Sands of Nezza

by M. L. Forman

  “A day to remember,” said Virgil as Alex joined him and his company for breakfast.

  “I’m glad you all decided to stay in Nezza and help Rallian,” said Alex.

  “It seemed the best thing to do,” said Virgil. “It’s not like we could go home anyway. Not with Bray trying to block the great arch and doing every little thing Lazar tells him to.”

  “And our adventure can’t be completed until we settle with you,” Skeld added, slapping Alex on the back in his friendly way.

  “Best not to leave kings uncrowned,” said Dain, looking stern and proud in his dwarf armor.

  “And it is a show of goodwill to remain,” Tom added.

  Alex knew that Skeld and Virgil thought of this as a game. They were both laughing and joking, which did not surprise Alex. He knew the beliefs of Norsland, which said that death in battle was the best death anyone could possibly hope for. Tom seemed nervous but happy. Only Dain seemed to be taking things as seriously as he was.

  As they were finishing their meal, Rallian appeared with Lord Talbot. The king looked troubled, and Alex could see the cool determination in Rallian’s eyes.

  “My friends,” Rallian began, “let us toast our beginning and wish for luck to follow us.”

  Servants appeared as he spoke, passing out mugs to all those gathered in the great hall. There was a general wish for luck, after which they all drank and cheered loudly. Alex couldn’t help feeling happy with all the cheering going on around him, and he cheered with the rest of them as they marched out of the castle to find their horses.

  “Lord Taylor,” Colesum called. “My brother, Hathnor, and I, would be honored if you would ride with us in King Rallian’s vanguard.”

  “It would be both my honor and my pleasure to do so,” said Alex.

  “You wear a sword today,” Colesum said, leading Alex to his horse. “I did not know that wizards bothered with such common things.”

  “I could use a sword before I took my staff,” said Alex. “And my sword is not as common as you might think.”

  “So we’ve heard,” said Hathnor, walking up as Alex was speaking. “The king has told us the stories, and your friend Skeld has sworn that they are all true.”

  “I cannot say if they are true or not, as I did not hear the stories,” said Alex. “But I know Skeld very well.”

  Colesum and Hathnor laughed at Alex’s reply as they climbed onto their horses. They looked impressive in their shining armor, but only Alex knew about the true silver mail he wore under his shirt. They talked with Alex as they rode away from the castle and through the city.

  “How many men has Rallian left to hold Talbas?” Alex asked as the city grew small behind them.

  “Two hundred of the oldest and youngest warriors,” said Colesum. “We have scouts out, so it is unlikely that Lazar’s army could approach without our knowing.”

  “The king has ordered the people from all the nearby towns and villages into Talbas as well,” Hathnor added. “That will increase the guard to five or six hundred.”

  “A wise precaution,” Alex said.

  “Where is your raven today?” Hathnor asked.

  “Stonebill flew south to scout the land,” said Alex. “He will return in a day or two with news of what lies ahead of us.”

  “He can travel faster and farther than our scouts,” said Colesum thoughtfully.

  “And he sees more than most scouts as well,” Alex added. “He is a wise bird, and I am glad the oracle asked me to bring him along.”

  “The Oracle of the Red Lands sent this bird with you?” Colesum asked in surprise.

  “She asked it as a favor,” said Alex.

  “Then he is truly a good omen for the king,” said Hathnor. “The raven is considered a royal bird here, as you may know. To have one so friendly with this company is a good sign.”

  Alex looked at the armored knights in front of him as they rode. There were two dozen of them in shining silver armor, each carrying a long lance with a banner attached to it. He swiveled in his saddle to look behind him, where Rallian and Lord Talbot rode along with another thirty or forty armored knights. He was glad to see that Virgil and the others were not too far behind Rallian. The sight of so many warriors gave him hope, as did the confidence of Colesum and Hathnor.

  “This land looks so peaceful,” Alex said. “It is hard to believe there has ever been a war here.”

  “It has been a long time since any army but our own has marched in these lands,” said Colesum. “We have been strong for more than a hundred years, and with luck, we will remain strong.”

  “Luck often favors the bold,” said Alex.

  They rode on toward Dunnmara, talking and laughing from time to time as they went. They all knew what the future might hold, but for now they were happy to be riding together. They paused once during the day to rest their horses and eat a little. Messengers began returning as they ate, and all the news seemed to be good.

  When they stopped for the night, Rallian held a meeting with his generals to discuss what was happening. Alex was invited to join the group, along with Virgil.

  “There is no sign of Lazar’s army,” said Rallian. “If we move quickly, we can fight him on the other side of the mountains and spare this land.”

  “He will surely have men along the south road,” Talbot said. “He will be watching for our approach.”

  “It would be best to keep him in the dark,” said Alex. “If we could encircle the men watching the roads so no word of our movement reached Lazar or his army, we would have an advantage.”

  “Both wise and cunning,” said Rallian. “I will send scouts to spy on Lazar’s watch. Once we know where they are, and how many men there are, we can make plans to capture them.”

  “And the captured men may be able to tell us what Lazar is up to,” Colesum added.

