Parno's Gambit: The Black Sheep of Soulan: Book 3

by N. C. Reed

“Of course, milady,” Benson nodded and moved his horse even with the driver. Seconds later the carriage began to pick up speed and soon was rocking through the streets at speed that was far in excess of safe.

  There were few reasons for the normally bustling Royal City to look and feel abandoned, and none of them were good. She needed to reach the palace as soon as possible.

  It took another fifteen minutes to do so, and when they arrived she was more than surprised to see the palisades around the palace closed up tight, gates closely guarded.

  “Halt!” one of the men standing at the gate they approached called. “State your name and business!”

  ~*~

  Captain Jeffrey Winters was making rounds outside the palace citadel looking for weaknesses in the defenses at the request of Colonel Stang. As a member of the Black Sheep, Winters had true combat experience where most of the rest did not. Stang didn't hesitate to take advantage of that, either.

  Winters didn't like the idea of trying to defend so large an area with so few men, but he had to admit that the structures and walls themselves were in good condition. Built for something just like this, the were strong enough to withstand a determined attack so long as they were adequately defended. It remained to be seen if the few men they had would be adequate. It all depended on how many troops were actually coming, and how smart their commander was.

  As he approached the gate he had started from, ending his tour back where he began, he noticed a familiar carriage at the gate being challenged by the guards. Being a naturally curious type, Winters approached the carriage's off side to take a look at who would be visiting at a time like this.

  “Lady Willows?” he asked in stunned surprise, seeing the elegant blonde sitting in the carriage as her driver argued with the guards.

  “Lieut-no, Captain Winters, now, isn't it?” Edema smiled beautifully. “How are you? I am pleased to see you well.”

  “Thank you, milady,” Winters nodded slightly. “What in the world brings you here, today of all days?” Before she could reply he looked at the guard.

  “Is there a problem here?” he demanded brusquely.

  “Trying to get inside,” the guard replied. “No one expected her and she ain't from the city. We ain't-”

  “You can't possibly be that stupid,” Winters told the man flatly. “Do you not realize who this is?”

  “No, sir,” the man looked a bit wary now. “Beggin' your pardon, sir,” he added, realizing who Winters was now.

  Edema couldn't hear just what Winters said to the young and surly lieutenant that had been arguing with Benson and her driver, though she did catch Parno's name. She hid a smile as suddenly it was more than fine for her carriage to enter the palace grounds and welcome to the palace and so forth. The carriage moved slowly as Winters stepped back to her window, walking alongside.

  “I'm sorry about that Milady,” he apologized. “Truth is we're expecting an attack here within the day and everyone is a bit on edge. I'm afraid Lord Parno isn't here at the moment, milady. He is currently at the front with the Army.”

  “Attack?” Edema felt her face pale. “Here?”

  “I'm afraid so, milady,” Winters nodded. “I would advise you to leave but fear there may not be sufficient time for you to get clear. It may be that you're safer staying here now.”

  “I can't head back with our horses tired out,” she nodded. “We'd never do well should we have to run for it. I'm afraid you're quite correct, Captain. We shall have to ride the attack out here with the rest. Perhaps we can be of some assistance, at least.”

  “I'm sure Lady Winifred can find you something to do,” Winters chuckled. “You can bet that if she can't, Lady Stephanie sure can. I have to report in, milady. Be safe,” he knocked twice on the carriage door and then was gone, leaving Edema digesting what he'd just said.

  The Royal City to be attacked, and apparently, Winnie and Stephanie were playing quite the part in preparing for that attack. Interesting.

  Very. Interesting.

  ~*~

  “Poppa is bringing in two trebuchets from Roda Finn's testing range,” Winnie informed Memmnon as the two met briefly for lunch. “That and some of Roda's more potent 'gadgets' as he calls them should be a big help. I hadn't realized he had noth-er, anything like that close by,” she caught herself yet again before using slang. Memmnon stifled a grin as he knew it bothered her.

