This is madness. She sent out the thought to her friend.
Callisa flashed her a brilliant smile and then mounted the podium.
‘Everything Captain Hafender told you is true,’ she began, her voice resonating with authority. ‘We must prepare to meet this threat head on. If they catch us with our backs to the mountains, there is no retreat. Kalaya is our island, our home. We must go to them and fight for it.’
The exiles were the first to cheer, but soon everyone joined in.
‘Together we’ll stop Rathnor and send the raiders home.’
In that moment, everyone believed in the young Sentinel’s words, even Tei.
***
Rathnor shifted and struggled to get comfortable in the saddle. It put him in a dark mood, made all the worse for having been forced to flee the Assembly. Next to him, Nadan seemed amused by his discomfort.
Rathnor scowled. ‘Ride with me,’ he commanded the captain and then surged ahead of the Masked Riders.
As they moved out of earshot, Nadan cleared his throat. ‘What’s the plan, master?’ he asked. ‘We seem to be running away from the battle.’
‘This is the next stage of the plan,’ Rathnor said, lying easily. He glanced across to the captain, glad to see Nadan had the sense not to question him. ‘We’re meeting up with our reinforcements.’ Rathnor paused, allowing the captain’s curiosity to build.
‘Under my guidance, allies have sailed into the Bay of Hope and will join our fight to take control of Kalaya. We’ll lead our army against the Kalayans and force them to submit.’
Nadan stared ahead, still refusing to comment.
Rathnor studied the captain, knowing his natural battle mind would already be picking holes in the plan. Sighing inwardly, Rathnor focused his magic on Nadan, tightening the spell upon him and blocking his resistance. Then he looked the Masked Rider captain in the eye. ‘You may tell your men of the new plan,’ he said, testing the response.
Nadan nodded without question and then dropped back to ride amongst his men.
Rathnor stayed at the head of the group, enjoying the brief moment of solitude before reaching out to check on Farrell’s progress. He had to admit the procession of five hundred battle-hardened sailors stalking through Kalaya looked formidable.
Farrell, continue travelling southeast, we’ll meet up with you soon. Rathnor’s spirit hovered over the grim-faced commander, watching his reaction, but he offered no argument.
I like this new compliance. He grinned at the frown darkening Farrell’s face.
Rathnor stared along the line of his army; at least it would be his once Farrell was out of the way. Then he pulled his consciousness back into his body and sat in the saddle, amusing himself with possible ways the foreign commander could die - a stray arrow, a misplaced sword.
Another face came to mind. He hoped Brogan would survive the coming battle; he wanted to break his spirit personally.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Callisa rode at the head of their people with Tei at her side. The nine Elders who’d left Turrak and the Assembly rode behind them, and the makeshift Kalayan army stretched out into the distance. They were a people reunited, something few had expected to live to see, but against Rathnor’s forces their losses would still be great. Callisa pushed the destructive thoughts aside and focused on the trail.
They were approaching a group of homesteads; a messenger had already gone ahead to warn of their passing procession. Children ran forward to watch the army. Callisa waved to them and they all beamed back at her, their innocence warming her soul.
‘I wonder if I was ever that innocent,’ Callisa said as they moved through the settlement. She glanced across at her Confidante, who rode quietly without comment, her eyes distant. ‘What are you thinking about?’
Tei shrugged. ‘I’d hoped it would be over by now, that life would have found some normality.’
‘Normality, I don’t even know what that is,’ Callisa said.
Tei glanced over her shoulder to where Brogan rode alongside Hafender.
‘Marriage,’ Callisa said.
Tei blushed. ‘It crossed my mind, but the Elders would never allow it.’
‘I don’t think you’ll face much in the way of opposition.’ Callisa winked. ‘Don’t forget I was born to parents of a dormant bloodline. Both you and Brogan are from mixed blood heritage so there is every chance your children could inherit the magic. The bloodlines are not as easy to predict as the Elders would like to believe.’