  “There is one other matter,” said Rallian, turning to look at Alex. “The weather is unusual for this time of year. The rains seem to have dried up. Do you think Magnus could be keeping the rains away so that Lazar’s army can move faster?”

  “No, this is not Magnus’s doing,” said Alex. “I doubt he even cares about the weather.”

  Rallian gave Alex a questioning look, but Alex didn’t explain how he knew that Magnus wasn’t behind the unusual weather. Tempe had told him that the weather would be dry, at least for a time. The rains would come at some point, but for the next few weeks at least, the army could move quickly.

  Alex wondered how hard it would be to control the weather. Since his encounter with the stoics, Alex had been looking for a way to use more of his dragon magic and include it in his everyday life. Perhaps the power of the dragon was strong enough to change the weather, but for now, Alex would let things be.

  With their plans made, Rallian sent more messengers south. Alex watched as they rode away, wondering what Stonebill had discovered. He wanted to know what Lazar was doing, or more correctly, what Magnus was telling Lazar to do. It was possible that Lazar’s army would wait for them near Karmus, hoping that a battle in the place of his choosing would be to their advantage.

  Magnus was another worry. The old man had to be doing something, but Alex had no idea what. He considered using the scrying orb in his bag, but unless he knew exactly what he was looking for, the orb wouldn’t be much help.

  After eating the evening meal, Alex wandered out of the tents to look at the stars. As he stood silently looking into the sky, he felt Tom approaching.

  “May I speak with you?” Tom asked, stopping a short distance away.

  “Of course,” said Alex.

  “I . . .” Tom began and then stopped to clear his throat. “I have been thinking about the second test. I would like to take it, but I feel I should wait until matters are settled in Nezza.”

  “A wise choice,” said Alex. “When things are settled in Nezza, we will talk about this again.”

  Tom bowed and walked away, and Alex turned to watch him go. He still wondered what Tom ha
d seen in the shadowlands, and why he had lied about seeing anything at all. Alex’s O’Gash had said that Tom was lying to himself, but Alex couldn’t see any reason for Tom to do that.

  He has found another answer, Alex’s O’Gash said softly. One that he was not looking for.

  Alex didn’t understand what that meant, but his O’Gash remained silent, so Alex let his questions drift to the back of his mind. Whatever answers Tom had found, Alex knew that he would discover them in time.

  The next morning, they continued their march south and east. There was not as much laughter today, but everyone still seemed to be in good spirits. Alex watched the groups of men who were joining with the army as they went along. He was impressed by how many of these groups there were and by how happy they all seemed to be. They were much like the warriors who had marched out of Talbas—happy to serve a true king.

  Rallian took the time to greet each new group that joined the army, an action that Alex thought was wise. The men had come because Lord Talbot had called, but they would be fighting for Rallian. Alex knew that the men would fight better for a leader they knew, or at least for one who took the time to get to know them.

  By the time they reached Dunnmara, the sun was already dropping below the horizon. Perhaps a thousand tents were set up around the city walls, and the evening was brightened by hundreds of campfires. Men were riding and running between the tents, carrying messages back and forth between commanders.

  “They will be arriving all night,” Colesum said to Alex. “Some of them will have traveled farther than we have by the time they get here.”

  “Fortunately, we always keep a large stockpile of supplies ready,” Hathnor added. “We never know when we might need them. That is one of the reasons we have remained strong for so long.”

  “And I believe one of the reasons we will be successful in putting Rallian on the throne,” said Alex.

  Just then, Stonebill arrived with a flutter, landing on Alex’s shoulder. The raven looked worn out, but he was in a rush to tell Alex what he had seen.

  “Lazar has sent his army east and north,” said Stonebill. “They will reach the gap of Luthan in two days’ time.”

  “Will Caftan and Shelnor be there in time to stop them?” Alex asked.

  “They are gathering now, but it will be close,” answered Stonebill. “The northern lords have a fair-sized force at the gap, but it will take time to get all of their men in place.”

  “Then we should move more quickly and come at Lazar’s army from behind,” said Alex.

  “There is more,” Stonebill interrupted. “Magnus has bewitched the army of Lazar so they appear to be more than they really are. I would say there are no more than ten thousand men in the army, but they appear to be three or four times that number.”

  “Then we must let Caftan and Shelnor know, or they may withdraw from the gap,” said Alex, considering what he would do faced with a force of such size.

  “It will be difficult,” Stonebill said. “They know nothing of geebs, so a messenger must be sent.”

  “And they will trust what they see more than what we tell them,” Alex added. “Rest, my friend. You have done much for our cause, and we still have the advantage.”

  “What news?” Colesum asked as soon as Alex stopped talking to the raven. “Does Lazar march north to meet us, or does he wait in his own lands?”

  “We should talk with the king,” said Alex. “My friend has brought important news, and we will need to weigh our options.”

  Within ten minutes, Alex was telling Rallian and the lords of the north what Stonebill had discovered. Their mood became dark as they pondered what they should do. It was clear that Caftan and Shelnor needed to be told that the force attacking them was much smaller than it seemed to be, but would they believe it?

  “I will go to them,” said Colesum firmly. “They will believe me.”

