Ch. 36
The Fall of Makuun
"Order, order!" Lieutenant Murunda shouted, "Order before his majesty the prince!"
The outer keep of the Citadel of Dzagon was in uproar. The mighty bastion was generally known for a great deal of commotion, usually made by soldiers taking up arms and racing to their posts. But it was a different scene that filled the keep yards of the citadel that day. Well over a thousand men, women and children had crowded through the western gate of the citadel after a pale-skinned red-headed huntress had threatened the guards into raising the portcullis. Now they milled about in the inner keep and a mingling of frantic cries, mournful wails and children's cries echoed off the fortress walls. High above on a great stone balcony Prince Ahmtur the Mighty overlooked the throng, his thick brows furrowed deeply as he observed the civilians before him. Murunda gave her lord an exasperated look when her call went unheeded and Ahmtur gave a small nod to his heralds. A deafening blast came from twin bass horns that overpowered the panicked din and brought silence from the stirring crowd.
"I am Ahmtur the Mighty, lord of the Citadel of Dzagon!" the prince shouted, his voice ringing clearly over the crowd, "Who brings this mob to my gates!?"
"I am Rakiv Maelstrom, Guildmistress of Dormant Vengeance," came an answer, "And I bring these refugees here to find sanctuary!"
"Sanctuary from what, Guildmistress?" Ahmtur demanded as he finally caught sight of the speaker.
The crowd parted around Rakiv, who stood in her usual leathers. Ahmtur paused as he observed her. The ranger was smeared with blood, though none of it appeared to be her own, and she was surrounded by her guild, who appeared equally disheveled. Amongst the crowd he recognized the uniforms of several Makuun soldiers, many of them sporting wounds and all of them looking grim from a fight.
"From the army that now invades Vabbi," Rakiv called, "Let us in and I'll explain everything."
"My lord we have no where to put them. The Citadel has only barracks for your soldiers," Lieutenant Murunda commented to her prince.
"I know Lieutenant," Ahmtur nodded before turning back to the crowd, "You may enter the inner keep but these 'refugees' will be confined to the Bastion."
"They only want the safety of your walls," Rakiv called up, "The bastion will be more than enough."
Ahmtur gave a grunt before waving a hand to his attendants. Orders were quickly given and the double doors to the inner keep slowly swung open. The stampede to yet greater safety was stopped only by quick thinking on the ground as the Makuun soldiers and guildsmen enforced order upon the frightened masses. Ahmtur watched them critically for a moment before he turned away and strode back inside.
"Have the guildmistress and her attendants brought to my war room," he said, "Send word to the watch towers to be on alert. Dispatch scouts south to Makuun. Send runners into the wilderness to recall our forward camps."
"My lord, are you certain we should withdraw from the wilderness?" Murunda blinked.
"The guildmistress and half of Makuun would not be on my doorstep without reason," Ahmtur said, "And I will not risk losing men or being caught unawares. Carry out my orders Lieutenant, while I discern the nature of this 'attack'."
"Yes my lord," Murunda saluted.
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The war room was a bunker beneath the granite stonework of the Citadel. Expansive and perfectly rectangular, the walls were lined with scrolls, weapon racks, banners, tapestries and strange sheets of black glass. Rakiv stepped through the heavy iron door that slid into the wall as the guard held it open for her. The guildmistress and her allies strode inside to find Ahmtur standing before a long, wide table. At the other three sides of the table two men and one woman knelt on cushions, their eyes bound and their palms on the table top.
"Show me the wilderness," Ahmtur ordered as he clasped his hands behind his back.
The three robed persons at the tables edges each inhaled deeply and a spark of magic flowed through their fingertips. Purple lines raced across the surface before them, drawing a pulsing latticework of light over the table. In a moment the lattice began to stretch and warp, rising in some places and falling in others. A moment later the lattice began to fill in, taking on features and details. In a moment Rakiv and her crew found themselves staring at a perfect replica of the wilderness outside the Citadel's gates, projected as a mesmeric illusion on the table's surface.
"Welcome Guildmistress," Ahmtur greeted, "To the Citadel of Dzagon. Come, stand with me."
Rakiv picked her way across the room and stood beside Ahmtur as she stared down at the illusion before her. She could pick out a harpy flight making their way across the hills, and a heket tribe marching down to a watering hole. Human camps could be seen, as well as the runners that were quickly making their way away from the Citadel and out towards the soldiers camps.
"I trust that you have not arrived with so many civilians as a mere hoax or a ploy to secure my support for your war," Ahmtur said calmly.
"Absolutely not," Rakiv replied, "I came to warn you that you're about to be overrun."
"Do explain," Ahmtur said, "In full, if you please."
"Fine," Rakiv said, "It began yesterday morning, after the attempted assassination of Prince Bokka…."
32 hours earlier…
"The gates are shut tight, Lord Bokka," Royal Guard Bunda reported with a snappy salute, "The armory has been opened and all your soldiers stand ready. The first watch stands atop the wall and we only await your orders."
