aberpool had been very generous with his wares, being that Cade pretty much owned the place. What was supposed to be a couple of drinks to discuss the coming weeks had turned into a backslapping session. As word got around that he was back, the Eagle’s Rest survivors had stopped by to welcome him home and share a drink. Ernan and Erskine showed up and immediately started to abuse the good graces of the bar. Even Naimh had given him a crushing hug before fixing him with a withering stare. And then a gaggle of Erebeshi had burst in and wanted to celebrate their General’s promotion to … General. He seemed to recall being carried home by Rashad and Sadad, but he couldn’t be sure. And now he had to tell the people of Brevis that their time of peace was over.
‘General.’
He looked up. Killen and Rashad stood to attention a few yards away. Both were wearing full armour. Behind them an honour guard of equally smart looking Erebeshi scouts stood ready. Owen looked at himself, he was dressed in his Rider’s leathers. Perhaps he needed to change up a little? No. This is good. This was who he was. A simple man with a simple mission. His people had never needed airs and graces. Nor did the survivors.
‘Major, Captain. Shall we go?’
‘After you, General,’ offered Killen.
Owen nodded stiffly and made for the bridge gate. The soldiers fell in behind him. Waiting at the gate was Cadarn.
‘Good Morning, General,’ he offered after a cursory look up and down.
‘Leader. Join me, please.’
‘Of course.’
A few guards watched their departure from the barracks but the bridge they had to themselves. The noise was surprisingly loud as they clomped across the wooden planks. Owen winced. ‘I feel terrible,’ he muttered.
At the sound of a snort he looked up. Cadarn was staring straight ahead, all poise and calm. He looked behind him. Killen and Rashad were both grinning.
‘Glad you chose your leathers,’ said Cadarn. ‘Sets the tone.’
‘Th
ank you.’
They reached the far side and found it empty of life. The construction work was left untended and no one walked on the road.
‘It’s quiet,’ Owen said, softly.
‘It won’t be soon,’ said Killen.
He was right. As they approached the town square, it was evident everyone had turned out, just as they had before. Though he wasn’t sure of his welcome this time. The crowd were watching him and, unbidden, parted to make a route though. He followed this channel and found it led to a small podium, just in front of the council chambers. As he marched towards it, he saw faces he knew, his Highlander kin, the Scotians. He even recognised a few of the locals. At the end of the path there was Naimh, frowning. Jenni was next to her looking determined. He nodded gently to them both and made for the steps in front of the podium. He climbed them and slowly turned around, taking in the scene. People peered out from the windows of the hall, from every building surrounding the square, and more had climbed on to rooftops, feet dangling. A sea of souls, all looking at him. Cadarn had taken a place by his right side and stood at parade rest. His honour guard had fanned out around the podium, though they parted to allow one of the council, the Plainsman Sent, to step up. That was telling. He scanned the front of the gathering, spotting many of the council members he had spoken to on his last visit. Where was she, where was Cade? He squinted as he looked for her, was she not coming? Wait. There. At the southern side of the square, a few wagons had been parked and figures stood on the beds to get a better view. At the front of one of those wagons a figure lounged with arms crossed. Owen felt his squint turn to a scowl. Fortunately Sent had taken a position in front of him and was already addressing the crowd.
‘And I know many of you have already heard the … news, it travels fast. But we have here the Eagle Rider Owen Derle who–’
‘General,’ Killen stated loudly from his place in front of the crowd, his arms tucked behind his back, rocking gently on his heels.
Sent stopped for a moment, gathering himself. ‘Ah. Yes. Our friend, General Derle, has come to share with us the tidings personally.’
He moved to one side giving Owen the floor. He stepped forward, took a moment and tried to smile at the expectant Tissans. Then thought better of it. Just say something, Owen. He took a breath.
‘My fellow Tissans. I never thought to address you in this way. To tell you what I have discovered. The Emperor, once Prince Tigh, has returned.’ He waited a few moments as a hiss of surprise, shock and consternation echoed across the square from those not already in the know. It would take a wee bit of time for that to sink in. ‘And he has brought with him a fleet of ships, bearing survivors and the promise of more to come. With me is Leader Cadarn, my old commander. He has been on an incredible adventure far to the west, but that is a tale for another time. He stands with me today as proof that the Emperor has not forgotten us. Has not given up on us. He is coming here.’
Another wave of chatter.
‘The Emperor has returned to reclaim and rebuild Tissan. But more than that, he comes to secure our future. To ensure our enemies never threaten us again.’
‘How’s he gonna do that then?’ shouted a voice from the crowd.
‘He giving himself up as a hostage?’ said another.
‘Is gonna whore himself to the elves?’ a female voice echoed from a window behind him, sparking a ripple of laughter.
Owen was rocked to hear the dissent. He needed them on his side. ‘No. He has a better plan. Because he is not coming alone …’ He paused for effect. ‘Our Emperor has forged an alliance. One none of us could have dreamed of. A race of warriors called the Nidhal, driven from these shores an age ago by the very same enemy who has tried to do the same to us. And, in the hundreds of years since that, they have grown strong.’
‘Are they human?’ someone asked. Clearly, they hadn’t picked up on his race comment.
‘No. Nor are they kin to elves or dwarves or ogres. A new race. Whose ways I would say resemble our Plainsfolk,’ he said, glancing at Sent. ‘What matters is, they are our allies. A thousand warriors strong and many of their mounts have come with the Emperor to seize a foothold. Meanwhile, back in the west, their entire nation is preparing to set sail.’
