A/N: Don't I know it? I'll admit it. Alas, I have been gone forever. Hope this makes up for it.
Last time I updated, I updated two chapters (Landed Fate and The Spirit Guard). My chapter before that was Tears of Many. Many of you didn't realize I had updated twice and went from Chapter 13 to Chapter 15, skipping 14 by accident. I got many reviews saying they were totally lost. To clear up any confusion, go back and read chapter 14. I'm sorry if it confused you in any way. I am also not posting poll results until the next chapter because those who didn't read chapter fourteen have not had a chance to vote. For the poll question, read the A/N at the end of Chapter 14.
~ Karr
Suggestion: I highly suggest you use the maps in Lady Knight to guide you through the second half of this chapter. It will give you a better perception of where any and all attacks are happening on the Scanra border and where Kel and Company are located, and where Rathhausak and Blayce will confront her.
~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~
Chapter 16: Word of Blayce
It was dark – too dark. It was death.
The small, bald man grinned. The short, well dressed man looked oddly familiar. His hair was blonde, thin, and balding. His teeth were white and his skin was worn. His eyes were cold, dark, and blank – they were nothing. He was the Nothing Man. The view of the man grew and he was in a room with children. Small – innocent – helpless children. He pointed to a young boy, merely four, and had his two guards grab him and his sister, who was barely eleven. "They will do."
His name was Blayce. And he was a killer.
The guards exchanged grins and pulled the two terrified children apart. They screamed as the two guards struggled to pull them from each other. The children clung unto each other for dear life, knowing they were leaving each other forever. They continued to struggle, but the guards prevailed in separating them. "Cedric!" Cried the young girl, struggling with all her strength. The boy stared sobbing as he was pulled nearer Blayce. "Libby! No, don't go! Libby! Libby! I love you! Let her go!" He cried, resisting the guard as he was brought near Blayce.
"Be quiet child!" He growled at the boy, Cedric. "You will not be harmed." The boy continued to resist his guard, wanting his sister.
His sister knew her fate and her struggle slowed. She looked at Cedric with love. Her voice cracking as she was dragged away. "I love you. Close your eyes Cedric. You'll be fine. I love you. Katie will take care of you."
The little boy nodded. "I love you too, Libby. You can't go – Libby." He cried and wailed and struggled.
The young girl was pulled over to a large steel table and was strapped to it. To her left, there was a mage dressed in red garbs. He smiled at the girl maliciously.
"Touching." Blayce yelled with a laugh. "See what happens when little boys and girls try to leave Uncle Blayce? When you try to run away, your family dies!" He grinned at the young boys sob.
"Don't listen to him, love. I love you. You'll be fine. You'll be fine. I promise." Libby looked around at the other children. A girl around nine looked at her and nodded, small tears rolling down her cheeks. "Take care of him, Katie." She said quietly.
A large, dark, machine slumped at the side of the mage. The thing was huge – and deadly. It was about to be awoken. The girl closed her eyes tightly, opened them and took one more look at her brother. "Love you."
The mage readied his magic. She would die. Before he had a chance to call up his magic, the girl began to glow with pale light. His eyes widened.
Within moments, her eyes glowed a bright silver and the mage cried out in rage. Her head turned to Blayce. "She will not fail me – or my brother – or the children – or her country. She is coming. You will die." Said a voice entirely different from Libby's childish one.
Blayce growled and fear filled his eyes. "Kill her."
The mage cast a deep blood glow around the girl and the monstrous machine. The girl jerked and…
~*~*~*~
The room was gone. The darkness of death was gone. All was white. A beautiful women sat, a crown upon her head, smiling. Her smile faded and she began to cry silently. "Only you can chose, my chosen. Do not fail me." A single tear streamed down the lovely woman's face. She held out her hand and waited patiently for it to fall. When it did, it changed…into a ruby – still shaped in a tear. Her hand grasped it tightly. When she opened her hand, a gold chain appeared, attached to the beautifully shaped ruby.
~*~*~*~
The woman was gone and an eagle the size of a griffon sat, almost smiling. His eyes glowed silver, like the woman's had. Rhys. That was his name. The guardian.
He nodded towards someone and his eyes sparkled. The ruby the women had held was now around his neck, ruffled in white feathers. He turned away and flew into the white beyond. He soared higher and higher until out of sight….
~*~*~*~
They eagle was gone and there sat Cleon, Faleron, Seaver, and Kel's brother, Anders.