She watched Tei’s face, seeing enlightenment dawn and the flush rise on her cheeks. Tei glanced back and shared a look with her lover.
‘I envy you,’ Callisa said wistfully. ‘For being able to have a relationship at all.’
‘I’m sorry.’
‘Don’t be silly, I want you to be happy. Go to him,’ Callisa smiled at her Confidante, ‘and send Hafender to me,’ she added as an afterthought.
‘Thank you.’ Tei pulled on the reins and dropped back.
The sadness stayed with Callisa. Hers would never be a simple life and she’d never know the intimacy lovers shared.
She turned her thoughts to the commander of the raiders. Farrell’s mind was still beyond her reach and it galled her that she couldn’t slip past Rathnor’s spell. She should have tried when the Elders were with her, but the strain of their bonding had left two Elders, including Kerrison, too weak to leave Turrak. Had they increased that exertion, both would have likely died.
Callisa sighed in frustration, just as Hafender drew his horse level with hers.
‘Sentinel.’
They rode together without speaking; he was clearly waiting for her to lead the conversation.
‘What hope have we left, Hafender?’
‘Mistress?’
She studied his face, wondering if he’d deliberately misunderstood her, rather than admit he had doubts of his own. He looked away from her searching gaze.
‘I’m sorry, Captain. I know you have no more answers than I do.’
‘No need to apologise, Sentinel.’
They rode on, the deepness of silence pushing against them.
Rathnor has an army of killers against us, while we have an army of farmers. We may have named them soldiers, but that doesn’t change what they are.
Hafender looked at her for a long time without saying anything and she couldn’t read him.
Don’t doubt them, Callisa.
It was the first time he’d used her name without prompting and it made his statement all the more poignant.
These are brave people. They deserve your confidence and respect. If that fails, then we fail. Don’t lose trust in your people, Sentinel.
Hot tears stung her eyes. ‘Thank you, Captain Hafender,’ she said aloud and smiled at him. ‘Where would I be without your counsel?'
He laughed jovially and Callisa joined in, glad to see she hadn’t lost his respect.
‘At camp tonight we shall have a ceremony and I shall proclaim you Battle General of the Kalayan army. You’ve certainly earned the title and the people will love the excuse to celebrate.’
‘That’s not necessary,’ he said quickly.
‘No, Hafender, it is.’ She held is gaze, turning serious. ‘I think it’s necessary for all of us.’
***
Rathnor sat tall in the saddle as he crested the rise. Nadan rode at his side at the helm of the group. Below, the raiders waited, gathering around several cooking fires, looking relaxed and at home on Kalayan soil. They stood to attention the moment Farrell issued the command, their weapons not drawn but on show.
The rest of the Masked Riders filed into view, grouping around Rathnor.
Nadan leant in close. ‘Are you sure about this?’
Farrell’s men out-numbered them by more than six to one; Rathnor gulped back uncertainty. He heard the nervous whispers of the men behind him, but chose to ignore them as he signalled greeting to Farrell.
The commander took his time to acknowledge hi
m with a wave.
Ensure you and your men offer us a friendly welcome, Rathnor warned.
Farrell called out a command and the sailors stripped off their weapons.
Rathnor turned back to his men. ‘Come on, put away those swords. Let’s go meet our allies.’
He used a simple spell to cloak himself in divine light and then dug his heels into the horse’s sides and started down the hill.
The Masked Riders followed his lead. For the first time he had a taste of what it was like to lead brave warriors into danger and he revelled in the power it gave him.
They stopped a hundred yards apart. Farrell stepped forward as Rathnor dismounted from his horse and walked on foot to meet him.
Rathnor bowed dramatically. ‘Welcome to Kalaya,’ he called, loud enough for everyone to hear.
They met at the centre of the two groups. Knowing all eyes focused on them, they made a show of shaking hands while secretly sizing each other up.
‘So finally we meet in the flesh,’ Rathnor said, holding the commander’s gaze.