  “I will go with him,” Hathnor added. “Surely they will not doubt both of us.”

  “Colesum is needed here,” said Rallian, looking at Lord Talbot as he spoke. “The journey will be difficult and dangerous. Lazar will have scouts and raiders out, trying to keep Caftan and Shelnor from sending messages to us.”

  “I will ride with Hathnor,” said Alex, stepping forward. “I believe the two of us can reach Lords Caftan and Shelnor and convince them of the truth.”

  “I had hoped you would remain with me,” said Rallian, his voice lowered slightly.

  “We must hold the gap of Luthan. That is where I am most needed,” said Alex.

  “Can you break the spell of Magnus?” Talbot asked.

  “I don’t know. I will need to see what magic Magnus has used before I can say,” said Alex. “But I think it might be best to leave his magic in place for a time.”

  “Why?” Rallian asked.

  “The army of Lazar will want to fight as little as possible,” said Alex. “If they think they can force Caftan and Shelnor to surrender, or perhaps leave the gap to their seemingly huge force, they will not attack.”

  “And if Caftan and Shelnor see themselves confronted by thirty or forty thousand men, they may well surrender,” Rallian said.

  “Hathnor and I will find some way to convince them of the truth,” said Alex. “Once Caftan and Shelnor understand how things stand, we will delay Lazar’s army, giving you time to come up behind them. When you are close, I will raise a fog so Lazar’s army will not see your approach. When all is ready, I will let the fog melt away and then see what I can do to wipe away the deception of Magnus.”

  “And Lazar’s army will be trapped between two larger armies,” said Talbot with a nod. “A good plan, and it might work, if you can reach Caftan and Shelnor in time.”

  “With your permission, Hathnor and I will leave tonight,” said Alex. “Near midnight, I think, would be best.”

  “Very well,” Rallian agreed. “I will send you two, and a small group of warriors to help you.”

  “The smaller the group, the better,” Alex said. “We need speed and secrecy.”

  “As you wish,” said Rallian.

  Alex turned to leave. He wanted to talk with Virgil and the others before he left, and it was already getting late.

  “I wish I were going with you,” said Colesum, following Alex out of the tent. “But, as the king said, I am needed here.”

  “It is for the best,” said Alex. “You are the oldest, and your place is here with your people.”

  “And my place is to ride as messenger,” said Hathnor.

  “I will choose a dozen good men to accompany you,” said Colesum, smiling at Hathnor. “That many should make up for my brother’s lack of skill.”

  “Fewer would be better,” said Alex. “Three or four lightly armored men on fast horses would be best. Our hope is not battle but speed.”

  “It will be as you wish,” said Colesum.

  “Now I need to talk with my adventurer friends,” said Alex.

  “They are camped just there,” said Hathnor, pointing to a large tent.

  “Very well,” Alex nodded. “Be ready to ride shortly after midnight.”

  “All will be ready,” Colesum answered.

  Alex left the brothers and walked quickly to the tent where Virgil and his other friends were camped. They greeted him when he entered the tent, questioning him about what news Stonebill had brought. He relayed Stonebill’s information and what plans had been made. They all listened with interest, taking in the importance of what was just beginning.

  “Perhaps some of us should ride with you,” said Virgil.

  “I would rather you all remain close to Rallian,” said Alex.

  “You suspect something,” said Virgil.

  Alex nodded. “I know that Magnus has a plan, and Rallian is at the center of it. I can’t be here to keep an eye on Rallian, so I need you all to stay alert and make sure nothing happens to him.”

  “As you wish,” said Virgil.

  “And take care of yourselves as well. I doubt y
ou would end up in the dungeons of Karmus now, if you were taken.”

  “We would not be so easily taken a second time,” said Dain, fingering the ax in his belt.

  “Well then,” said Alex, looking at his friends, “I’ll wish you all luck. Stay alert, stay close to Rallian, and try not to take too many chances. If all goes well, we will meet again at the gap of Luthan.”

  “We would also wish you luck,” said Virgil, “but as you seem to have more luck than any man should have, we will wish you good speed instead.”

  Alex left the adventurers with a smile and walked back toward Rallian’s tent. Colesum and Hathnor were standing outside, talking in lowered voices. Four well-armed and lightly armored men stood close by, holding six horses. Alex arrived just as Rallian stepped out of his tent.

  “Well then,” said Rallian, “I suppose you must be off.”

  “It is time,” said Hathnor.

  Rallian nodded. “Hathnor, you are in command of these men. You have my letters to Lords Caftan and Shelnor. Ride now, and may luck ride with you.”

  “I hear and obey,” answered Hathnor.

  “Master Taylor,” said Rallian, turning to Alex, “I have no power to command you, but I ask that you assist Hathnor and his men in their mission.”

  “As you wish,” said Alex. “We will accomplish the mission you have set for us or die in the attempt.”

  “Then I feel certain you will accomplish it,” said Rallian with a slight grin. “I doubt very much that anything in all of Nezza could kill you.”

  “I am as mortal as any man,” said Alex, climbing into his saddle. “Though I do seem to have more luck than most.”