Death was back.
Maggur walked out of a nearby door. "Welcome gentlemen." He said with a grin. "Please, be at home."
Suddenly, the four men were tied and gagged, trapped by Maggur. His laugh was evil. Pulling out a knife, he counted the four men. His eyes landed on Cleon. "You look like you will make a good example. I am king now and I am -- god." A guard walked up behind Cleon and pulled his head back. "Meet my friend -- death." Maggur pulled his knife back and slit Cleon's throat…
~**~
"No!" Kel screamed, sitting up wildly. 'God's no…God's no… Where?? Why?' Kel panicked, her eyes a blur. Someone was in this with her.
"Kel! Kel! What – what's the matter?" Spoke a worried voice. A lantern was lit and sat on her bed. On her bed. She was in bed. A wisp of relief over took her suddenly. It was just a nightmare. 'Too real for my liking." She thought.
The voice belonged to Dom. "Kel?" He asked again, taking her hand in his.
"I—I'm sorry. I just had a nightmare about the – the --." Realizing she couldn't talk about her ordeal at all, she shook her head. " –never mind. I'm sorry for waking you."
Dom smiled. "That's alright. I – I was already up."
The nightmare out of her mind, Kel smiled in surprise. "Why up so early? I'm not even up this early---."
"Exactly. I – I have a surprise for you." He smiled. Kel melted.
Kel got up and got dressed hurriedly, for the floor was cold, and followed Dom to wear he stood. He sat there with a small smile on his face.
She grinned. "What?" She asked with a laugh.
He shrugged and pulled something out from his pocket and placed it in Kel's open palm. "It's a gift. I had it made. I wasn't sure if you'd like it – but if you don't--."
It was a ring. A ruby stoned ring encased by gold lining with a silver base. "I love it." Kel said in awe.
Dom smiled in relief. "It's not just any ring. I had it made so that when you wear it and wish to remember a memory, you'll be standing in the same place the memory happened. You'll even see yourself or whoever there by you."
Kel looked at Dom. "You didn't have to do this."
"No, I didn't have to, but I wanted too. Kel, you're the greatest thing that's ever happened to me. You're wonderful, and I love you more than anything and will love you more than anything till the day I die."
Kel could hardly look at him. "I love you, Dom. You're – my match."
Dom reached down and gave her a gentle kiss, which she returned. Dom put the ring on a silver chain and placed it on the hollow of her neck. "For now, keep it hear." He guided gently. Then he laughed and gave a large cheerful smile at Kel. He was blushing.
Kel laughed. 'I have certainly received my share of gifts in the past while.'
"Aren't you going to try it out?" He asked eagerly.
Kel nodded. ' A memory. Think of a memory. What do I want to remember? ' Kel concentrated for a moment before deciding. She smiled. "Can you come with me?" She asked, Dom.
He nodded. "Just have to give me your hand."
She did. Kel grasped it tightly as she thought of a memory that seemed so long ago. She wanted to be a page on probation on more time.
She and Dom were in the page's hall pf the palace, outside where she had once lived. She smiled. She saw herself, small, only ten, standing there awaiting to be assigned a sponsor.
She saw Neal, Cleon, Faleron, and Merric. To her surprise, she saw Joren. She had forgotten about him….
"I know I only joined this little band in April, your lordship, but I have lived at court almost all of my fifteen years. I know the palace and it's ways. And unlike Joren, I need not worry about my academics." Neal said to Wyldon. The younger Kel looked at him as if he were insane.
Dom was having a laughing fit already. Wyldon went on to chastise Neal with three weeks of scrubbing pots and finally Neal was assigned as Kel's sponsor. Kel smiled. She did miss those days. They seemed much more simpler than they did now.
Younger Neal and younger Kel walked down the halls as he showed her which ways to go. Neal had said something about how she wouldn't have wanted Joren as a sponsor, for he would have driven her out before her leave.
Kel stopped following him.
"Why do you care if I last a week or longer? Queenscove is a ducal house. Mindelan's just a barony, and a new one at that. Nobody cares about Mindelan. We aren't related and our fathers aren't friends. So who am I to you?"
Neal starred at her. "Direct little thing aren't you?"
Their conversation continued, but was cut short when a loud knock came into play, along with Cleon's voice. 'What in gods name?' She asked herself, not remembering Cleon having any part in this particular memory.
