by Jordan Cramm
The three Free Mages suddenly looked at each other with mutual understanding. They had been working together for several years; so long so that each of them had yearnings for a life beyond their service to Akartha, and each had longings to go their own way now. Mage Carra was the first to speak up.
“Well, I sure would love to visit Nuelstra’Viath again personally. But, I suppose being in Elven lands now will have to suffice. I’ll march with you; till the end.”
Wolflen grinned and bowed his head slightly from across the table.
“Well,” Mage Dawson said as if in reply, “we’ve come this far together. And personally, I want to see our race’s first War Mage in action. I’m in. Although Lord Darkmoon, I will add this; Don’t be too hasty to discard the chance of Akartha Stewardship. Should you survive, you may find home exactly where you want to be, and you may find that your Stewardship would put you in a position to make some wonderful changes there.”
Everyone looked at Mage Starn a moment, who leaned back in his chair, pursed his chin and then exhaled a deep breath. Everyone figured he was about to say yes, but instead, he simply leaned forward again, folded his hands together, looked down toward his chest, and let out another sigh. Clearly, he was torn about the decision. Finally, he spoke.
“Chances are if I stay I will be dead after the first or second skirmish. I’m not long for this world now. But, I am an Izenian, and our enemies aren’t going to leave any land free if they prevail. So I figure I will at least go out with a bang. Just do me a favor and give me a first good battle.”
Jakarta grinned.
“I think,” he said slowly, “that we can almost guarantee you that at least.”
Wolflen nodded his agreement.
“Well wow…Wolflen you are the Steward of Akartha now. And Ayvock you are Judicator. Congratulations boys,” Katrina said with some measure of shock in her voice.
Ayvock smiled and thanked her and Wolflen continued.
“Not just Judicator; Ayvock I am charging you with commanding the army. You know the Izenian rank system; I am sure they already have some officers in place, but you will be head of the army.”
The look on Ayvock’s face was priceless. He was overwhelmed to say the least. Katrina sensed his nervousness as well, and quickly reminded him of something that would help him.
“And of course,” she began in a smooth tone, “you therefore would be able to have Ravenshade fight at your side; assuming she has no plans of missing this war.”
Ayvock grinned and sat back in his chair, thinking about the simple fact he had overlooked until now. The more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea of commanding the army of Akartha. He knew however, that officers already in rank might not likely be apt to take orders from someone who had never served as an Akartha Knight.
“I am surprised Wolflen,” Ayvock said, “that you don’t handle this yourself.”
Wolflen gave a sheepish grin before answering. “I don’t want to be so tied down to this army. I need to be free to do whatever I need to do without worrying about the group standing behind me. I’m only accepting temporary Stewardship of Akartha itself in order to transition us all along. And since you are my new Judicator, you are going to get things handed down that I will task you with. Don’t blame me brother—the Free Magic chose as it did.”
Jakarta and Katrina both chuckled, and Ayvock was sure the Free Mages were snickering as well. So Ayvock just grumbled and nodded.
“Well this will be a strange thing for me; covering tactics and strategy rather than swinging a sword. I admit, Trevel did teach me some degree of strategy, but will it be enough?”
Mage Carra smiled.
“Relax Ayvock. I am sure before the army takes action as a whole, there will be commissioned a war council. This is how it has been done before. And on that council no doubt will be Wolflen, and I am sure present company as well unless Wolflen feels differently. So there will be many minds to think over strategy, and many voices to offer input. Since Lord Darkmoon here is the War Mage, most of the input about who will be on this council falls to him. Though as we are in Elven lands and this is a joint venture, I assume that their king will be added to the council, as well as those here who he trusts. As for making it official; Wolflen unless you see a problem with this idea, I propose the formation of this war council now. I would propose that all present here now be a part of that council, and I think we must do this now, because we have other reports of a military nature to give you, and we will need to decide what to do about them. Does anyone here object?”
Chapter 21: The First War Council
The fire braziers burned late into the night as the war council had formed and Wolflen listened to the reports of encounters that the army had along the road toward Peludeen. It was all too clear from the reports of the skirmishes that firstly, the Werewolves that had been encountered were in fact not interested in battle at present, but only fought back to the extent that was needed in order for them to continue traveling as a horde. As time fell deeper into the night, two Ranger scouts had entered the command tent and reported that in fact, the Werewolf horde that they had tracked numbered in the thousands, perhaps nearly five thousand, and they had met ships waiting for them on the coast to the North. Of course, this was an oddity to hear about for everyone, because Werewolves were anything but tame under the best of circumstances, and to hear that they were behaving as an organized military unit was strange to say the least.
“They make excellent guards,” Ravenshade said; she had been in the council for nearly two chimes now herself, and added to it at Ayvock’s request, “and I have a decent idea of where they might be going.”
Her words had the attention now of everyone in the command tent. She could tell they were all waiting for answers.