‘They mean to take our land?’ asked … who was that, he thought for a moment … Walsh?
‘This land was their home too, once. I would say there is plenty of room for all of us.’ He was keen to move things along, questions could come forever, but there was work to do. He reached inside his tunic and pulled out the seal. It hung off a leather strap tied around his neck, heavy, but safer that way. He held it high, allowed those at the front to study it and pass back its significance to those behind. ‘The Emperor is coming, and we must prepare for his arrival. He has charged me with those preparations and has appointed me General of all Tissan forces in the Riverlands and beyond.’ He paused a moment. This was it, the moment it might all go wrong. ‘I have heard of your bravery in facing down the dwarf army that had marched to your very walls. I wish I could have seen it. I wish I could have seen how, after everything, you refused to be cowed. But this is not over. Our greatest enemy has yet to reveal its hand. The elves of the Heartlands will know of our defiance. And soon they will learn that the Tissan Empire has not fallen, it has risen, AND IT WILL HAVE ITS REVENGE!’
His shout echoed across the square and faded into silence. He felt the sun on his head. Felt the sweat drip down his back. Then a cheer erupted from a window. It was joined by another from someone at the front. Another cheer from the rooftops to his right and a raised fist from somewhere in the middle of the gathering. And then it became too difficult to track as more and more men and women lent their voices to the shouting and arms reached for the sky. Owen stood and let it wash over him, watching the faces of those nearest. Jenni screaming loudly, there was Saul pumping both arms. All his people he could see were cheering, except Naimh. And of the Brevisfolk plenty were following. Though not all. Many arms were not held high, many faces remained stoic and grim. And at the back, upon the wagons, a few were animated. Most were not, especially one who sat with legs crossed and arms folded. That was not a surprise. But it was enough. As long as no one stood to oppose him.
Owen raised an arm to quieten the noise. ‘We will have our revenge. We will repay the suffering wreaked upon us tenfold. Our enemies must learn never to raise arms against us. Never again. I promise you. I will speak to your council and your military leaders to decide how best to ready ourselves for the coming conflict. Until then rejoice that the Emperor lives. Rejoice that Tissan rises!’ He lifted both arms and was rewarded by more cheering. He nodded and waved before beckoning to Sent.
‘A fine speech,’ the councilman said.
‘It was just the truth. Please ask your council to assemble tomorrow. We can start discussing the next steps.’
Sent raised an eyebrow but quickly bowed. ‘Of course.’
‘Thank you.’
Owen stepped down from the podium. Many of the crowd surged towards him, calling him ‘General,’ clapping his back, wishing him and his enterprise well. He felt a little overwhelmed but he tried to keep his smile up and appear gracious. Thankfully the Erebeshi pushed forward, creating a little space for him.
‘Come along, General,’ said Killen, grabbing his arm and steering him onwards. ‘Let’s get you back.’
Owen was happy to be guided. He was becoming lightheaded. He kept up the act, waving and thanking those surrounding him.
It wasn’t until they were halfway back to the bridge that the last of the well-wishers faded away.
‘That was a good speech!’ announced Captain Rashid brightly.
‘Very inspiring,’ agreed Killen.
‘Was it enough?’ asked Owen.
‘Do you think it won’t be?’ asked Cadarn.
Owen wasn’t sure. ‘I told you that not everyone supports the war. There were plenty there who weren’t cheering.’
Cadarn shook his head. ‘B
ut the Emperor has returned. He is coming. What are they going to do? Bar the gates?’
‘They just might,’ Owen replied. ‘I think I saw Cade. She wasn’t cheering. And there are plenty here who like what’s she’s about, what she’s done. They know her. Except for the Highlanders, nobody knows me.’
‘I like Cade. She has balls of steel,’ remarked Rashad.
‘She has big balls,’ agreed Killen. ‘Owen has the right of it, Cadarn. Her words have weight.’
‘And if she decides she doesn’t like the way of things?’ Cadarn ventured.
‘I don’t know, Cadarn, I really don’t.’ And it was true. If she declared against what Owen was doing, she was declaring against the Emperor. And that meant treason. In some eyes that meant blasphemy. ‘We’ll have to wait and see.’
CHAPTER 40 – CADE
‘Well, ain’t this a pickle?’ Cade said to her crew as they settled around the table in the villa’s kitchen. Anyon placed a tray of bread and cheeses while Issar fetched bottles and mugs. If it wasn’t for the cause of the gathering it might have been quite nice. A loud clumping noise announced the arrival of Krste and his obligatory crutch with Carlha just behind.
He waved with his free hand and took a spare seat. Carlha dumped two more wine bottles on the table.
‘Here you should try some of mine. See how wine should taste.’
‘As long as it tastes like wine,’ said Cade, reaching for one of them.
‘What’s a pickle?’ asked Evan. Cade shook her head, Soft lad.
‘She means the situation,’ said Devlin, breaking a piece of bread in two and placing some cheese in between. ‘The Empire and all that.’
‘Oh …’ Evan paused for a moment. ‘But that’s a good thing isn’t it?’
‘Depends on who you are,’ said Rula.
‘Depends on what they expect of us,’ said Issar.
‘Rules,’ grumped Anyon.
‘A war footing,’ Devlin sighed.
‘Laws,’ muttered Cade.
‘And there’ll be taxation. Don’t forget that,’ said Carlha, trying some of Cade’s home-grown wine and not quite hiding the face she made.