"Take off the ring, Kel. Someone's at the door, back at our rooms." Dom said. Kel did as asked. She was suddenly back in their room, standing exactly where she had left.
"Kel? Are you up yet? Meeting!" He yelled. He knocked again.
"I'm coming you feeble minded beast! I was trying something out!" She yelled at him as she opened the door, already dressed and ready. Dom stood a few strides behind Kel.
Maggur pulled his knife back and slit his… Kel shook her head. 'It was a dream, damn it.' Kel grimaced.
Cleon smiled at Kel, not noticing her forbidding look. Once seeing Dom, he blushed slightly and smiled at him. Kel looked from Cleon to Dom. They too,
examined each other. "Well, um Kel, I guess you have been trying something new." Seeing her blush a deep scarlet, he grinned boyishly. "Or maybe I'm mistaken. Maybe you've been trying someone new becau--."
Dom looked at him. "You gave her up, Kennan. You know Third Company. We take a chance when we get one." He grinned.
"Not another word." Kel growled, still blushing. 'Is this a new game everyone's playing lately? Having fun at the commander's expense? Isn't there some written law against this?'
Dom smiled. Cleon shrugged. "Whatever you say, O Pearl of my Heart." He said playfully.
Kel through up her hands in defeat. "Dear God, were back to name calling. Pearl Of my Heart? The last time you called me that was when you said you were a mere boy!"
Cleon was tickled pink. Batting his lashes, he commented. "There's a little boy inside us all."
Dom laughed. Kel smiled, pushing Cleon softly out of the way. "Go see a healer."
~**~**~**~
Kel, Dom, and Cleon arrived at the meeting shortly before the rest. Alanna, Buri, Daine, Evin, Laszlo, Neal, and Landon came moments after the trio's arrival. They each welcomed each other before beginning the morning's meeting.
When Kel saw Alanna, she smiled timidly, and then sighed. It was hard to think of the letter the King had included. It was so strange, but so familiar, as if she had heard it before. 'They were mistaken.' She told herself for the hundredth time. 'I'm not a – a chosen.' Every time she tried to convince herself that the Countess and Her Guardian were meant for someone else, she came up undecided. She knew she couldn't have been chosen…but then - It was hard to tell. It scared her.
Kel, lost in thought, came upon her dream again and shuddered. ' – What about that women and that beautiful bird…no…they couldn't be…could they? When did life go from being simple to being complicated?' She sighed.
She didn't have a chance to pursue the thought, for the meeting began once everyone was seated. 'Later.' She told herself.
Kel nodded to Alanna who stood. "Well, this is about the happiest I've seen everyone since, well – Neal's introduction to Taryn."
That roused a laugh. Kel smiled. 'That had been funny. Less than a month ago and it feels like a century. Grand.'
Neal was blushing a deep crimson.
Alanna spoke. "We have some important information to discuss with you since we have the convenience. Before we start however, I need two more to join this group. Cleon, would you play messenger and find Aura and Taryn. They need to hear this."
Cleon sighed with a shake of his head. " If I knew this was how my life was going to run, I would have ---." Seeing Alanna grin mischievously, he changed his words. "—Got right to the job I intended to do for her Lioness."
Kel smiled as Cleon walked out.
"Why do they need to be hear?" Whined Neal, still unable to be friends with either of the two in question.
"Because – they are essential." Kel said simply. Neal, Laszlo, and Landon gave quizzical gestures.
Daine sighed. "We need their gifts and talents. They have talents many of us don't and we need them for it. I know their young, but they are smart." She smiled roguishly. "Besides, if all else fails, they can control Neal."
That roused a laugh. Neal blushed again. 'Poor Neal – always being the reason of the laugh.'
Within moments, Cleon was back, accompanied by Aura and Taryn. In suite behind Taryn followed her killers, Lairv and Kanha, and the two gigantic cats, Bronzl and Paeci. A small laughter filled the room.
"Takes after you, ehh?" Neal said with a snort, commenting to Kel.
Kel frowned. Not that Neal's comment bothered her, but she hadn't had time with Jump in ages. She had, of course, left the sparrows at home. It was breeding season, and their numbers in their flock had dwindled slightly. They needed to be home for this particular adventure. Hoshi and Peachblossom were around, but being so hectic around the company, she hadn't spent time with them or even visited them while aboard the ship. She flushed, ashamed. 'I should take better care of them.' She scolded herself.