"Excellent Bunda," Bokka nodded sagely, "In that case, let the grand war banquet begin!"
The lord of Makuun sat upon his throne at the head of the grand hall at the top of his palace in the center of the city. Soldiers and citizens stood gathered in the hall around the many tables that had been set up for the occasion. The catering staff rushed in to supply plates with food and in no time the banquet was well under way. Near the front of the room Rakiv and her guildsmen shared extremely puzzled glances. After much prodding it was decided that it fell to Kydar to say something, and so the scribe approached the throne.
"Uhm, your highness?" the elementalist spoke up, "Might I inquire as to what exactly is going on?"
"Well what does it look like lad?" Bokka asked around a mouthful of rhubarb pie, "We are having a banquet before the fighting begins."
"Yes my lord I uhm… I can see that," Kydar nodded, "I suppose I should rephrase my question. Uhm… why is this going on?"
"Well everyone knows that it is the best fed army that wins a war, my boy!" Bokka laughed, "Can't have soldiers fighting on an empty stomach. Varesh rules a province of starving peasants and I am certain her army is no less hungry. While her soldiers grow weak and thin, mine will remain powerful and strong!"
"But… my lord, shouldn't you be giving orders to position units around the city?" Kydar blinked, "Creating fall back positions, fortifying the inner walls of the city… some kind of strategy?"
"Hah!" Bokka laughed, "You worry too much Sir Raelesin. The very man who designed the Citadel of Dzagon put his mind to the walls of Makuun. Our city is every bit as impregnable as Ahmtur's great bastion. I assure you; no enemy will even come close to breaching the walls or walking through my gates. Now go and get yourself a leg of notuka, I assure you they are most delicious indeed."
"Erm… but my lord…?" Kydar tried.
"His highness has spoken!" Royal Guard Bunda interrupted, "Enjoy the banquet, Sir Raelesin."
With a sigh that was as exasperated as it was confused, Kydar made his way back through the banquet hall to the guild's table. The elementalist took his seat and his brow furrowed as he looked up at his fellow guildmates.
"Well?" Alendra asked with urgent curiosity.
"He has… no plans at all," Kydar blinked, "None. The prince thinks his walls are invincible and that a few watchmen on the wall will be enough to hold off a siege."
"That's why he's throwing a party on the morn of battle?" Anorah inquired.
"Actually he does have a plan for that," Kydar responded, "He says that his well fed army will be stronger than Varesh's starving one. He's feeding everyone so that they'll have strength for the fight."
"That's… he's… really?" Koss asked incredulously.
"Yes, really," Kydar answered, "His battle plan is eat, and then stand on the wall and watch Varesh flail against it. He really thinks it'll be that easy."
"You did, of course, tell him that Varesh has demons," Dawn spoke up, "Did you not, sir scribe?"
"I didn't get the chance!" Kydar said as he threw up his hands in frustration, "The royal guard made me leave before I could explain!"
"Varesh will likely be here before evening," Rakiv put in, "And this city is not going to be ready. We need to start thinking about our exit strategy."
"What just… let the city fall?" Anicara asked with a note of horror in her voice.
"Bokka's army isn't strong, it's fat and lazy," Rakiv said firmly, "These soldiers would be slaughtered by the Kournans even if they did have a strategy. Bokka has no idea how to wage a war or hold under a siege. Varesh will wipe out this city and everyone in it if we don't start figuring out how to get people out of here."
"Shouldn't we tell 'is 'ighness that he's about to get the ole what for?" Margrid drawled as she drummed her fingers on the table.
"We can try, but I doubt he'll listen," Rakiv muttered, "Kydar, take Alendra with you this time and try to arrange a meeting for after the banquet. Do your best to warn Bokka that we need to run."
"Run to where?" Kydar asked.
"I don't know… north? To Kodash, or the Basilica or maybe Dzagon?" Rakiv grumbled, "It doesn't matter, right now we just need to make sure we can get everyone out."
"Yes, Guildmistress," Kydar and Alendra confirmed.
"Melonni, Margrid, go see if you can find a way to send a message to the Halls of Chokhin," Rakiv continued, "Warn Tahlkora that the attack is starting and that she needs to convince her father to mobilize his forces as soon as possible. If you can, send word to Dzagon and the Basilica too. We may need them prepared to receive a lot of refugees."
"Right away, Guildmistress," Melonni agreed.
"Whatevah you say cap'n," Margrid nodded.
"The rest of you, come with me," Rakiv said, "I want to get the lay of the land here. We need to be ready to go no later than noon, and even that may be cutting it short. We need to find our best route for evacuation. Understood? Good. Go."
Present…
"Did Bokka heed the warning you gave him?" Ahmtur inquired.
"We tried to explain it," Kydar answered, "Tried to tell him what was coming, that demons would rip his wall and his soldiers to shreds. He was confident that we were 'exaggerating'."
"And so you chose to evacuate," Ahmtur nodded.
"Not right away," Rakiv sighed, "Directly after the meeting Bokka ordered the city locked down completely. No one in or out."
