Dryw Henge

by Jonathan Forth

  “But it’s not clear from the dream what may be causing me the disquiet. Should I be thankful and relieved that we found Saturnus, and rest at ease?”

  “I think you should take some comfort from that, indeed.”

  Daylon paused, “Look, it’s likely that your father is still under siege at Ampheus. He will be a long way from Dryw Henge when we challenge Gorath. If not, then perhaps you and I should watch his back, so to speak, there may be no harm in that.”

  *

  The King and his knights continued north. They were an awe-inspiring sight to anyone that saw them. The King’s banner fluttered at the front of the column. The rumbling of the warhorses and their steel plates that covered their torsos could be heard from leagues away. The silver suits of armour, the contoured breastplates embellished with the prancing lion, sparkled in the sun. Peasants and children would pause in the fields and as they passed, they would wave and cheer.

  Given it was a sizeable cavalry unit, they would stop regularly so the horses could graze and drink at a village pond or stream. The meagre provisions they brought with them were supplemented by villagers happy to help in any way possible. The Janshai scouts were the first to spot them; the sun glinted against the armour from leagues away.

  Aron and Aksel sat on their horses and looked into the distance. “That armour, it must be the Amphean cavalry. Perhaps the siege of Ampheus is over, or at least they have broken free from the stranglehold Gorath has over the castle.” As they were speaking, a scout galloped up to them. His rider pushing his mount forward, white foam frothing from the horse’s mouth from the effort to reach the top of the hill.

  “Raisa and another of the scouts have been captured by the Amphean cavalry. I fear for them Aksel.”

  The Prince nodded. “Pull back your scouts, we don’t want any misunderstandings to result in any harm to your men. Aksel follow me; let us ride together to the knights before any injury comes to Raisa and your man.”

  *

  The Amphean scouts were resting in a small copse when the two Janshai had ridden past. Caught by surprise, the indecision as to whether to stand or ride had cost them. Before they could react they were set upon and bound and gagged.

  They were thrown roughly on their horses’ backs and taken to the Amphean encampment, where a sergeant-at-arms had been called and they were trussed against a tree.

  Raisa knew there was no point in shouting or struggling. She may get a chance to speak at some point, but for now she would take a beating. It was to be expected. The Janshai themselves would do no differently, soften up the enemy first, break them a little and that tends to loosen their tongues. The sergeant, she gave him credit, did not seem to take any pleasure in this. He slapped her across her face with the full force of his fist, bruising her jaw and loosening her teeth. She could taste the blood from her broken lips, just one hit and her face was a mess. He punched her in the stomach knocking the wind out of her. Her knees gave way, but she was still held by the ropes, and she was left gasping for breath.

  “This is Terramian soil. It is rich, fertile; it brings forth crops to feed our families and provides the foundations for our homes. Janshai, you are not worthy to tread on this ground and you dishonour it with your mere presence.”

  Urien strode over to King Armanar and Logar, “Sire, we have caught a couple of Janshai scouts. The sergeant is roughing them up a little. Would you like to speak to them?”

  The King nodded, “Yes, they may have news on Aron and his companions. Logar join me.”

  They strode to the edge of the wood where the two captives were tied against the trees. “Sergeant was that quite necessary?” Asked the King.

  Both Janshai were slumped with their heads hanging down, blood dripped from their bruised features and their hair hung loosely across their faces.

  “I believe they may be more amenable to a little chat now,” said the sergeant. He nodded to one of his men who stepped forward and threw a bucket of water over the Janshai who spluttered back to life.

  “Take their gags off,” said the King.

  “Logar.”

  Logar nodded and started speaking to the pair “So, there is the easy way and the…” and he stopped mid-sentence. He lifted the girl’s head and stared into her eyes and knew immediately. He took his dagger and sliced her free from her binds and held her in his arms and she sagged against him.

  “Sergeant, drinking water now and get that other man down.” He lifted a ladle to her lips and said, “A hell of a welcome party I know but you are home now my sister, you are home.”

  Just at that moment Aron and Aksel rode into the Amphean camp. The Prince was surprised to see his father. “Father, stop they are with us! And by the way what are you doing here?”

  *

  Sister Hulda attended to Raisa and the other Janshai while everyone else gathered.

  It was one of those good news and bad news meetings. The good news is we are all alive; The bad news is Ampheus is still under siege; The good news is we found Saturnus; The bad news is we lost the Earth Totem; The good news is we’ve made lots of new friends, even Janshai; The bad news is we have no idea what to do next!

  That was where the conversation got tricky. King Armanar stood looking at Saturnus. “So, let me get this clear, having got us into this mess two millennia ago, you have no idea how to find a way out of it; no idea what will actually happen if Gorath combines the totems at Dryw Henge; but based on a chat you had with Aron and Daylon a couple of days ago, you think perhaps stealing the Quintessence Totem is the only answer.”

  Saturnus was pleased that the King had got it so quickly. Though his tone of voice suggested a lack of conviction and faith in the proposal.

  “Logar?”

  “Sire?”

  “Thoughts?”