No one seemed to notice except Daine. She was sitting directly across from Kel, and during the short break on conversation, told Kel she had looked after them and that they didn't mind her lack of attention. Kel smiled relieved. As if by clockwork, Jump arrived, wagging his tail happily. He joined in by Keladry's side. Smiling, she gave him a good itch behind the ears. His tail waged on.
"Good boy. You deserve a lifetime of meat when we get home." She smiled sadly. 'He's getting too old for this. He needs to relax and have a family.' She thought. His movements were slower and he tired easily.
Kanha barked at Jump, telling him to come visit her and her mom. Jump looked up at Kel pleadingly. Kel nodded and he walked off – slowly. 'Well, maybe he's already found one.' She considered thoughtfully. She sighed. 'He shouldn't be here.'
"Settle down, you animals." Alanna voiced, smiling at them as they quieted. "Is this a menagerie?" She asked with a laugh.
"Yup. Neal's the main attraction." Cried Taryn.
Neal blushed while everyone else laughed.
"At least I'm old enough not to need a keeper." He replied indignantly.
Taryn growled. About to say more, Taryn was quieted with a shake of the head from Keladry. Bronzl and Paeci decided to move forward and place themselves on either side of Neal. Taryn grunted. Neal glared.
The room quieted once again, this time for Kel to speak. She stood. "Friends -- are time for joking is short. The war will be upon us soon and we have been ordered." The word felt sour on her tongue. Ordered. It wouldn't have seemed odd, except now – they were on their own.
Confused chatter sprang through the room. Buri cleared her throat loudly, signaling Landon and Neal to quiet down. They did.
"I have received a letter from the King as you know. However, we are again at his service. The countries did not back down as they stated. His majesty and his advisors smell foul play." The room went quiet. Kel wanted their opinion and did not continue.
Alanna shook with anger. "Just because he's King, he has no right to treat us fairly now." Others agreed, including Kel. "When it fits him, he can turn us away and then call on us when he's desperate."
"Don't be to hard on him ---." Started Daine, but was politely cut off by Aura.
"I'm sorry to interrupt and I've no idea why I am here in a meeting with important people, but I'm giving my opinion." She said bluntly. Daine nodded.
Aura continued. "You're right. He has no right to treat us like this. As King, he should have more rights than us all, but this – this is not one of them." She said sternly. She added with a smirk. " However, we also broke our vows to him. May I remind you that our vows to our King are not the reason we set out on this journey? We set out because we were needed. Not because we were enraged with our King and not because he didn't want us to go. We just refused to forget our vow to the people."
The room was quiet.
"She's right." Said Keladry. "I couldn't have said it better." Aura blushed.
"Yes."
"Exactly."
"Correct."
"Anything else you might want to add to this concept, Aura?" Keladry asked kindly. This was why Aura was here. She was a scholar when it came to persuasion.
"If I may?" Aura asked. Kel gave permission at once, and she began again. "I say we go about this smoothly. We should send a letter back with messenger boy." She pointed to Cleon, who snorted. " We should send a letter acknowledging him and thanking him, but we shall not apologize. We aren't remorseful for our actions. We shall agree to help the border, only because of our vow to the people, not because he asked. We shall not forgive him yet. We should also – I regret to say – turn down all unnecessary help from the crown. We don't want pity from him. He should know that we set out without his help and can finish our mission without it as well. He shouldn't feel any responsibility for our actions – for they are our own and not his. If we are successful, he will know that our victory was a people's victory and not a Kings."
Neal whistled. "I favor it."
"Me too."
"Same here."
Kel smiled. Aura blushed once more.
"Thank Taryn. Miss Scanra Ghost taught me how to get people thinking the way I wanted them to think." Aura said. Taryn winked.
"Nope. I just gave you a few hints. I have a temper. You're the collected one. I'd just as soon ignore his letter. You know how to handle this – I don't."
Kel smiled at the two girls. They too, returned them.
Neal could hardly breathe. He was turning awkward shades of purple. "You—You—are the ghost? The terrorizing demon that stole from the Royals of Scanra? The one they have songs about? The one they tell the naughty children about?"
Taryn smiled. "I was the ghost, yes. That was when I was just learning the trade, however. They have songs about me? Good Mithros." She said with a shake of the head.
"What is this country turning into?" Neal asked with a shake of his head.
Evin had an answer. "A women's rule."
The men nodded in agreement. The women – laughed.
"It's always been a women's rule." Daine said with a smile.