"Woulda been simple fer us ta cut n' run," Margrid piped up, "But some bodies 'ave this thing they call 'a conscience'."
"You stayed to fight then?" Ahmtur arched an eyebrow.
"Never got the chance," Rakiv shook her head, "After the lockdown was ordered, hours passed. Margrid managed to get an eagle to fly messages out to Chokhin and the Basilica while the rest of us did what reconnaissance we could from the wall top and matched it to maps in Bokka's library. We plotted a means of escape, but we had to wait for either the lockdown to lift… or for Varesh to fall upon us."
"And Varesh came first," Ahmtur surmised.
"She did," the huntress confirmed, "And as predicted… Bokka was not prepared."
20 hours earlier…
The alarm bells began to chime just as the sun dipped behind the mountains. As dusk claimed the land a runner dashed from the wall tops, his pace driven by nothing less than panic. He stumbled through the halls, pushed his way past the royal guard and burst through the doors of the throne room. With a clatter of arms spears leveled at him and the courier fell to his knees as he gasped for breath.
"We are doomed!" he cried aloud.
Bokka raised his displeased gaze from the irritating guildsmen gathered before him and turned to look at the runner who had entered the chamber unannounced.
"Who dares intrude on my council?" the Prince asked, doing his best to appear gruff and intimidating.
"The Kournan army! They are here!" the runner shouted, "We are all doomed!"
"He's not wrong," Koss grumbled under his breath, before Melonni elbowed him to keep him silent.
It had been an intensely frustrating evening for the guild. After the lockdown had been initiated, request after request had gone to the Prince for a second audience. Kydar had written a letter every hour and dispatched it until finally Bokka summoned the guild to his throne room. Their impassioned pleas for evacuation fell upon deaf ears. Bokka had his pride and his walls and he would not be moved.
"Silence that man," Bokka demanded, his spirits having been greatly darkened by the guild's insistence that the city would be overcome.
"You should listen to him your majesty," Rakiv warned, "We are out of time now. We need to leave!"
"Silence all!" Bokka shouted as he rose from his throne and stormed across the room, "You came to me for aid! You begged for my forces and now you doubt them!?" he demanded angrily.
"The armies of one prince were never enough to defend the province, your highness," Alendra spoke up, "We had hoped one of you might give Varesh pause, long enough for the others to come to your aid. Due respects your highness, but after assessing your defenses and your forces… I do not believe you will even last the night."
"You are all dangerously close to being held in contempt of this throne!" Bokka snapped as he gestured to two of his servants, "My city's defenses are second only to Dzagon itself. Come, and we will see what this peasant army dares to throw against my walls!"
Puffing himself up with pride the prince strode across the throne room. His servants preceded him as he made his way to an expansive balcony covered by thick, hand-woven drapes. The servants pulled the curtains aside, struggling against the weight of the fabric as Bokka stepped through. Rakiv followed him as the prince leaned his pudgy hands against the balcony railing and peered out into the deepening night.
Rakiv's eyes narrowed as well. Backlit as they were by the braziers and chandeliers in the throne room, the ranger could scarcely see out onto the shadowy dunes and hills of the southern valley. Indeed all that could be seen was a handful of torches that illuminated a small battalion of men and women, clad for war in Kournan armor. At the head of their unit stood a well dressed man, his armor gleaming in the torchlight as he stared up at the balcony.
"Prince Bokka the Magnificent!" the well dressed man shouted up, "Lord of Makuun and third of the Merchant Princes of Vabbi! Hear me!"
"You are heard Kournan," Bokka shouted down, "Speak your name that I might know you and your station!"
"I am Kayin," the man shouted back, "Sworn officer to the High Prophet Ossa, General of the 3rd Kournan Legion and servant of Abaddon, the one true god! And I demand your surrender."
"Surrender!?" Bokka spluttered, "Your soldiers attempt to kill me in my own city! In my own theatre! You have committed an act of war! Your… 'prophet' has broken the alliance between the provinces! I will not surrender to a handful of peasants armed with trowels for swords and hoes for spears!"
"Prince Bokka!" Kayin shouted back, "The High Prophet has commanded that I offer you every opportunity to stand down and submit your city and your people to us. Mercy will be shown to all who kneel and swear their loyalty to the Prophet and to Abaddon."
"Tell your Prophet this!" Bokka cried vehemently, "She serves a fallen god! A creature of madness rightly banished from this world! Here we serve the five, and Lyssa is our patron. Tell Varesh that perhaps we may yet strike a deal; compensation for the attempt on my life is in order. But if she means to make war, then she is welcome to send her sharecroppers and slave farmers to take my city from me!"
"You underestimate the High Prophet, Bokka," Kayin responded, "Perhaps you might yet be persuaded."
The new General of the 3rd Legion raised a horn to his lips and blew a long, loud note upon it. Rakiv felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end as it was answered, somewhere from further up the hill. Another answering note came from a horn far to the west, somewhere amongst the rocky bluffs. And then another answered from somewhere out on the plains to the east, a baritone call to arms.