  “Well it’s a plan, but can I suggest a nuance, very subtle mind you but a nuance nonetheless.”

  “Of course.”

  “Well Sire, we ride into Dryw Henge and throw everything we’ve got at them until the dogs run off battered and broken with their tails between their legs.”

  The King slapped his thigh, “Well it’s a fine distinction, but one that definitely makes sense to me!”

  *

  Logar left the gathering and went and sat next to Raisa. “How are you?” he said when she opened her eyes.

  “A little black and blue,” she replied and smiled weakly.

  “It’s the famous Terramian hospitality. We are renowned for it!” He paused. “I only heard I had a sister recently, it warmed my heart and I desperately hoped we would get to meet. I don’t recall much of our childhood but I do remember it was a happy and loving one.”

  “Our parents were simple folk but they made sure our lives were full of joy and laughter. While that life was taken from us, perhaps we have a chance to get to know each other again, and build a new family for ourselves.” She smiled and winced as the cuts stung on her lips.

  Logar reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a small silver locket on the end of a chain.

  “It was the one bond I had to our parents when I was found. I believed it was a token, but now I see it had a deeper meaning. It was not mine, but yours. Our parents gave it to me to remind me I had a sister and to find you and give it back to you.”

  Tears fell down Logar’s cheeks. “I am sorry I failed you all these years but let me return this to you now.” Raisa pulled Logar’s head towards her and cradled him as she did when he was a child.

  Chapter 11

  The Windstrom Army

  Gorath, and Shomari, had arrived at the Gamuran encampment outside Goul. He stood by a table within his tent. On it sat three of the totems of the Four Realms. “Sometimes it takes more than blunt force to seize something; some good old-fashioned skulduggery; a bit of sleight of hand; and just a little blind luck; or in our case all three.”

>   He picked them up one by one.

  “The Air Totem; note the rotating cloud-like symbols. The Earth Totem,” he rubbed his fingers over the engravings. “The lines of the earth and symbols of the trees and animals that exist upon it.

  “The Water Totem; symbols of the flow of the ocean and the curling of the waves.” He placed one on top of the other and signalled for a box to be brought to him. One of his men approached and placed it on the table in front of him. Gorath unhooked the lock and flipped open the lid. He placed his skeletal hand inside.

  “The Fire Totem; the licking of the flames.” He placed it on top of the other three and reached back inside the box, “The Quintessence Totem; a star within a pentagon.”

  It glowed in his hands, washing like the tide up his arms, his skin suffused with a luminous glow. He placed the fifth token above the others, and a soft wave of light rippled up and down the surface.

  “Beautiful,” he said to himself. “The essence of power over the Four Realms in my hands!”

  He turned to those gathered in the room. “We will be at Dryw Henge in a week’s time for the summer solstice, it is when the sun is most powerful in its celestial plane.

  “All the energies from the Four Realms will be centred along the ley lines to Dryw Henge. They will converge under the stone altar in the centre of the stone circle. We can then summon the power from the very edges of this world. The powers will submit to my will, and the Four Realms will bend to my dominion.”

  *

  The two armies met on the Windstrom Plains. Each made camp a mile or so away from each other. The land was open and flat, the ground well drained by sandy soil and limestone bedrock from which light grasses and other small plants grew. Gulden and Mia stood on a small undulation that afforded a slightly better view of the two forces, but not by much.

  “There is quite a contrast between the two armies,” said Gulden as he compared the well-drilled Celestinian Army and the Horde. The Horde’s encampment was a disorganised rabble as far as Gulden could tell with perhaps some thought to the positioning of utilities and the command centre.

  Apart from that it was a loose patchwork of units that seemed to just sit or lie down where they arrived.

  He could tell by a constant shuffling that sergeants were edging their units forward so that the distance between the front and back of the formation was not too great. Apart from that it looked like they would fight as they stood. Defend as a mass, attack as a mass.

  “I hate to admit it but I think we could learn a thing or two from you Celestinians. You are very organised.”

  “Yes,” said Mia, “the Elders have put a lot of thought into the battle tactics of the army. It’s not just about wielding a sword. It is about keeping your men fit, healthy and safe up to the battle. No detail is too small. We’re taught these drills as young cadets, and don’t even question them. They come as natural to us as breathing.”

  “Even marching,” said Gulden, “With the cavalry upfront, then the columns of infantry followed by the engineers, and support units. Again, protected by formations of infantry and cavalry. With the scouts circling round front and back I would imagine it is not easy to sneak up on the Windstrom Army.”

  “No indeed,” she smiled.

  “Even now as we make camp, the men don’t just rest and relax, first they fortify their positions. Dig sharpened stakes in the earth for defence and a trench is dug around the encampment to give our positions the higher ground.”

  “It is a little more effort but…” said Mia, “… it means everyone gets to sleep a little more soundly at night. If we are attacked we have the advantages of higher ground and a front line of fortifications that the Horde will need to fight through. It breaks up their formations if indeed they are that organised.”

  Like the watchtowers of Celestina itself, the infantry were constructing wooden lookout towers at the corners of the camp and a raised central command centre from where the battle tactics could be orchestrated, and signals could be given.