"I agree with, Aura. I like her approach. All in favor?" Kel asked.
Every hand went up. "Settled then?" Asked Buri.
Kel thought for a moment – and then shook her head. Buri smiled.
"Keladry?"
It was Daine. "Yes?"
"I wanted to discuss the issue of why Taryn and Aura are present – may I address it?" She asked vigilantly.
Kel grinned. "Of course."
"As many of you know, Taryn has a rare gift called mage thought. She has not been trained in its ways, for it was just recently uncovered. Starting tonight however, Aura and I will begin teaching Taryn the control she will need to use her skills in combat."
The room was silent for a moment. "How can her gift be helpful? " Evin asked thoughtfully, breaking the silence.
Daine looked at Kel to answer. "When Taryn learns to control her gift, she will be able to speak with anyone she wishes through thought. Her gift is rare and is called a sharing gift. This means that if you possess any trace of any gift, you will be able to mind speak to her as well. This will be useful. We will be able to communicate through her when in battle. She will be our map."
Someone whistled.
"Why is Aura needed then?"
Kel continued. " Aura has a gift similar to Daine's. She has a wild magic known as Earth Touch. This is also rare, as is all wild magic. As it is newly discovered, not all wild magic is connected with animals. Aura cannot communicate with animals. She communicates with the earth. Unlike Daine's gift, Aura's is a sharing gift. She can't share her power with others, but they can share it with her."
"You mean she can take another's magical energy and use it?" Neal asked grimly.
Aura grimaced. She didn't like her gift's way of working.
Keladry glared at Neal. He was making Aura feel guilty. "If she means to – yes. She will convert their magic and make it her own. She doesn't have to if she doesn't wish to, however. This means she can drain energy off enemy mages, leaving them defenseless. She can then use their magic before having to call on her own. With enemies around, she wont drain her own energy, leaving her a threat to Scanra for a much longer time than normal mages."
"She is useful to us, then." Landon said. It was a statement, not a question.
Alanna nodded. "Very."
"How does your gift work?" Dom asked Aura thoughtfully.
"I use the elements of weather. I can make it rain, snow, and sleet. If I need to I can strike lighting on the enemy."
Neal's eyes widened. "You have that much power?"
Aura smiled sadly. "Yes, but I tire very easily and cant hold it for long. That's why I need the power of others. I've only called lighting once and I slept for two days. If I take power, which I've never really done, I could last much longer. But that what I've been told." She shrugged.
Neal glanced away.
"Why does Aura need to help Daine in Taryn's teaching of control?" Laszlo asked curiously.
"Simply because they both have sharing gifts. Aura will be able to relate." Daine said in return.
He shrugged and fell silent.
Kel gathered herself. With a sigh she spoke. "Under these conditions, measures, and circumstances, I believe we have accomplished far more than any of us thought we had a chance to. Things have gone quite astray from our original plans and our border mission is the center of the war. The King confirmed this in his letter. We are on our own. Let the gods be with us, for this will be an uphill battle. We haven't much time. Our next and final stop before we meet the border will be my home, fief Mindelan. From what I know, they haven't a clue that we are coming."
Kel smiled at everyone. "Get some rest, eat well, and laugh a little. We leave tomorrow afternoon." Kel thought for a moment before adding. " Anyone who normally has duties tonight and tomorrow will spend at least an hour of their time tonight either preparing food for our troops, cleaning, or repairing parts of this inn. They are feeding and holding us here with very much less than they deserve. Not all of our troops were inside residents last night. This is a large inn, but it cannot hope to hold us all. Those of us who slept inside last night will sleep outside tonight. Don't grunt at me Neal. I also hope that all of you who see young Kenta give her your gratitude. That girl is the reason you had an actual meal last night and a place to sleep."
Kenta was the eleven-year-old daughter of the owner. Without her, her father would never had allowed them to stay, for he was afraid of an attack on the only place they had left. She persuaded him and rode all night (much to her fathers dismay – for he had never liked his daughter riding much, least of all by herself through the night.) to the nearest town. She told them of the crown's need. With no more than a her word that the would get paid for their services, wagons of food were delivered overnight, enough for the company to eat well enough for the next three days.
Since Kel's company had no wagons, Kel was grateful for the meal. Everything they carried was on their horse and their spare ride. They had to hunt every night for anything other than the rice, bread, water, and green tea they were given regularly. (Captain Nyk Elyaa had given them a gracious amount of the green tea, which many had grown to need if they hoped to sleep.)