As the sound of the horns died away lights began to flicker in the darkness. Torches flared to life in the dark of the night and soon the lights began to spread. Torch after torch was lit and raised high as the hill and valley and bluffs became illuminated. As the valley filled with torchlight, Bokka felt his knees begin to shake as his jaw slowly dropped.
Thousands of lights light the darkness, thousands of hands holding them aloft. Beneath the rays of firelight, spears were raised, shields held steady and grim faces stared at the city of Makuun.
"Tactician?" Rakiv asked quietly, "How many?"
"Too many…"Alendra whispered as she stared out at the sea of torches and weapons, "We're outnumbered… well over three to one."
"See that the followers of Abaddon are many, o Prince of Vabbi," General Kayin called up, "And see now the might with which he blesses his chosen."
Rakiv hissed between her teeth as she noticed movement amongst the crowds. Some of the soldiers seemed to grow in height, rising from oddly crouched positions as they threw of cloaks and hoods. Baleful purple light joined the orange of the torches as energetic limbs and glowing eyes were revealed. For every five men in the Kournan army, a Margonite rose and revealed himself. The demons raised their weapons, wicked black implements of otherworldly make, and roared and shouted with growing bloodlust.
"These are your 'peasants' Bokka," Kayin mocked, "Your 'slave farmers' whose faith has been rewarded. They will wash over you like a wave from the ocean and your city will crumble like a child's castle in the sand. Your blasphemy may yet be forgiven, if only you will speak your surrender and bow before the true lord and master of this world!"
Bokka was speechless, his jaw working as he tried to fathom the sheer numbers of men and demons arrayed against him.
"You have until the stroke of midnight!" Kayin declared, "And then, every man, woman and child in your city will be put to the sword."
The Prince of Vabbi stumbled back away from the rail, eyes wide with horror and shock. He nearly fell but a servant moved to catch and support him. Bokka looked around the room, terror written on his features.
"Your highness," Rakiv said finally, when it became clear that the capacity for speech had left the prince, "We need to evacuate. Now!"
"Yes…" Bokka finally said, nodded slowly, "Yes we must go… B-Bunda! Bunda where are you!?"
"I am here my lord," the royal guard captain stepped forward.
"We must fly from this place… ready the carriage, we go by way of the ancient road," Bokka said hurriedly, his breath coming in panicked gasps, "Hurry man! We've no time to waste!"
"Yes my lord!" Bunda responded, "Lieutenant Endah, tell the wall guard to stand down and prepare to move out. Have soldiers make their way to the ancient road. All forces must be present to protect the Prince."
"Wait…" Kydar began, his brow beginning to furrow.
"And make accommodations for my guests," Bokka spoke hurriedly.
"Yes my lord!" Bunda said as he turned to bark out more orders
"Your highness, you can't withdraw your troops now," Alendra blinked, "Who will cover the civilian's escape? We can't move that many people without a rearguard."
"… people?" Bokka asked, confusion breaking through his fear.
"Yes, the people of Makuun?" Melonni put in, "Your subjects, your highness?"
"I… I…" Bokka stammered.
"The prince's safety is the highest priority," Royal Guard Bunda interjected, "The royal army will accompany him to safety to ensure that he is well protected."
"But what about the city!?" Anicara exclaimed.
No one answered the guild as a contingent of guards moved to surround Bokka. Bunda turned away from the guild and began to give further orders. A snarl came from Rakiv's throat as she stepped forward, shoved a solider aside and grabbed the prince by the neck of his expensive robe. Immediately several weapons were drawn and the guild responded in kind. Rakiv's eyes never left Bokka's, thought he Prince glanced nervously around the room.
"You're going to abandon them," Rakiv said, the terrible revelation washing over her, "You're going to leave your people here to die."
"The general said he will spare those who surrender," Bokka claimed, "Y-you heard him. They will be spared if they surrender to the Kournans."
"And meanwhile you flee to your personal safe haven with all your guards?" Rakiv snapped, "You would leave these people defenseless against a demon horde!?"
"The good of the one outweighs the good of the many it seems," Dawn spoke up quietly, her usual half-smile growing more amused, "The Great and Magnificent Prince of Makuun turns out to be a sniveling coward. Oh this is a treat indeed."
"Release his highness or we will be forced to subdue you," Bunda warned, his grip tightening on the sword he held at the ready.
"You'll be ashes before you ever touch her," Kydar snapped back.
"The prince must survive!" Royal Guard Bunda shouted, "If he dies his line is lost, and the Princes of Vabbi will be but two, not three. The line of inheritance has been unbroken since Amaki Voss founded this city. It will not fall on my watch!"
"And the few thousand or so civilian lives lost mean nothing, so long as the bloodline is unbroken," Rakiv snarled.
No one responded, for the answer was clear. Rakiv gave a disgusted sound as she shoved the prince away from her and watched as the guards caught Bokka when he stumbled.
"Gods damn you," the ranger whispered, venom in her voice.
"Move the prince, now," Bunda snapped at the soldiers.
