Blue Lightning and the Bear

by Blue Paladin

Two shadows from the past rise up to confront the New State Army. First they must dispatch the vampire who seeks to make life dance to his whims. But who will aid them against the Dark Knight of Chaos?

31. Chapter 31 Stand Alone

Chapter 31 - Stand Alone

Flik stood next to Viktor up in the great hall, trying manfully to avoid Shu's cool gaze as the strategist appraised the four men who'd returned from the scouting mission. "Let's see if I have the facts correct," Shu said tersely. "My two most important generals decided to shirk their duties, needlessly put themselves in danger, and nearly destroyed half the harbor, not to mention putting the lives of many of the dock workers in jeopardy, all because they couldn't wait to talk with some old comrades. Am I right?" Apple, standing to the side of Shu, shook her head despairingly.

Viktor took a step forward. "Um…the fact that we nearly destroyed the harbor wasn't our fault. Everything would've turned out fine, except that the rudder-"

"Silence!" Shu snapped and then collected himself. "I am very disappointed in all of you."

Flik walked up beside Viktor. "You're right. We should've thought about the potential consequences of our actions a little more."

Shu turned his icy stare on Flik, causing him to stop mid-speech. "It's easy enough to say those things now. Why didn't you think them beforehand?"

Flik looked down at the strategist's feet; there was nothing that he could say that would get them out of this. Tai Ho spoke up. "Don't blame them, chief. I was the one who talked them into this."

Flik thought he could feel Shu's eyes lifting off him. "Yet they should've had the wisdom to refuse your offer, foolish as it was. Did no one think of the poor example that you've set for your men? Did no one think of what would've happened if either of you two had died? Did you think that our position was so secure that you can risk yourselves on a lark? Anybody?"

Shu paced back and forth, waiting for an answer. Yam Koo, the only one who hadn't yet spoken, wisely kept his mouth closed. Shu sighed, dropping his posture just a little. "We are not that strong yet," he said softly. "As you should well know. Any one of the Highland Armies outnumbers us; all four would easily crush us. None of us can stand alone, we all must work together if we are to emerge victorious."

He came to a halt next to Apple, expression even. "Therefore, I will overlook your transgression this once. I ask that you display better judgment in your choices next time. Meanwhile, we must focus our attention to the crisis at hand. Apple, a synopsis of our thinking, if you would?"

Apple cleared her throat. "Based on your observations, we believe half of the Highland Third Army -five thousand men- is encamped on the north bank of the Lana River. They are competently led by Kiba Windamier and his son, Klaus. Kiba's reputation as a defensive genius is well earned, based on his defense of Fort Rhetto. However, he is perfectly adequate on offense as well. Their current position is especially troubling, as they could strike at either us or Two River City with relative ease."

Shu cut Apple off with a motion of his hand. "I do not believe he intends to attack us. That was Solon Jhee's responsibility. Not enough time has elapsed for Luca Blight to change his strategic plan. Therefore, Kiba's army will most certainly move against Two River."

Flik nodded. "Riou just left for that city, we can't let either it or him fall to Highland. If we took the entire army, we could meet Kiba with equal numbers."

"No," Shu responded forcefully. "We cannot afford to meet Kiba on equal terms as it would leave this castle without a defense. Regardless of what I said a minute ago, Kiba's too good not to take advantage of a tactical blunder. We shall have to rely on other allies to help us in this fight." He looked over to where the duty messenger for the day stood waiting. "Summon Gengen and Kinnison, quickly." The messenger bowed and dashed off.

Shu turned back to the group. "Viktor, ready your companies. We must transport them across the Granias River quickly if they are to be of any help. Apple, I need you to arrange the shipping immediately. I don't care how much potch you need to bribe the captains with. Tai Ho, go with her. You shall make amends by being the chief pilot and navigator for this expedition. Show me how well you know the local currents."

Tai Ho smiled. "No problem there, chief. If we get enough boats, I'll have all of Viktor's men across in an hour or two." He, Yam Koo, Viktor, and Apple walked from the room, passing Gengen and Kinnison, who were entering. Shiro, though uninvited, padded along softly at Kinnison's heels.