The meeting became small chat until Kel finally dismissed the party. Neal went with a grumble. "I have no bed tonight, I have to clean, and your giving me lessons on manners? Kel, you amaze me."
"Well you certainly are cranky. I'll tell you what. Since you have been the center of so many jokes lately, you can stay in my rooms with a few others who are camping indoors." Kel said with a grin.
Neal looked at her cautiously. "Who else is camping indoors?"
"I'm outside with Dom tonight, but my room is being taken by Taryn and Aura and a few of the other younger Riders. They're having some cards games and some girly gossip. I'm sure you'd fit right in." Kel said with a laugh.
Neal glared at her. "I'd rather be ran over by an eleph – wait – they're playing cards, ehh? Hmm, maybe I will stop by…"
He wandered off in thought while Kel shook her head and waited for Dom to exit. Jump followed behind him. Kel frowned. Jumps tail was between his legs as he walked closer to her.
Kel kneeled down to scratch his ear and he gave a dog sigh. "Why don't you go find Kanha and her mom, Lairv? I bet they'd like to see you, boy." His ears perked up and Kel nodded. He licked her face and walked off slowly.
Kel smiled sadly. "He's not my comrade anymore. He's found a family."
Dom smiled down at her and grasped her hand. "He'll be there for you, you know that. You know what I think?"
Kel shook her head.
"I think he knows you're happy. I think he thinks you found a family and aren't young Kel anymore. You have all of us and he has them. You're both growing up."
Kel smiled. He was right, as usual. "Why do you always have to make sense?"
"Because nobody else around her recognizes sense unless someone else points it out."
She smiled and pushed him playfully. "I'm up for lunch, how about you?"
He laughed. "Now that makes sense."
~**~
"Dammit, Renshaw! This should be done! Finished! We have been taking Northwatch since early December! Had I not been ordered by the idiot commander, you and the rest of your lot would be used as targets for crossbow practice!"
Renshaw coward. "Milord Hamar, we had no warning of the reinforcements. Commander Leopold gave us specific instructions to hold down night watches to one third of the normal patrols, leaving fewer men for the night watch. Sir, we had to space out for confrontations up the Anak's Eyrie. Sir, Commander Leopold left us less than five squads to watch over Northwatch, with an extra three squads watching over the Eyrie, sire. My men watched from dusk to the dawn, sire, for we had no shifts due to lack of men! My men had no choice. The place had gapes large enough to move an army through, sir. I'm shamed to find that our soldiers could not manage to raise an alarm when the Tortallans moved, sire. Bring them no harm – it was a mistake." Renshaw couldn't bring himself to look at General Hamar.
Hamar swore loudly. "Aye, your troops shall not be punished, and neither shall you. That foolish screw of a commander will bring ruin to this nation – damn him – why Rathhausak Thy Overlord allows him to have such a position only he knows. Do you know what your men are being put use to?"
Renshaw nodded. Relieved at not being punished, Renshaw had the courage to look at his superior. "He was using them for the exchange of fine wine with Smuggler's Den, sire. He wanted to make sure it got to his personal tent without any mess or delay – general." Renshaw made sure to emphasize his answer, knowing the response.
"Curse that man! He spends are limited funds on wine? That foolish, destructible, reckless, dug heaped bastard! Does he think he can do that?" Hamar was anything but calm.
Renshaw hesitated. " I don't think I have the liberty to say, milord. I do know, however, that we troops believe us under your control, sire, with the exception of Rathhausak Thy Overlord. Had we the choice, we would rather you be in his --."
Hamar quieted him. "Nay – never say what you were about to. You might think it, and by that any man would be honored, but never speak it. Understand?" Hamar gave Renshaw a patient look.
Renshaw nodded.
"Good man. Aye, do you know if your troops will be under our command tonight?" He asked gruffly.
Renshaw shook his head. "No, general. He has them picking up foreign lace and silks for his wife, Madam Pricella. The trip will take little less than a week, sir. Forgive me, but I ask -- is there nothing you can do to prevent this? My troops – they are exhausted from last night. With three squads holding the Eyrie, that leaves only the five squads we have here, sire. We would be open to the Tortallans no doubt, for even I know a guard would be of no use with them in such a state."