Farrell pumped his arm, saying nothing. It was a strong handshake, his grip like iron. Rathnor could feel the commander’s magic strengthening on Kalayan soil, but it was still no match for his. He smiled at his quarry in good humour, seeing the murderous glint in Farrell’s eyes.
‘Don’t put up a fight now,’ he whispered as he pulled Farrell into a brotherly embrace, glad none of the watching men could sense the hatred flowing from the foreign commander.
Rathnor forced an even bigger smile. ‘Gentlemen, let me be the first to thank you for coming to our aid. With your help, we’ll quash the army at our heels.’
There were a few murmurs at his words.
Rathnor flung his arms wide to encompass them all. ‘They are led by an evil dictator who appears celestial but is full of guile. She’s bewitched the people, but together we have the strength to expose her lies.’
The sailors cheered, tentatively at first. Amongst them Rathnor saw Allisus, the troublesome first mate, eyeing him with distrust. Farrell still stood at Rathnor’s side, but the smile on his face looked strained.
Rathnor tried to bury his exasperation; he wouldn’t let these two men spoil his plans. He flung a friendly arm around the commander’s shoulders. ‘This is not a game.’
‘I refuse to be your puppet, Rathnor,’ Farrell said quietly.
Rathnor laughed as though they’d shared a joke, whilst reaching for the link within Farrell’s mind. You’ve had a taste of the power on this island and still you choose to defy me.
This war is wrong.
You’re not here to offer morale judgement.
Farrell pulled his mind back from Rathnor’s control and strained against the shackles of the spell. Rathnor recovered quickly and met him head on. Don’t be a fool, Commander. Your men may be watching, but they cannot save you.
Farrell took a step back, trying to force him into action, but Rathnor held his nerve. They both knew he needed the commander’s help to gain the trust of his men. By the look in Farrell’s eyes, it was obvious he would willingly sacrifice himself to prevent that happening.
The commander took another step back, opening his mouth to speak. Rathnor pulsed out, attacking Farrell’s spirit. At the last moment, he pulled back, only using enough power to bring the commander to his senses.
Farrell swayed and then sprawled on the ground at Rathnor’s feet. Several of the raiders made a grab for their blades and Allisus stepped towards his master, concern and anger distorting his ancient face.
Rathnor held up his hand in a show of peace and then quickly pulled Farrell back to his feet. ‘He’s not hurt,’ he shouted, trying to ease the tension.
‘The evil witch attacked your commander, attempting to scare him. But we all know Commander Farrell is too brave to succumb to her treachery.’
The men waited while Farrell panted heavily, saying nothing. Rathnor dug his nails into the flesh of Farrell’s arm, urging him to speak.
Farrell slowly faced his people and raised his free arm. ‘I’m fine.’
The men cheered their commander’s courage.
‘Together we’ll stop this evil witch,’ Rathnor shouted, forcing Farrell to raise his arm in the air.
The men cheered louder. Rathnor’s gaze rove over the army he knew was on the verge of being his.
He turned back to Farrell, using the noise to cover his words. ‘Don’t defy me again, Commander. Next time, I’ll kill your family.’
Farrell tore his arm away from Rathnor’s grasp. ‘Never threaten my family,’ he whispered with daggers in his eyes.
Rathnor patted Farrell good-naturedly on the arm as he caught sight of Allisus watching their exchange.
The first mate stepped forward. ‘Everything alright, Commander?’
Farrell looked from Rathnor, to his first mate. ‘Yes, of course.’
Rathnor decided it was time to seize control and signalled to Nadan. They watched the Masked Riders approach, leading the wagon of ale they’d stolen from a tavern on the journey.
‘Let’s drink to our alliance!’
Every man, bar Farrell and his first mate, cheered. Rathnor bit down his temper. Soon, he cautioned himself as he took a frothing tankard from Nadan and held it high above his head. ‘To victory!’