The shamed Prince Bokka did not speak as his royal guards led him away and Bunda stayed between them and the group of wrathful guildsmen. Only once Bokka was out of the throne room did Bunda relax slightly, though he did not lower his sword.
"The prince ordered that accommodations be made for you as well," the Royal Guard Captain explained, "We take refuge in the Hidden City of Ahdashim. Will you come with us?"
Rakiv did not respond, nor did any of her guildsmen. Bunda gave a slow nod of understanding as he finally sheathed his sword.
"We all do what we must," he responded, "If I served a different man, perhaps I would stand with you. But I have my orders. Gods be with you… save as many as you can."
And with that the Royal Guard Captain left the room. The sound of marching boots could be heard in the halls as soldiers retreated from the wall top. Rakiv chewed her lip thoughtfully as she turned to look at her assembled guildsmen. The sound of boots faded away and the guildsmen stood alone in the palace as they contemplated their next move.
Present…
"He left his people to be enslaved or die," Ahmtur spoke, his head shaking slowly, "I knew Bokka was no warrior… but I had not fixed him for a true coward."
"Sir, we have activity in the east," one of the mesmers at the table reported.
"Show me," Ahmtur commanded as he turned back to the display.
The illusion zoomed and the definition took a moment to clear before it showed a small band of humans rushing westward toward the fortress. They made all haste across the wilderness, running as if their lives depended on it.
"We have three other groups proceeding toward the fortress," another Mesmer spoke.
"They are our men sir," the third mage confirmed, "Advise that the gatehouse be prepared to receive them. They appear to be in distress."
"Agreed," the prince responded, "Raise the gate and get archers on the walls. Get my men behind our walls as soon as possible," he ordered to no one in particular.
A handful of emissaries immediately left the room to carry out the Prince's will as Ahmtur turned back to the guild.
"So you have told me the story of how Makuun came to be undefended," he stated, "But how did you manage to evacuate over a thousand people from the city in a single night?"
"Luck and sacrifice," Anorah spoke up finally, her eyes somewhat distant.
"Word had spread fast in the streets. The army was withdrawing and Bokka was being taken to safety," Rakiv explained, "The city was on the verge of panic, but we got some unexpected help. Several detachments of the Makuun army refused the order to withdraw. They stayed at their posts to cover the escape of the civilians and to maintain order during the evacuation. I sent Margrid and Melonni ahead of us to scout the path to the north."
"We moved fast…" Anicara said, "But when midnight struck… all hell broke loose."
"The gates fell in a matter of minutes," Rakiv shook her head, "And the demons railed against the defenses that the remaining soldiers of Makuun had set up. Fire started somewhere… we rescued as many civilians as we could while a few of the other soldiers oversaw the exodus into the northeastern caves."
"I cannot imagine that Varesh allowed you to escape so easily," Ahmtur said, his eyes narrowing.
"Her forces were upon us before the first group of refugees ever reached the caves," Koss said grimly, "I stood with the Vabbian soldiers who held the line while the civilians made a break for it. Her first wave had been only humans, and we held against them easily enough. It was when the Margonites showed up, that the casualties started rolling in."
"They… they don't stop," Alendra said, still obviously shaken at the memory, "It's as if they feel no pain. You have to utterly destroy and incapacitate them before they're no longer a threat… and you don't have the time to do that when there's five of them bearing down on you at once."
"So how did you escape?" Ahmtur asked.
"The Makuun soldiers rallied and then made a suicide charge… straight into Varesh's lines," Rakiv said grimly, "Our high ground advantage was the only reason that it worked, but it bought us the time we needed to get the last of the refugees into the caves and on their way into the tunnels. By then we had only a handful of soldiers left to aid us… they're the ones that arrived with us."
"We weren't out of the woods yet… not by a long shot," Kydar said, "On the way through the caves we came to some rather grim discoveries…"
9 hours earlier…
"Shield's Up!" Koss' shout rang through the caves, "None shall pass!"
In the dark of the caves, the break of day had not been announced by the rays of the sun but instead by a sudden ambush on the refugee camp. From out of the darkness hideous croaking surrounded the survivors of Makuun as arrows and spears sailed out of the darkness. Heavily armed frogmen descended upon the camp, their swords raised to clash against the few defenders of the civilian camp.
"Kydar, light 'em up!" Rakiv cried at the top of her lungs, "Everyone keep them away from the civilians! Dawn, we need reinforcements!"
"Then make me more bodies," the necromancer responded as she began to chant under her breath, "Shallow grave unmarked by stone…"
"Anicara slow them down!" the redhead ordered, "Margrid barrage on my mark! Three, two, one… mark!"
The battle escalated as the croaking redoubled and more heket warriors poured out of the cracks in the cave, rattling their swords against their spears and driving their war beasts to attack. Koss' line was forced to fall back twice, before help arrived from the shadows.
"Hold your ground," someone behind Rakiv whispered, "Tell your mages to focus fire on that eastern pillar."