“Well,” she continued, “there is a Dwarven city on the continent of Molith known as the Catacombs of Gral. Beyond the underground city to the North is a place of magic; my people say it is one of the ancient portals of travel. It is feasible that Mortican intends to use this portal somehow in connection with his plans. It would explain why this horde is in such a hurry to get Northward anyway.”
Jakarta stood from the table suddenly and turned toward the tent exit. He did not leave it, but merely stared out of its entrance to the night beyond. Wolflen could sense that something was bothering his mentor, so he too stood, but in doing so he motioned with his hands for everyone else at the table to quiet down. Then he stepped close to Jakarta to speak quietly.
“What is it?” Wolflen asked, “Past troubles with the Dwarves?”
“Not exactly,” Jakarta replied. “As a race, we find them much like your own. They are hearty, and strong warriors, and often turn to their own pursuits including food and drink. They are of course much more greedy than you Izenians. No, it’s not that…their manner does not bother me. It is the expedition ahead that unnerves me. I have been to Molith before. There Dwarves live there, and only Kesper knows how. I despise that place. It is like the Tendra Isle but on a much larger scale. All manner of large beasts live there, not to mention other dark races. The Dwarves somehow find ways to remain there. They fortify, and they hide in their cavern dwellings when need be. We however, will not have such fortification if we are to march on Molith ourselves.”
Wolflen pursed his chin a moment with his right palm while his left hand tucked under his right arm.
“You fear this Molith?” Wolflen whispered quietly.
Jakarta turned his head only slightly to just barely catch Wolflen’s glance. Then he offered a slight nod. Wolflen’s expression began to grow pale as he thought about the First Knight of Orenty being afraid to go somewhere. Jakarta sensed it too, and whispered to Wolflen that he shouldn’t worry about it, and that they would be fine with an Elven and Izenian army at their back. Then Jakarta turned his gaze back out into the night. It was only a few moments more, as Wolflen was turning back to the table, that Jakarta made a declaration aloud.
“W
olflen,” he said, “another Izenian walks this way. Your father perhaps?”
“Dad?”
Wolflen turned back to the tent entry way and saw his father on approach. He pushed passed Jakarta with alacrity, leaving the tent to meet his father just outside it. They shared a quick firm hug, and his father was stunned to see his son adorned in such armor, and seemingly having changed so much since the last time they saw each other.
“I got word you were here in camp.”
Shamus nodded.
“King Maskus gave the whole second Izenian fleet leave for this. Our people have been told of the situation here, and while some scarcely believe it, it seems our people are coming together. Not just in Akartha, but word is the king is even amassing troops from various cities in Izendune.”
Wolflen smiled, shaking his head in almost disbelief.
“Anyway,” his father continued, “we sailed these soldiers here. I hope it helps. Wow, look at you. This armor…you’ve put some muscle on too. Your hair is longer…”
“How is mom taking all this?” Wolflen asked.
Shamus smiled and remarked, “Well, she’s resigned to it now anyway. I don’t think she likes it, but she understands. Now then, your letter mentioned that you fell into company with a Princess I believe? Are you going to introduce me to everyone assembled here in what I assume is your command tent? I bring some good news with me, and some things that may aid you all in battle. It is why I am late in joining you this night. Well come on, make the introductions lad.”
Wolflen led his father into the command tent and introduced everyone, starting with Katrina. Shamus could tell by the introduction that his son had a fondness of her especially, and that he even had a relationship with the Elven Princess; something Shamus wondered about. His thoughts were focused on the subject in fact.
He couldn’t help but let the questions race through his mind. How they two of them had met, how they had become friends, how they had moved beyond friendship. And of course now seeing them beyond friendship, he had to wonder what the Elven king of Orenty might think about the whole thing. That was a thought that traveled many possible conclusions. Some of those possible conclusions were promising, and very thought provoking, while others were more unsavory and questionable at best. He considered that his own son and the Princess herself likely had already had all of those thoughts, and they each seemed comfortable now with their relationship, so Shamus decided not to dwell on the issue further.
Of course he already knew Ayvock, and once long ago had occasion to meet Jakarta. The Free Mages from Akartha he knew already, so Trevel and Ravenshade were really the only new introductions needed apart from Katrina herself. And then after meeting Ravenshade, he began to delicately ask questions about how she had fallen in to their company as well. He tried hard to hide any disdain he personally had for the Night Elf race, and when he heard the whole story, he seemed content with his son’s decision to let her live and even join their war effort.
“So What took you so long to join us?” Wolflen asked his father at last.
“I had to see to the disposition of the black powder.” Shamus returned, “And it was a most delicate thing.”
“Black powder?” Princess Katrina asked, cocking her head sideways slightly.
Shamus nodded.
“Your majesty, we have discovered a way of using black powder as an explosive. It’s a new formula and barely off the drawing board. It has great potential for warfare, both on land and at sea. But, it is highly volatile, and reacts strongly when put to flame. So once we arrived, I set to the task of making sure it was secure.”