The return cheer was deafening. Rathnor downed the warm sweet brew, his eyes never leaving Farrell’s gaze. ‘To victory,’ he mouthed, because they both knew that was exactly what Farrell had just lost.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Thal sat between the Sentinel and Luth, the Assembly’s elected speaker. The table was set up at the centre of their camp and their makeshift army surrounded them. It was dusk, but they’d stopped their journey early in order to prepare for the celebrations. The evening meals had already been cooked and consumed, the cider barrels were opened, and their contents rationed between the people.
Hilda called for attention by knocking the Staff of Turrak on the table and then holding it aloft. The exiles and people of Kalaya gathered together catching up with friends and family, but they all responded to Hilda’s call for silence.
To Thal she looked haggard in the fading light. She still hadn’t recovered from the bonding and from healing Callisa, but she’d refused to stay behind at the mountains with the other Elders, stating her place was with the Sentinel. Thal hadn’t spoken with her since they’d left Turrak; she’d blanked him and he left her to it, there was no point trying to talk sense to the stubborn old woman. But as he watched, his anger towards her softened. That tenacity was something he’d always loved about her.
‘I have been an Elder for many years and have led our meetings for most of that time. Now I see things are changing and we need to learn to change with them. So I will hand over this meeting to our Sentinel.’ She handed the wooden staff to Callisa and bowed her head to the younger woman.
Callisa, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, smiled and nodded respectfully at the Elder.
After the exchange, Hilda wandered off into the shadows and Thal lost track of her. He felt a stab of regret; he would have liked the chance to make amends, especially tonight when everyone else was so high-spirited.
He returned his attention to Callisa as she addressed the people. Her golden aura shone bright, whole and healed by the reunification of her people. The magical image captured the islanders’ hearts. Many of the watching crowd caught their breath and listened avidly to her every word.
The Sentinel spoke of their bravery and praised them all for their courage. ‘...but this is not only a celebration. Today I want to honour a man who has proved himself a hero and a role model to all of us. I pronounce Hafender my Battle General.’
The cheers and whistles continued until eventually Hafender tried to wave them to silence, his cheeks flushed more with embarrassment than the cider.
People continued to clap until he stood and bowed. ‘Thank you. I’m the one who’s honoured to be here with you all, to have served alo
ngside you and to call everyone here friends and fellow Kalayans.’
As Thal watched Hafender speak, he realised how clever Callisa had been to choose a battle general that so many people loved and respected, someone they would die for.
It was the perfect moment to help the people bond. Callisa was becoming as clever and manipulative a Sentinel as her predecessor. The similarities to Gohan were uncanny, but Thal also saw the same burden of guilt she would carry through her life. That, as much as the dying magic, had been the tipping point for Gohan losing his mind.
Unhappy with the direction of his thoughts, Thal sat sullenly amid the celebrations. He saw his own replacement sitting at the edge of the main gathering with Brogan. Tei too would know the burdens of being a Confidante, but he hoped these two women could lead the people into better times and serve the island well.
He filled his goblet for a second time and raised it to the sky. Silently he toasted Gohan. ‘I hope you found peace, Master,’ he whispered.
As he downed the contents of his goblet, he wondered if the shift in the magic he felt was real or just the cider.
***
Once Hafender had been honoured and named their battle general, he called for the celebrations to start. They cleared a space at the centre of the camp and several people brought out their instruments. Soon many of the gathering were on their feet dancing to the music. The Elder, Dillian, led them in song, his deep voice surprisingly mellow and hypnotic.
Tei watched the bonding between the reunited people. She imagined the repairing strands of magic in the Astral Plane as Kalaya healed. The nightmares of the barren island seemed like a distant memory. All around her, the people of Kalaya were drunk on happiness as though purposefully blocking out the fact they were soon to face a second battle.
Brogan relaxed next to Tei on the edge of camp where the firelight barely reached them. They held hands and watched it all without speaking.
Tei savoured their time together; the watch guard would soon change and it was Brogan’s turn to take a shift.
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