The ranger began to turn toward the source of the voice, and spun just in time to see red-garments disappearing into the throng of refugees at her back. Whispers.
"Kydar, Ani!" the ranger roared, "Eastern pillar, take it down!"
"Yes guildmistress!" the elementalists responded without question.
"Ye raging vortex of ice and snow…!" Anicara began.
"O bursting ball of brilliance burn…!" Kydar intoned.
Paired blasts of blue and red struck the rock formation with punishing force until the stone finally groaned and shattered. The slab it supported slipped from the ceiling and released a cascade of soil and gravel into the smaller tunnels from whence the heket came. A wave of dust flew through the cave, causing everyone to choke, cough and cover their eyes. It was in the midst of the confusion that the Whispers struck.
Like wrathful bolts of red, the agents emerged, their blades and wands gleaming as they brought down swift, brutally efficient deaths upon the heket horde. It was only after the dust had cleared and the last of the heket warriors croaked his last that Rakiv was able to lay eyes on their saviors.
"Disciple," she identified, "We really have to stop meeting like this."
"Agreed, Ranger Maelstrom," the Disciple of Whispers nodded beneath his hood, "But it is fortunate that we arrived when we did."
"How long have you known that the invasion force was in Vabbi?" Kydar demanded immediately, sheathing his wands as he strode up to the Disciple.
"Two days time," the whisper answered him evenly, "However we were unable to discern their target until it was too late."
"You could have warned us," Kydar snapped.
"You knew they were coming," the Disciple pointed out, "And the knowledge would neither help nor hinder your tasks. The Master deduced that one of the Princes would fall, would have to fall before the others would heed your warning."
"Acceptable losses?" the elementalist accused.
"Unacceptable losses, Scribe Raelesin, but necessary ones," the Disciple responded, before turning to look back at Rakiv, "You make for the Citadel of Dzagon, do you not?"
"We do," Rakiv nodded as she pressed a hand to Kydar's chest to force him to back down, "But at this rate we may not make it there without losing all of these people."
She gestured to the crowd of frightened civilians behind them. The braver of them had begun to step forward, looting the heket corpses for what weapons and armor could be salvaged. Already some of the men were reporting to Koss, offering their untrained sword arms to do whatever they could to help defend the refugees.
"Do the best that you can, and we will go before you. It is imperative that you make it to the Citadel, for I need you to deliver a message for me," the Disciple said.
"And that is?" Rakiv asked.
"Doubtless, Ahmtur will request a full briefing of what has happened in Makuun," the Disciple said, "But you must tell him that he has not only Kournans and Margonites to fear. The inhuman tribes of Vabbi have been conscripted into Varesh's service as well."
"The inhuman tribes?" Alendra questioned carefully.
"Heket and Harpies," the Disciple clarified, "The Warmarshal bought their loyalty, and promised these lands to them when the war is won. They are amassing in the Wilderness to strike at the Citadel. What we do not know is whether or not they will be acting alone."
"What do you mean?" the tactician asked.
"Ossa's forces are on the move," Disciple explained, "They are taking the higher passages through these caves and will arrive in the wilderness by sunset. We fear that they mean to make a coordinated attack and besiege the Citadel. Ahmtur's fortress is mighty… but against such a force, even Dzagon cannot stand."
"What do you expect us to do then?" Rakiv asked, "What good is a warning if these Princes are just going to keep being overrun?"
"Inform the Prince that the Master has called for all his agents to reinforce the Citadel," Disciple said, "It has been determined that we cannot let the Citadel fall. If it does, Vabbi is lost. If it can survive the siege, we may yet have a chance. If Ahmtur is willing, our agents will join his soldiers in battle… under the command of the Apprentice of Whispers."
All eyes turned to the terribly beautiful necromancer, who's little smile grew quite large indeed. Her dead eyes almost twinkled with amusement as she tilted her head curiously.
"Now what would provoke such an unwarranted act of faith from our dear, devoted Master?" Dawn asked.
"The Master has given me other tasks, and his most trusted agents are otherwise engaged as well," Disciple said grimly, "I ought not to tell you this, but we fear that Varesh has outmaneuvered us. We have discovered evidence that her agents have moved right under our noses… and in some cases, supplanted our own men."
"She did the same thing to our intelligence network in Kourna…" Anicara noted.
"Indeed. Fortunately, the Master has always had contingencies in place, but they necessitate the use of all out assets," Disciple explained, "He is sending ever man and woman that he can spare to Dzagon, but they require someone who can command them as a Whisper would."
"Which naturally, requires my particular brand of finesse and brutality," Dawn cooed, nearly beaming with amusement, "What makes your Master think I won't simply send his men to their deaths, if only to thin the numbers of your order?"
"Abaddon is an enemy common to us all, is he not Apprentice?" Disciple countered.
"You also know that if you betray us here…" Rakiv began.
"Yes, yes there is nowhere you cannot find me huntress," Dawn interrupted with a small giggle and a wave of her hand, "Never fear, your interests are yet my own. I would be… glad, to lead the Whispers into battle."