Flik looked at Shu. "You want me to get my men ready?"

Shu nodded to the new arrivals and turned back to Flik, shaking his head. "Only your best squad. Your role in this operation will be escort, not military combat."

Flik tried not to let his disappointment show. "As you wish, sir."

Shu arched his eyebrows but then addressed the kobold. "Captain Gengen, I have a very important mission for you." Flik rolled his eyes, wondering why Shu would put up with the farce of calling Gengen a captain.

Gengen nodded enthusiastically, his tongue lolling momentarily before he snapped back to attention. "Captain Gengen is always ready to serve. Say the word." He barked to emphasize his point.

Shu smiled faintly. "I need you to bear a message to Kobold Village, south of Two River City. You must tell them that General Ridley needs their aid in repelling a Highland attack on Two River. Can you give them that message?"

Gengen barked again. "General Ridley needs Kobold Village's help to fight the Highland army at Two River. I've got it!"

"Good." Shu turned his attention to Kinnison and Shiro. "Kinnison, I will need your path-finding skills on this operation. The main road west from Lakewest is likely to be crawling with Highland scouts. You will need to guide Gengen and his escort cross country until you are all beyond Highland eyes. Then you may take the Tigermouth Road south to Kobold Village."

"I understand," Kinnison responded confidently.

Shu looked back at Flik. "Your men are the escort. Get Gengen through to Kobold Village. Their aid is essential."

"I understand the situation," Flik affirmed.

Shu seemed to read Flik closely. "I believe you do. I'll have Apple task a boat for getting you across the river. I expect you to move out as soon as you've gathered your men, Flik. All of you are dismissed."

Flik walked quickly from the great hall, with Gengen and Kinnison following. Though Dunan Castle was always busy these days, there was now an added intensity to people's movements. Word that something military was up seemed to have filtered through the community, evidenced by children's excited voices, worried women speaking in hushed tones, and men racing through the halls gathering their gear.

Outside, the men of Viktor's companies were rushing into formation, some of them strapping on armor as they fell into ranks. Viktor waved jauntily when he noticed Flik. Flik only had time to wave back before jogging towards the town and the temporary barracks for his men.

His men were already assembling as Flik approached. Rossgard walked Flik's horse, Nightstar, towards him. "Rumors are flying all around town, but the gist of it seems to be that an operation is about to happen, so I got the men ready."

Flik chuckled a little ruefully. "For once I don't need all of the men. The strategist has given us a different task." Rossgard's eyebrows jumped questioningly. "Pick the best squad out of your company; they're to come with me on an escort mission. You, too, I'll want you as the second-in-command." Flik looked over his men thoughtfully. "Might as well not waste your good work; tell the other senior sergeants to treat this as a surprise inspection. I'll want to read their reports on unit readiness."

Some of Flik's men looked disappointed as they were dismissed to quarters; others simply looked relieved. He glanced at Kinnison. "You know how to ride?"

"I can handle myself on horseback," Kinnison replied. "But once we're in rough country, I'll probably be able to walk just as quickly as you can ride."

"How long do you think it'll take to get us there?"

"I don't really know the land as well as I did the forests in East Muse," Kinnison answered. "The distance will be shorter than taking the roads, but the terrain is much more difficult." He paused thoughtfully. "What I'd really like is a nice map of the region."

"Excuse me," Rossgard said, walking back from selecting the escort squad. "If you need a map, I heard that the young mapmaker who was in Muse just showed up today.

"Templeton is here?" Flik mused. "Send someone to get him. Ask him if he's got any maps of the Two River region."

While one of the soldiers was sent to get the cartographer, Flik briefly explained the mission to the squad Rossgard had chosen. A few minutes later, Templeton came jogging up, carrying several rolled papers under his arms. "Hello there, Flik," the young man said, swatting some dirty blond hair away from his eyes. "You didn't say what particular region of Two River you were interested in, so I brought as many maps as I could carry." He looked around at the muddy street dubiously. "Do you have a table I could spread them out on?"