  “I never have seen these gadgets in operation, but Parno assures me they are a sight to behold,” he told her. “And your father is assisting?”

  “He's been helping Roda test his new stuff for some time now,” she nodded. “Him and Mister Roda's assistants are working on it. Won't be like having a sure enough artillery presence Pa said, but it will help.”

  “We shall take whatever we can get,” Memmnon nodded. “And be grateful to those who provide it.”

  “Lady Winifred, Lady Cumberland is requesting an audience with you,” a young staff girl announced.

  “What?” Winnie looked stunned for a second, then recognition dawned. “Oh, no,” she covered her eyes with one hand. “I had sent her a message asking for her help with. . .well, you know,” she uncovered her eyes and looked at Memmnon. “And now she's here, now of all times! She had to have left as soon as the courier arrived!”

  “Too late for her to try and leave now,” Memmnon shrugged. “Show her in Amelia,” he said kindly.

  “Yes, Highness,” the girl curtsied and left. Seconds later Edema was ushered inside.

  “Lady Cumberland I am so sorry,” Winnie began at once. “I didn't know we would be in such straits when I asked for your help!”

  “Quite all right dear,” Edema smiled brightly. “Quite all right. I had four men accompanying me that I have sent to the hospital to help out Stephanie. Is there anything I can do otherwise? Memmnon, dear, I am glad to see you up and about,” she kissed his cheek lightly.

  “Thank you Lady Cumberland, and no, at present there is nothing,” Memmnon replied. “When Winifred sent word to you we were unaware of this impending threat. We in fact received warning just day before yesterday that they were headed this way. We expect them today or tomorrow. My money is on tomorrow, now, as it is well past noon.”

  “That makes sense,” Edema nodded thoughtfully. “This is the very thing Parno was concerned over. The Nor adopting our own tactics against us.”

  “So it is,” Memmnon nodded. “We are preparing as best we can, but I'm afraid we have few resources in the city at present. That being the case we have withdrawn everything and everyone we cannot send away into the palace fortifications. We will concentrate our defenses here. The city will suffer but we will do all we can to avoid loss of life.”

  “Is there help coming?” Edema asked.

  “Yes, but not enough to ensure victory,” the King told her. “It is unlikely that a cavalry force will remain in enemy territory unsupported for long, however. If we can endure for a day or three, we should be fine. We can rebuild damage to the city, so long as we can protect and preserve our people.”

  “Three days,” Edema repeated to herself. “That seems like a very long time for something like this.”

  “If it lasts so long then it will be,” Memmnon said grimly. “Still, all we can do is all we can do. I'm sorry your visit here coincided with such an event.”

  “Oh, what's life without a bit of excitement now and again?”

  ~*~

  Dusk began to fall in Nasil at the usual time, but seemed far sooner for those hurrying to make ready for the expected arrival of the Imperial Cavalry raid. Gas lamps were lit along the streets and malls of the inner city and the palace grounds were completely illuminated the same way as people still working used that light to complete their preparations.

  No one believed that they would have more than a few hours of light on the morrow, if that, before they came under attack. That lent urgency to their actions even as they were thankful for that little bit of extra time.

  Everyone who could
flee the city had done so by now. Watchmen and Constables patrolled the city in an effort to make sure that looting wasn't a problem. There would be some theft everyone was sure, as scavengers would take advantage of the emergency to try and pad their pockets at the expense of others. Two companies of the King's Own were likewise dedicated to patrolling the city to combat such thieving activity. With a state of war declared, the King's Own and other military units could be used in such a manner, and should the thieves be killed as they attempted to flee, well. . .it was war. How was someone to know that this wasn't a saboteur or enemy combatant of some type?

  Cooks were hurriedly smoking slaughtered beef and parching or dehydrating vegetables for use by troops manning defensive positions in the coming days, as it would be unlikely they would have the chance to sit at table to take mess.