"I'm sure. You will find our forces waiting in the foothills just west of Dzagonur Bastion," Disciple nodded before he turned back to Rakiv, "Guildmistress I must take my leave. I have tarried too long as it is. Tell the prince to prepare Dzagon for a siege unlike any the fortress has ever seen. Whatever happens, the Citadel must not fall."
"Then it won't," the ranger nodded, "Get going Disciple. And good luck."
"Gods be with you Huntress," Disciple said as he bowed low, and then was simply gone from sight.
"Gods be with us all…" Kydar mumbled a moment later.
The stare that Rakiv fixed him with boardered on hostile, and the manner in which her eyes immediately softened told the scribe that she regretted the glare. She shook her head and turned away from him before giving a sharp whistle.
"Soldiers, guildsmen, listen up!" she cried, "We need to get these people moving, double time. The Citadel's not far now, but we've still got Kournans on our tail. Get the refugees into orderly files and let's march!"
"Yes, guildmistress!" came the response from her men.
Present…
"So, Ossa means to overwhelm me by sheer numbers does she?" Ahmtur grumbled, "Traitorous wench… well she will not find my shield broken so easily. Lieutenant Murunda?"
"Sir! Yes sir!" came the snappy response from the Lieutenant who immediately fell to one knee before her prince.
"Give the order that the Citadel is to be put on high alert," the prince commanded, "Siege status is in effect. I want the walls prepared, and every available man in armor. Roll out the bombards and set teams to crew them. Ossa's forces will know punishment before they ever reach my moat, let alone touch my walls."
"It will be done my prince!" the woman answered as she rose, saluted and turned to carry out his orders.
"Commander Tanmod!" the prince called.
"Yes my liege?" a heavily armored man stepped forward.
"See to it that triage is set up in the gate square and have medics standing by," Ahmtur ordered, "And speak with the refugees. Any man who can wield a bow or spear, conscript him and send him to the wall top. See that the moat is prepared for fire and fortify the main gates."
"As you command my lord," Tanmod responded, clapping a fist to his heart before striding off to do as instructed.
"Captain Siktur?" Ahmtur asked as he leaned forward against the display table, squinting at the illusion of the wilderness.
"I am here my lord, what is your command?" a soft spoken man stepped forward, clad in robes and light armor.
"What is the state of our communication? Has Mehtu received word that Makuun has fallen?" the prince demanded.
"He has my lord, and he has sent his response," the captain responded, "He advises a retreat. The fact that Makuun fell in a single night indicates that we will only loose men and arms if we stand and fight. He suggests retreating to the Hidden City, and calling upon our oldest allies to fulfill their ancient promise."
"He has fled to Ahdashim," Ahmtur snarled, slamming a fist into the table, "Typical. Can we send word into the hidden city?"
"If we are quick my lord, then yes," Siktur nodded.
"Then inform Mehtu that I have had enough of his pacifist council," the warrior prince stated, "Tell him that though he and Bokka flee, Dzagon will stand. If he is a man, much less a prince, then he will rally our allies and return to the surface with the forces we will need to retake Makuun. Tell him he is bound by contract to aid me if I call, and I am demanding he fulfill that duty."
"It will be done sire," the captain bowed.
Silence filled the room as Siktur retreated to send out messages and Ahmtur breathed deeply before he turned back to the guild. His eyes studied them with a warrior's gaze, judging each of them for the strength they might lend.
"What then came of your flight from the caves to the Citadel?" the prince asked.
"That part of the day, at least, went well," Rakiv said as she ran a hand through her hair, "The Disciple and his men cleared the way of heket and harpies ahead of us, and we ushered the civilians to your gates. I left Margrid behind to scout for us and give us a warning if Varesh drew close. We were not half-way across the wilderness yet when she told us that she had seen Kournan soldiers making camp in the cave mouth."
The prince rubbed his chin thoughtfully as his dark eyes stared into Rakiv's violets. The thought was shared. Varesh was waiting, preparing all her forces to attack. They had some time to prepare.
"Very well…" the prince nodded slowly and then gave a low chuckle, "I told you once huntress that I would lend aid to your cause if I could. It seems now that your cause has become my own."
"Due respects Prince Ahmtur," Rakiv said, attempting to keep her annoyance out of her voice, "But it always has been."
"Hmph, you may be correct," Ahmtur said with the smallest chuckle, "But I must say, I didn't expect the fight to come to my own citadel so swiftly. Still, I wonder if perhaps this is not yet fortune in disguise. The deeds of your guild are known to me, Rakiv Maelstrom. You accomplished stunning victories with little more than a few brave men and a desert to call your home. I wonder what you might achieve with an army and the most heavily armed fortress in Elona at your disposal."
"Your highness?" the ranger asked curiously.
"I wonder if you would accompany me, Ranger Maelstrom," the Prince invited, "I must oversee preparations and talk strategy with my tacticians. I would be pleased to have your council as well."
"I would," Rakiv nodded slowly, "But someone has to meet with the Whispers. No offense highness, but we'll need them if we plan to hold this fortress."