A table was dragged out, and Templeton unrolled his papers over it. Flik looked at the assorted maps and asked, "You have one showing the land between Lakewest and Kobold Village?"

Templeton leafed through a couple sheaves of paper and finally pulled one out. "I have a provincial map that shows both towns, but that's about it. Most of my maps have to do with Two River City itself."

"That's fine," Flik responded. "Kinnison, Gengen, look at this map and tell me if there's anything in particular that should concern me."

Kinnison frowned over the parchment. "There are two lakes, and it shows some scattered forests, but that doesn't tell me much. What about all of that empty space? Has this mapmaker actually walked that terrain? Does he know if the land is gentle or rough?"

Templeton sniffed loudly. "It's a coastal plain. The land doesn't get rough until you're west of Two River City, closer to the Tinto Mountains."

Kinnison glared at Templeton. "It's a coastal plain; there could be any number of unmarked streams and banks that your map doesn't show."

Flik shook his head. "Enough. We'll work with what we've got. Kinnison, you'll just have to find a way around any unforeseen obstacles." He pointed at a spot on the Tigermouth Road and motioned to Gengen. "How long do you think it would take to get to Kobold Village from this spot?"

Gengen barked as he thought it over. "Five hours on kobold feet, commander Flik!"

"Kinnison, do you think you could get us to near that location?"

Kinnison turned away from glaring at Templeton. "If that forest is accurate, then it should be a fair reference point. I can get you out on its southern side."

Flik nodded. "Thank you, all." He appraised the situation. "I think it's time to go. We're moving out for the east shore of the Granias River, where our transport should be waiting. Let's move!"

Flik and those following him took the south exit out of Dunan Castle, rather than try to fight their way through Viktor's men, who were crowding their way out the west gate. A small fleet of riverboats waited along the eastern shore of the Granias River, bobbing on the waves. Viktor's men had already begun to embark, and a few boats were making their way across the river.

Apple, surveying the operation from a hill overlooking the shore, pointed Flik and his men to a moderately sized galley that was anchored apart from the rest of the fleet. "That ship will be able to handle your horses, Flik. Good luck, we'll need those kobolds if we're going to pull this off."

Only a few of the horses had to be blindfolded to coax them onboard, and after that the galley set out. Stroke by stroke the ship worked its way towards the west bank of the river, even as the afternoon wore on. Yesterday's southern wind had shifted around to the northwest, bringing a cool, dry breeze that lapped waves against the boat.

The river was wide and sluggish this close to Dunan Lake, filled with murky water and dotted by islets full of tall cattails and other reeds. It took more than an hour to navigate to the opposite shore. The horses and Flik's men were quickly landed, and then the galley began to back oars.

"I've no orders to wait for you," the captain yelled. "If you get into trouble, you're on your own."

Flik smiled. "We do what we must," he yelled back. Turning to Kinnison, he said, "Find me a trail, and let's get on with this."

Kinnison led them up off the shore, into what quickly turned into a coastal marsh. There was no riding through the muck, even on the game path that Kinnison identified, so Flik and his riders had to walk on foot, leading the horses. Like the islands in the river, the land was covered with reeds, but also had short, twisting trees covered in shaggy moss. In the distance was a stand of several large willows. Flik could hear the sound of running water in all directions. Likewise, the smell of decay was prevalent. Kinnison muttered something about making a certain mapmaker walk the actual ground, but Flik pretended not to hear and let the forester get on with his work.

Luckily they had several more hours of good daylight to travel by. The land rose somewhat and the bog gave way. At one point, they passed a towering berry bush, but the fruit was still green and unripe. He shooed the men away from the potential stomachache as quickly as he could, glancing forlornly back as the bush was left behind. In a month or so, the birds would probably feast.