Plans and strategies were discussed further. As a generality it was agreed that the armies should begin preparation for an incursion to the continent of Molith. What was yet undecided however, was whether or not they should wait to disembark until King Janureen and his forces arrived however. It was decided that in the meantime at least, that they would ready their current forces, and get the Izenian ships ready to sail once more, so that they could be ready at least. Of course, Admiral Darkmoon and his fleet were disciplined enough that much of their preparation would simply be charting the best course and trying to predict the winds. Still, feeling like they were preparing for something would keep the men busy, and keep them from turning to drink or idle fancies to pass the time.
As the night grew later in the hour, it was decided best that everyone get some rest. The Free Mages said they would remain and even sleep in the command tent that was erected. Shamus said he had one of his own within camp, and Ayvock chose to remain behind in order to reunite with his father when he woke in the morning. Ravenshade too said she would remain behind, explaining that she was enjoying the food in the Izenian camp. Of course the others wondered if it might be more than that, but no one said anything. Wolflen too decided to remain behind, and Katrina made it plain that she would remain with him if he would allow it. Of course for him there was no decision to make, he had hoped she would remain with him. And while they were still within Elven territory, it would be the closest thing to camping that they had since they first arrived in Peludeen.
When Katrina made it known she would remain in camp with Wolflen, he of course wanted to object. He knew well enough that his Princess and the first Izenian War Mage were a couple sure enough, but he knew it was also his obligation and duty to at least try and speak against such sleeping arrangements lest he later answer to his king for not doing so. Still, he knew his objections would be summarily dismissed, and he had been right about that. He smirked as she cut him off mid-sentence and told him she didn’t want to hear any further objections. So, he simply asked if she wanted him and Trevel to remain in camp as well. She looked back at Wolflen however, deferring to his decision, and he could tell she was doing exactly that.
“No,” he said with a slight smile. “I think rather you would be the best one of us here to rally Peludeen soldiers and get them ready for what is ahead.”
Jakarta bowed his head slightly, and he too left the command tent with Trevel following behind. In the night air, they found their horses once more, mounted, and rode back toward Peludeen. They had been the last ones out of the command tent, save for Wolflen and Katrina, and they too followed shortly after, once they had thanked the Free Mages for the efforts they had made.
Outside, the night air wasn’t cold but it had turned slightly chilly with the brisk breeze blowing. Throughout the camp various fires burned now, and tents were lined up in columns. Music played in the background; various instruments that some of the soldiers and sailors had brought with them, and now used to entertain themselves in the late hours of the night. Wolflen looked on from outside the command tent and out toward the encampment a moment. He sighed and half smiled. War camp won’t always sound so cheerful I am sure.
“You okay?” Katrina asked him.
He turned, and nodding slowly he told her he had just been lost in thought for a moment. She smiled up at him and wrapped her arms around him in a warm hug. He did the same, resting his chin atop her shoulder a moment and looking out at camp.
“Did you bring your tent with you Wolflen?” she asked, noting the wind was chilly.
He nodded.
“It’s here yes. I’ve kept it in my belt ever since you and the Paladins gave it to me. Guess now would be a great time to use it.”
“Well it will be out of the wind at least. And I could use some time alone with you. It sounds like we will be moving for war soon.”
Wolflen sighed, knowing it was true. Still, he hadn’t yet come to terms with the idea of her going to war with them. They hadn’t yet discussed it in fact, and now, he thought he would mention his thoughts on the matter.
“Katrina I’m not sure you should go to war with us. If something happened to you it would crush me.”
“Oh no…” she replied, “you won’t be going to war without me. I have no intention of parting ways.”
“Nor I. But I’d rather be away from you for a short time, the
n have you parted from this world because I dragged you along to your death.”
“Wolflen,” she retorted with her hands on her hips now, “we may only have a short time. War Mages have a reputation for their impossible deeds in war, but they also have one for their tendency to die in such great wars. So the sooner you agree that I will be with you as long as I can, the sooner we can make better use of the time we do have together.”
Wolflen smiled and nodded slowly. He knew he wasn’t going to change her mind, and short of locking her in a cage, he knew he wouldn’t be able to stop her anyway. So he relented and agreed. She commented that it was for the best, and then they both chuckled slightly before sharing a kiss in the night air.
“Come now,” she said, “let us give your new tent a good first night.”
Wolflen reached into one of his belt pouches and retrieved a smooth stone that was black in color, with symbols upon it painted white. He knew he would have to put it in an area that would have enough room, so he and Katrina walked away from the main command tent, and off to the right facing the main encampment. When Wolflen believed they were far enough away from the main command tent, and also had enough room, he set the stone on the ground and then stepped back a few feet. He recalled the incantation needed to activate the magical tent, and he spoke it at once.
Instantly, the stone transformed into a giant 5-roomed tent. It was bigger than the command tent. In fact it put their command tent to shame by comparison. It had the main entrance which led to a main room for general assembly (much like a living room area or dining room), but also there was a large room on the left that had its own exterior entrance. This was Sespa’s area, as the entrance here was rather large. And in this room, there was much hay set down as bedding so that Sespa could have a softer bed than just hard ground.