"None taken, I will not turn down aid freely given," Ahmtur nodded, "But can that task not be delegated? It is, after all, your Apprentice who is to lead them, is it not?"
"Not exactly my Apprentice, but yes," Rakiv nodded as she sighed and turned to her guild, "Kydar, Dawn, can you take care of this?"
"Easily," Kydar confirmed as he folded his arms over his chest
Rakiv arched an eyebrow at the scribe's slightly miffed expression, though she couldn't put a finger on what exactly seemed to displease him so. She did not have the time to give it much thought though, not with what was coming for them.
"Good, then you two rally the Whispers and get them back here," Rakiv nodded, "The rest of you… I'll get you your orders once I know what the plan is to defend this place."
"Should I look to what's become o' our princess friend?" Margrid drawled.
"Send another bird if you can," Rakiv nodded, "I'm worried about Tahlkora being out there by herself."
"Princess Mehtani would likely have been taken to refuge with her father, along with the rest of the royal court of Chokhin," Ahmtur advised.
"Tahlkora wouldn't hide, not now," Rakiv shook her head, "Only way they'd take her to safety is if she was kicking and screaming the whole way. I'd like to at least make sure that she didn't slip her father's guards and isn't out there somewhere looking to join the fight."
"I'll see what's flyin' about 'at's willin' ta keep an eye out," Margrid nodded.
"Thanks," Rakiv nodded, and then turned to Ahmtur, "Your highness, might I bring my tactician to your council? I usually rely on her at times like this."
"As you wish," the prince nodded before raising his fingers and snapping, "We will adjourn to the tower. Better view and I can command the citadel better from up there."
The staff manning the room immediately began to pick up troop displays, abacuses and tables as the three mesmers let their illusion fall and slowly rose to their feet.
"Get me those Whispers, Kydar," Rakiv nodded urgently to the scribe.
"Don't worry," the scribe said with a shake of his head, "Just get us a plan to keep this place standing."
"Guildmistress?" Ahmtur's voice cut in, "Shall we?"
Rakiv turned to find that the prince had offered his arm, and not knowing what else to do, she awkwardly took it. The prince laid his hand over hers and smiled as he led her up the stairs and out of the war room.
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The sun had once again begun to set as Rakiv leaned against the warm stones of the parapet. The autumn breeze whipped through her hair as she stared out at the Wilderness of Bahdza. The last time she had fought Varesh at a fortress this size, she'd been attempting to capture it, not defend it. Her thoughts turned, almost unexpectedly, to Kormir and the ranger found herself wishing she didn't have to attempt this defense without at least one of her sisters to help her. Fighting this war alone was starting to become very tiresome.
"You should sleep," came the familiar tenor of her first officer.
Well, not completely alone.
"So should you," she quipped without turning to look at Kydar, "Tomorrow's going to be hell."
"You think we're ready for this?' the scribe inquired.
Rakiv had to pause at that and blow out a slow breath. Finally she turned to face him. The scribe's stare was impassive and calculating. The ranger returned his gaze for a moment before she could take the silence no longer.
"What?" she demanded with exasperation.
"This is probably going to be the biggest fight we've had in months," the scribe said, "Are you going to be with us?"
"Of course," she snapped at him.
"No, Rakiv," Kydar shook his head as he stepped forward and stared hard down at her, "Are you going to be with us?"
The ranger nearly quailed under his gaze. Damn those eyes of his. The question and his stare were both too pointed to ignore, and they demanded an answer that she wasn't sure she could give.
"I'm an asset either way aren't I?" she said quietly, forcing herself to hold his gaze, something in her demanding that she maintain some semblance of dominance.
"Not if you get yourself killed," he said, "You don't show a lot of restraint once your eyes start to change."
"Yeah well… we'll need every advantage we can get tomorrow," she shrugged, "If I go a little wild, then just point me in the right direction."
Again silence reigned between them, and Rakiv noticed that somehow Kydar was closer to her again. She might have stepped back, if there wasn't a wall at her back and nothing but a drop straight to the moat beyond it.
"Fine," the scribe said, his frustration palpable as he stepped away, "Just remember that I will drag your ass back inside if you go crazy."
"What are guildsmen for?" she snickered with an attempt at bravado.
Kydar offered the slightest chuckle in response, though there was little humor in the sound. With a nod he turned and made his way back across the wall top, heading for the barracks. Rakiv watched him go and before he had gotten very far she pushed away from the wall top.
"Kydar?" she called after him.
The elementalist stopped and half-turned to fix his gaze upon her again. Gods damn those eyes. The ranger set her jaw, working hard to remember that she didn't want to play his game. She was still… well, angry wasn't the right word. She had nothing to be angry about. But she wasn't buddy-buddy right now either. With a firm nod she cleared her throat.
"Get some sleep First Officer," she commanded, "I need you fresh for tomorrow."
Kydar Raelesin tapped his forehead and with a flourish gave an exaggerated bow before rising again.
"Yes, guildmistress," he responded without enthusiasm before he turned and strode away.