Kinnison and his wolf, Shiro, consistently stayed ahead, on point. The group came out of the bog into a sparse pine forest, the ground littered brown in places with fallen needles. In other spots, Flik found himself wading through a sea of green ferns, some nearly as tall as his waist.

"This was probably someone's field, a long time ago," Rossgard commented.

"How do you know?" Flik asked.

The senior sergeant chuckled. "My father was a farmer, remember? He taught me about these sorts of things. There wouldn't be this much undergrowth in an older forest; all of the trees would've blocked it out." He pushed a sapling aside. "This forest can't be that old. Maybe no older than fifty or a hundred years."

Flik looked up at the leaves overhead, the evening sun shining down through the gaps between the trees. "Gee, I would never have known," Flik answered.

As sunset neared, they came to the edge of the forests. The land sloped back down into a more marshy area, centered on a small lake. Kinnison came back from his position up front. "We've come about half the distance between the beach and the road. I don't think we should press on any further. The land ahead will be treacherous in the dark."

They got to work preparing the camp, brushing the horses down and picking the mud out of their hooves, not to mention cleaning their legs and stomachs. Flik considered cleaning his boots, but then gave up on the project. They were going to get just as muddy tomorrow. Dinner was hard biscuits, dried fruit, and preserved meat that seemed to be more fat than flesh. Warmed over the small fire, it turned out to be a passable spread for the bread. When the food was finished, Flik set the watch for the night and wrapped himself in his travel roll to try and sleep. A high pitched whining by his ears announced the arrival of uninvited guests, mosquitoes. He pulled the cover up over his head and shifted position. His last thoughts before falling into slumber were of Odessa. She had absolutely hated the pesky little insects.

Flik was up well before dawn to take the last watch of the night. Everything was still and cool. Mist hung over the marsh and lake, though it didn't quite reach up the hill and into the stand of trees where they were sleeping. The sky was cloudless, and both moons had long since set, leaving only the stars to give light. He began to grow impatient for the sun to rise. Today they had to get to Kobold Village if everything was going to work according to the plan.

Thus, when the first bit of pale pink began to creep into the eastern sky, Flik shook the various members of the party awake. Their breakfast was not much different from dinner, save that it was eaten cold. When they had finished, Kinnison led them down into the marsh.

Progress was slowed by the mist, which persisted for a couple of hours until the sun was high enough to burn it off. Thereafter they made better time, heading towards the southern side of the lake. But at midmorning a small crisis came up. Kinnison halted the group, and when Flik came forward, he found the forester staring intently at a series of tracks in muck.

"Rockadillo tracks," Kinnison said tersely. "A whole lot of them."

Flik felt his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Are they a danger to us?"

"Not normally. But then they wouldn't normally come down into the marshes. Still, they're past us, so we should be all right."

They continued west, rising out of the marshes again, climbing onto open fields dotted by clumps of trees. Now that the ground was better, Flik had the men pause to clean the horses and then mount. Gengen was light enough to ride behind Flik on Nightstar. They set off at a walk.

Around noon, after a few more hours of staring at the empty land, Flik wondered aloud, "Why doesn't anyone work this area? It seems fertile enough."

Surprisingly, the answer came from Gengen. "My father told me that people used to work in those fields, long, long ago." He barked to emphasize the point. "They lost their farms because it was cheaper to grow food in South Window and Harmonia."

Flik looked out at the fields again. "I don't understand."

"Doesn't take much," Rossgard jumped in. "Many farmers are only one bad season away from disaster. Heck, even a bumper crop will ruin farmers if it drives the prices down."

Flik still didn't understand, but didn't get a chance to ask any further questions. Kinnison came cantering back from his lead position, calling out an alarm. "Over there!" He pointed. "It seems we've caught up to our rockadillos."

A dozen of them were gathered five hundred yards ahead: a large bull, several smaller cows, and a number of juveniles. They had scaled shells on their backs. The legs that protruded out were hairy and ended in long, blunt claws. The bull was four feet tall but could stand on its hind legs for short periods of time. At the moment, several of the rockadillos were upright, balancing against the tree and reaching with their claws to strip off bark and leaves.