General Hamar was silent for a moment. "You are right, Lieutenant Renshaw. That swine and his prissy wife need not wine, lace, and silks. They – we need the men. Give an order through out camp – I have vetoed his decision, as is my right. Lieutenant Renshaw, I give you and your men leave for the night. No duty. Give the cook orders for double meal portions for you and your men. Make sure your men get sleep, Lieutenant."
Renshaw's eyes lit up with appreciation and awe.
Hamar was silent for a moment. With a mischievous smile, he added. "As an after thought, allow your men and yourself some wine. Give a herald the instructions to give you twenty bottles of Commander Leopold's freshly delivered wine. Your choice on which type – red will make you sleep, however. The troops who spent last night with Leopold, they must hold all night duty – no shifts – we must not allow any more Tortallans to slip past our view. They'll be angered, naturally, so make sure they too get double portions tonight as well. No wine, though. A drunken guard is worse than no guard."
Renshaw stood quietly. He thanked Hamar for his gratitude and asked if there was anything he needed for his own personal usage. "I am obligated to you, sire. Thank you very much."
Hamar brushed him off. "Nay, but if you would make that 21 bottles and send one over to me – that will make up for any obligation, Lieutenant. Red, if you will. I think I'm going to need it." He sighed and rubbed his temples.
Renshaw hid a slight smile. "Aye sir, and if I may say? What we think sire, will always be so. With you are our loyalties." Renshaw did not wait for a reply. He saluted his superior, and walked out of his tent to deliver his orders.
~**~
It was just after midnight when a herald delivered Hamar's wine. He grumbled something to the herald and poured himself a deep cup until it spilled over the edge. He drank it quickly, hoping that by the time he had discussed Commander Leopold with Rathhausak thy Overlord, he would be passed out cold and unable to be awakened.
He hoped.
Hamar set up a simple protection spell over his tent, one that would allow no one in. He burned the appropriate incense, an intolerable citrus and rose, difficult on the senses after a hard drink. He took his seeing-basin and filled it with the rest of the wine. He needed it not, knowing well enough that the dose he had just ingested would bring any old man to an unbreakable sleep. 'I'm amazed at fifty-six I can still drink at all. It wasn't as if I was going to drink it, anyhow. Dear gods, that brute Leopold might come marching in for the rest. I'd rather tell him it was gone and see him pout. Man couldn't hold his own in a fight if his life depended on it. He has his position only because his father was a wealthy and powerful land keeper. We wouldn't be in this mess if his father was still alive.'
"How in gods name did Methaven get put into the hands of such an idiot?" He whispered to himself, not for the first time. From what he remembered, they had been good boys, even if solemn after the death of their mother and younger brother.
His thought would have to wait. He recited the appropriate verses and waved his hand over the basin. Fog began to rise from the bowl. Once cleared, the face of Maggur Rathhausak was clearly seen.
"Milord Rathhausak the Red – Overlord Maggur – I beseech you." Replied General Hamar in his most formal voice.
Maggur gave the tiniest smile. "General Hamar. I've been expecting this talk. Speak."
Hamar gave a tiny inward shudder. Maggur's voice was somber and powerful, as it had always been. It was a voice that commanded more than it should. Hamar however, gave no sign of contempt. No, he did not like Maggur. He had no choice but to serve him. He was an old man, what could he do?
"Sire, our men are being wasted. Commander Leopold gives nothing for our movements against Tortall. It's a game to him, sire. We are losing this war from where we stand. With the reinforcements that have arrived, our work will be wasted. If this is to be our main attack base, we will lose, sire. I had no choice. I overruled his last decision. He cannot take our troops." Hamar said gruffly. Unlike Commander Leopold, Hamar was not afraid of his King. Maggur knew that Hamar had no fear of him. It was the reason he was the general.
Maggur smiled this time. "And so you should more often. Commander Leopold is not the power of our troops. Under me – there is only you. Our attacks are in fine shape, general. Need not be worried. Commander Leopold is a fool."
This shocked Hamar. Why was he in such a position then? Hamar had no answer.
Maggur laughed. " Hamar – Commander Leopold is of no use to me. He believes he is. It's quite amusing. Commander Leopold is a pawn, General Hamar. I don't however, keep him as Commander for laughs, Hamar. No – Commander Leopold isn't of use, but his image is. General let me tell you of my past."
Hamar went quiet. He was in deep now – this was Maggur's secret.