  “The command centre is ingenious, building it on solid wheels. I assume you’ll move it back and forward with the forces so that the commanders can view the battle from above and give signals to the troops.”

  “Yes, but although it moves behind the infantry, it does take a lot of effort to manoeuvre and we have to be careful. We’ve lost a few battles over the years and had to abandon the command centre when the retreat overtook it. If we can’t set it on fire, we effectively handed it over to the enemy to their advantage.”

  In between the towers soldiers were constructing banks of tents to bunk in. It was well organised and designed to survive the night. If they rested for more than one day the fortifications would get a little more dense, the trenches a little deeper.

  “It also presents a strong position to rally back to, to regroup and reorganise. Though Windstrom is rarely routed,” said Mia proudly.

  “It’s impressive,” said Gulden. “Where are we sleeping?” he said and blushed. “I mean, well you know what I mean.”

  Mia giggled, “Our battalions are mixed, but the tents are segregated between men and women. I’ll find out where you are!”

  “Tell me about the armour,” said Gulden. “It looks very light and flexible, I assume it means the Celestinians are quite agile in combat.”

  Mia nodded, “The armour is designed to protect against man-to-man combat. The cavalry and fortifications safeguard against the enemy horsemen, and shields deflect arrows. So the armour does not protect against all things. Head, shoulders, body and forearms that’s all. The body armour is made up of metal plates woven into leather straps that can be worn over a simple tunic so it’s light and comfortable as a result. Each helmet has a crest of a soldier’s unit.”

  Mia removed her helmet. “Griffin?” said Gulden and she nodded. “Anyway, the armour may struggle against a mace or a pickaxe though it will deflect a sword or a spear.

  “Our tactics are much more about coordinated combat. So it’s unlikely the Horde will have enough time or space to swing a pickaxe before they are cut down.”

  Mia pulled out her blade. It was a foot shorter than the long sword Gulden carried. “We attack in unison, cut and thrust. The shorter blade means we can strike more blows in a tighter area. It’s proved very effective.

  “As the officers get more senior, their armour will be more embellished, perhaps with full breastplates and engravings. You may see them wearing collared cloaks and sashes.

  “On one side this is useful as it’s easier for the army to see their senior officers and follow orders. The flipside is that they tend to be clearer targets for the enemy. If you cut off the lion’s head, then the body is no longer any danger, so to speak.

  “Either way when the Celestina Army lines up for battle, with the breast plates and helmets glinting in the sun, against their white tunics, with the spears and swords raised in the air, it’s a wondrous sight.”

  “I would like to see it.”

  “Well give it a few days and you will!”

  *

  The next day Mia found Gulden sitting and talking to a couple of younger Celestinian soldiers. He was showing them the best way to swing and wield a long sword.

  “Don’t go messing with their rhythm on the eve of combat, they’ll more likely be a danger to their own men,” she said.

  “It looks like we’ll take the initiative and attack just after dawn tomorrow. We’ll be able to execute our own plan. With the sun rising behind us, the Horde will be slow to react to our tactics.”

  She paused, “Ummm.”

  “Yes?” Asked Gulden.

  “Well I was asked, well ordered really. Ummm, would you mind sitting this one out? You may join the command tower if you like to see the battle unfold.”

  “Sit it out?” asked Gulden. “After everything I have been through I have as much right to face the
Horde as anyone.”

  “Well, I know that,” said Mia looking down. “But the Celestinian approach is very precise. It is felt you may be …”

  “May be …?”

  Mia sighed, “A hindrance.”

  Gulden was astonished. “A hindrance!” Mia held up her hands to calm him. He wanted to fight, he felt his blood boiling with the indignity he felt. But he took a breath; he was also a soldier; understood that an army was only effective if soldiers did not act as individuals but followed orders. His shoulders slumped.

  Mia took his hand. “I am sorry,” she said.

  “No,” he replied, “It makes sense, I just had not anticipated it. It must be difficult for you to tell me. I appreciate that you did.” He squeezed her hand tight.

  “Will you be with the cavalry?” he asked, and she nodded. He turned to her, “It will be hard to see you go.”

  *

  Gulden stood at the back of the command tower and listened to the commander’s plans. They appeared well thought out. The troops would advance in formation. The cavalry up front with infantry and archers behind them. Following them were reserves that could be used to supplement any of the formations that were under attack. They were used to support one or other of the flanks, especially if hard pressed by the enemy as they came under strain.

  With the light behind them, it was not perhaps evident, that two thirds of the cavalry were on the right side of the advance.

  The Celestinians considered that the left-hand side of a soldier was weaker. Most soldiers were right-handed. The left arm also carried the heavier shield. So, attacking the left flank of the enemy would be the easiest way to breach its lines. The cavalry could then potentially sweep inwards towards the relatively unprotected infantry or archers in the centre of the enemy’s formation. Maximum impact in the shortest time.

  The reserves would fill in behind the left wing of the cavalry as it swung round so that they were not exposed to a counter-attack.