"We should go around them, give them a wide berth," Kinnison advised. "They're highly territorial, and this group looks a little agitated. I'd rather not run up against them when we can avoid them."

"Agreed," Flik answered.

They turned to the right, crossing the fields to the north of the herd. The horses did not particularly care for the smell, shifting a little and pinning back their ears. One of the rockadillos, the bull, shuffled away from the tree, rolled up into a ball, and slammed into it. Several of the younger males followed him. After repeated impacts, they cracked and eventually toppled the tree. The rest of the herd moved in to begin eating.

As the riders came upwind of the rockadillos, the bull lifted his head, sniffed, and let out an audible grunt. Several others looked in the direction of the riders and grunted too, but none of them moved from their meal. Kinnison hurried the escort on, trotting back out to point.

Beyond the rockadillos, the plains were clear again. Trees began to appear closer together, eventually forming into a sparse forest of mixed pine and deciduous growth. Flik and his men rode to the southwest, keeping out of the deeper part of the woods.

Two hours past noon they finally came across the Tigermouth Road, a rutted dirt highway running from north to south. Flik glanced up into the sky, worried that they had spent too much time going cross-country. Wordlessly, he turned Nightstar towards the south, setting off at a trot.

The afternoon weather was mild, but dry and cloudless, and Flik's horses kicked up a plume of dust as they traveled along the road. Further to the west, the land built up through a series of ridges. These were the foothills of the Tinto Mountains, purple and hazy in the distance.

An hour later they were riding by a forest on the right side of the highway. Unlike the previous forests, this was older and denser, but stopped abruptly less than ten yards from the road.

Flik pointed towards the trees. "Keep up a sharp lookout. It wouldn't do us any good to get ambushed by bandits only a few miles short of our destination."

"You don't need to worry about bad guys," Gengen replied. "Nobody with harmful intentions ever goes in there."

Flik glanced back at the kobold. "Why is that?"

Gengen barked forcefully. "It's the Forest of the Unicorn, that's why. The unicorn drives those with evil hearts out."

"You've seen this unicorn?"

Gengen shook his head. "Nope. I don't know anybody that's seen the unicorn, but I believe he exists. He's why Kobold Village has never had to worry about bandits or other bad people. Of course, we do our part to keep people out. There are always patrols around the edges, looking for anyone who might stray in."

Flik looked doubtfully at the forest. The trees were shadowy and thick enough to prevent him from seeing much of anything, unicorn or otherwise, after the first few yards. He brought his eyes back around to the south. "Well, keep up the watch anyway. Trouble could come from any direction."

But the road remained unnervingly empty. Birds flew overhead, and once a lone falcon gracefully dove into a nearby field to come up with a young rabbit clenched in its talons. Nothing else of note happened in the remaining hour that it took to get to the outskirts of Kobold Village.

Unlike human towns, the land surrounding Kobold Village was not under heavy cultivation. Gengen explained that very few kobolds grew more than small home gardens, as vegetables were only a minor part of the kobold diet. Instead, kobolds were hunters, fishers, gatherers, and herders.

Now, as they turned to the west and neared the village proper, a sudden howl shook the air. Gengen slipped off of Nightstar and answered in a series of high-pitched yips. Almost immediately, a number of kobolds appeared, approaching from out of the forest. They and Gengen barked back and forth at one another. Flik realized that they were speaking in their own language. He'd never heard it before, as the kobolds he'd fought alongside were always the small minority in a crowd of humans. It was discomforting to find the situation reversed.

One of the kobolds turned and sprinted towards Kobold Village. Gengen led the rest back to Flik and the riders. "I have explained the situation to them," he declared. "Come down and let them greet you."

Flik dismounted and one of the kobold patrollers walked towards him, extending a furry five-fingered hand. The kobold was taller than Gengen, coming up to Flik's chin, with a sleek, muscular build. His fur was gray and his ears were long and droopy. "I am Ren," the kobold said. "I welcome you and your pack to Kobold Village."