"Long ago, before my triumphs in the military and before I had any notions of the greatness in my grasp, I traveled as a sell sword. It was when I was in my early adult years that I signed onto a small mercenary troop. There were ten of us, and we were signed to protect a group of Scanran Wise Ladies. There was one in particular who caught my eye. A beautiful, young woman named Celosia. She had mid-night black hair and eyes that matched. Her skin was porcelain. She had a slender abdomen and small breasts. She was perfection.
"She showed me love too, for many nights did I spend in her bed. She loved me more than her trade and forgot much about her foretelling. She cared nothing of it anymore. She cared only of me. This suited me for a while, until her perfection tired me. I continued to share her bed, but only for pleasure and lust, not out of love. It took her many months to realize my love for her was gone. She tried helplessly to gain it back -- never did she avail. Slowly she realized she could give me nothing.
"She went back to foretelling and became the head of the Wise Ladies. She could tell the future of decades to come and could do it with amazing accuracy. She was hailed by the gods some said. This interested me greatly. I too, had become the ranking officer in my patrol, which now held over 40 men. She knew I was interested, and so she took full advantage -- her last chance to regain me. One night, I returned to my tent to find her bare on my bed. She wore only the diamond and emerald necklace that identified her as one of the ladies. She told me that the gods had sent her a message and that she was told a great many things of my future. To hear them, I had only to lay with her one more time. So, naturally I did, and she was pleased and fulfilled, while I was pleased at what she told me. All of it had happened you see, for I am King, and her foretelling ended there. I became full of myself and controlled them all with fear. I was their tyrant, and I liked it.
"Celosia hated me for this, and naturally, fell out of love with me. She found a new lover, whom she married. I resigned from my post and entered the military where I rose in the ranks and gathered forces under my control until I had control of all.
"It was this December however, that my past revealed itself once more. It was one night before this war began, and I sat in my chambers alone. Celosia appeared. She appeared from the air – how this is possible I cant tell you, all I know is that it happened. She approached me – she was the same as ever – not a day aged – except for one difference. Her eyes, Hamar – they were silver. I knew then that it was not Celosia – her body maybe – but not Celosia in soul. She told me to lay with her. I did. She told me a Prophecy, one I am likely never to forget."
Maggur was quiet for a moment before continuing. Hamar sat fully attentive, allowing the liquor to vanish from his system. He would not be sleeping tonight.
Quietly, and very slowly, Maggur began once more. " When I ordered the women of Tortall to drop their ranks, did you know why?"
Hamar thought quietly. "No, milord. I only figured that you felt women had no right in this war or any war. I agree. But that is not why, is it, milord?"
Maggur smiled. "This is why you are my General, Hamar. You are not foolish, like the Commander. You have wit."
Hamar tried to force a smile. He failed. Maggur laughed.
"No, No, General Hamar. Falseness is not needed. I asked for their ranks to be stripped out of fear. I feared them, general. The Prophecy filled me with fear. My attempt failed. Now it is coming – we must confront the promised before this war will end. I know that now."
As suddenly as he appeared, Maggur was gone.
Hamar sighed. 'And so it begins.'
The fog on the basin began to rise, startling Hamar. Looking closely as it disappeared, he began to see gold encased letters form.
'The prophecy.'
Rathhausak the Ruthless
Thy name shall be
If thy chooses thy blind path
Blind thy may be
Must you confront a winged one
Twice-native ones
The Lion-HeartedThy divine
Thy – Rathhausak the Ruthless
Must run from time!
Doom will be sealed
If the Protected comes near
But when thy see Griffon
Doom will be here
~**~
Well, that just took forever to write! Dear god, it took me a month! I was completely stuck and probably wrote 5 endings before I found one I actually liked! This is kind of the first turning point that leads to the war and I had to start tying some things together. I left some untied so you could ponder. ::hmmmm::
~**~ Exactly who is this Leopold? Why is Hamar key to this war? What is up with the silver eyes? What does the Prophecy mean?
~**~ Yes, well, you know. I'll update again soon. Seriously. I just haven't had the time to write. I'm making a movie and that take many hours, days, and weeks of my time.
You know what to do. Review! Come on now…I just spent a month writing this…
A/N: Yea- and quickly if you want to read chapter 1 again, its almost completely different and the Prophecy is added even there so it changed things. Also, look for revised Chapters later this week.
Yours always and forever,
KarrPS) What the hell happened to Cami? And oh – Kenta – Yea, I know I'm crazy. Guess its not a secret anymore. Damn. ::Ahem:: Bye! (Waves for insanely long time)