  Soldiers and those who would be helping with the fighting spent the evening preparing weapons that had not yet been sharpened or otherwise prepared. Narrow barrels were filled with arrows and placed in strategic places around the defenses along with spare swords, pikes and even axes and lances. Any weapon might be the one needed, or the one that would help save a life or even the palace itself.

  Ministers that had refused to abandon the defenders of the city went from place to place praying with and for the defenders, seeking a Divine guidance for the coming storm and His protection for their defenders and their strength, courage and even their aim. Some might have found it odd that a man of God might pray for such a thing, but Soulanie ministers realized and recognized that any free people required the services of men willing to commit violence to protect that freedom when needed.

  Surgeons, of which there were few, prepared the implements of their trade as nurses hurried to amass bandages and clear areas suitable for operating on and treating wounded. Stephanie Corsin's expertise, along with her parents, was much appreciated in this most trying of times as they offered last minute suggestions and assistance for ensuring proper care and treatment. A wounded trooper in service to Soulan had a far better chance of returning to that service that an Imperial soldier or Tribal warrior, thanks in no small part to the work of such families.

  Hardy men and women who would not be much help in battle worked through the night shoring up positions for defenders to occupy and adding supports to the walls and gates of the palace citadel. Their work would be priceless should those same areas be hit with overwhelming numbers of enemy troops come daylight.

  Fall back positions were created inside the main walls, areas of 'last stand' strength in the event that they were unable to hold the enemy outside. Places where the struggle could be continued in smaller confines that might enable survivors to hold out just a little longer, waiting for help they knew was coming, just not how long it would take to arrive or how much help it would be.

  Day break would find many sleeping where they had finished their work, waiting to see where else they might be needed. Soldiers would sleep where they were to fight, so as to be nearby if needed quickly. Patrols of Constables and Watchmen began to collapse their routes as day neared, even as teams of scouts made their way toward the edge of the city to watch for their enemy's approach.

  They would not be ready, but they would at least be prepared.

  ~*~

  In the midst of all this preparedness hustle and bustle came Roda Finn, wading through the fortress leading a small wagon burdened with his precious books, sketches and blueprints. He had been assigned a small secure area inside the palace proper at the order of Winnie Hubel and had a man and two women of the palace staff to assist him in securing his very valuable property from harm or theft.

  As he passed two men, he was able to catch part of their argument, just enough to know that there was a problem with the Royal Storehouses. Something about being 'left to the enemy devices'.

  “Could you please continue on and see to this?” he asked the man leading the mule that pulled the small wagon. “I've just heard of a problem that needs my attention. I dislike leaving this undone, but we are so pressed for time.” Roda had learned to treat others kindly in times of need, especially those who didn't work directly for him. He had yet to manage not to yell at his employees, as they usually deserved it, at least in his eyes.

  “Of course, professor,” the man nodded.

  “Please, please ensure the safety of these items,” Roda almost begged. “They are quite irreplaceable in some cases, and all are very valuable.”

  “We 'll make sure they are safe, sir,” the man promised.

  “Thank you ever so much,” Roda smiled, bowed to the two women, and then rushed back to the two men.

  “Excuse me?” he cut into the argument. “Did I overhear you to say that our storehouses would be subject to the enemy's intrusions?”

  “Who are you then?” one demanded, but the other held up a hand.

  “Master Finn,” the man bowed slightly. “Yes, that is a concern. We are currently moving everything we can into the fortress, but a great deal will have to be left behind. I'm afraid there is no help for it.”

  “Do we assume that they will destroy these storehouses?” Roda asked. He didn't recognize the soldier who recognized him, but did recognize the black and green livery of the Royal Regiments.

  “Once they have taken what they want, that is probable, sir,” the man confirmed. “Something on your mind?” he asked.

  “I might have a way to make the enemy pay for that,” Roda mused to himself more than anyone else. “I'll need some help, and I suppose. . .yes, I should definitely get permission. I shall have to see the King, I suppose.”

  “I can't help you with that, Master Finn,” the soldier grinned.

  “That's quite all right, soldier,” Finn returned the smile. “I know someone who can.”

  ~*~

  “I can't just be taking you to the King just like that, Roda!” Whip shook his head. “Man ain't got time for jabber jawin' with ever Tom, Dick and Harry around here!”

  “Good Archer, I am not either of those three gentlemen, and nor do I engage in such activity as. . .'jabber jawing', did you call it? I have an idea that will help defend the city but I absolutely need the King's permission to carry it out. It may be he would rather not, and in this case it will definitely be better to get permission rather than try for forgiveness later on.”

  “And your own daughter is soon to be King,” he pointed out. “So yes, you can carry me to see the King. And I would not ask were it not important,” he added.

  Whip looked at the fussy little inventor for another minute before sighing. Shaking his head he turned to the men he had working for him.

  “You fellas, you carry on while I get this done. Be back soon 's I can be, yeah?” The man nodded in reply, never slowing as they unloaded the wagon. Whip turned back to Finn.

  “Well, come on, then!”

  ~*~

  “I estimate we're no more than two hours ride from Nasil,” Stone told his division and brigade commanders. “We will be moving as soon as there is enough light to see, and we will ride until we're just beyond sight of the city. Once that far we will stop for fifteen minutes to check gear and make nature calls, hydrate our men and get reports from our scouts. Scouts will make their way further into the city for reconnaissance as the main column heads for the river bridge here,” he pointed to his map, “just across from the main thoroughfare of their city. Assuming we can cross the bridge and attack, we will follow that road with flankers and vanguard out until we encounter resistance or hit their palace, whichever comes first.”

  “Intelligence reports over the years had always indicated that the Soulanie Royal Palace was heavily fortified and could function as a fortress in times of attack. We've never been able to do this before,” he told them, looking at each man in turn.

  “We're about to make Imperial history, gentlemen, by being the very first Imperial forces to reach the Soulan Royal City and attack it. It would be even more historic if we could actually do a great deal of damage whe
n we get there. But,” he raised a hand and looked at them all once more.

  “But,” he continued after making eye contact with each one. “We are not pirates, we are not rapists, we are not Tribal scum. We do not kill civilians or molest them, am I understood? Kill anyone who actively attacks you with a weapon in hand, but an angry, screaming woman with a rolling pin in her hand in not an enemy combatant. An angry, screaming woman with a bow on the other hand, is.”

  “Don't make me have to say this again, gentlemen,” he warned. “Keep your men under control. Even a hint of what we found outside Lovil with those swabbies among our troops and I will have someone's head, starting with the guilty party's commanding officer and working my way down.”

  “We have worked too hard to win some respect to throw it away with such behavior,” his voice softened finally. “Our men are well trained and disciplined, and I want them acting like it. If we behave as professionals, we will be considered professionals, by our enemies and our own people alike. If that isn't important to you then I've probably got the wrong people serving in my command. Do I make myself completely clear on that?”

  “Sir!” every voice agreed, every head nodded. Some even smiled proudly.

  “Our goal is to do as much damage as possible for as little cost as possible,” Stone continued. “We will reduce every militarily important building we come across, or else burn it to the ground. If we have to burn it and there are enemy inside, we will offer them the chance to flee unmolested so long as they throw down arms and aren't trying to kill us. We don't have the ability to take prisoners and I'm not a murderer. But we will not leave a single resource for our enemy to use that we can help. Understood?”

  Again all heads nodded.

  “Very well,” Stone stood. “Brief your men and get some sleep. And gentlemen, know that I'm proud of all of you,” he added softly. “I'm proud to know you, to serve with you, and to be your commanding officer. Please make sure your men know that as well. Good night.”

  He watched them go in silence, making their way back to their commands, brigade commanders clustered around their division leaders for still more instructions and pep talking.