Fate of the Crown

by Paul J Bennett

  "You had this idea back in Weldwyn," said Anna, "what makes you so nervous now?"

  "I'm not nervous, but there are a thousand details to arrange. Getting all our allies to work together has been...trying."

  "As in," questioned Nikki, "they're trying to kill each other?"

  "Not directly," replied Gerald, "but the Orcs and Elves still won't work together; it's hampering the tactics I'd like to use."

  "How so?" asked Arnim.

  "I have to deploy the Orcs and Elves with a separation between them. In addition, I've got to deal with Weldwyn Volunteers who don't want to be anywhere near the Kurathians."

  "Can you blame them?" asked Revi. "The Kurathians did invade their kingdom, after all."

  "Yes, that's true," said Gerald, "but I never thought through all the problems that have been cropping up."

  "It doesn't sound too bad," soothed Anna. "You can change the marching order so they're not together and then line them up for battle with Humans between the other races. That should separate them nicely."

  "It's much more complicated than that," defended Gerald. "To begin with, their marching speeds vary. The Elves are fleet of foot while the Dwarves lag far behind. The Kurathian foot marches slower than the volunteers, not to mention that the Orcs outpace everyone except the horses. Add into the mix the setup of camp each night, and the problems multiply."

  "Are you saying that we risked our lives for nothing?" growled Arnim.

  "No, the information is very useful," said Gerald, "and I'm confident I can take advantage of it, providing I can successfully move the army."

  "So then tell us," prompted Anna, "providing you can get the troops to work together, what is the plan you've been brooding over?”

  Beverly looked up in surprise, "I thought you'd already know, Highness."

  "No," said Anna, "Gerald hasn't told me anything."

  "Sorry," said Gerald, "I've been overwhelmed with things."

  "You need a staff," suggested Beverly.

  "A what?" asked Nikki.

  "A staff," she repeated. "A group of people that can assist in planning and executing his orders. He needs people to run messages, carry orders, and act with his authority."

  "Yes," agreed Anna, "that's a marvellous idea. I should have thought of it."

  "Why would you say that?" asked Gerald. "I've never heard of Mercerian armies using a staff before."

  "No," agreed Anna, "but I've read of foreign lands. Our ancestors came here from across the Sea of Storms, the library at Uxley has books that tell of times before that. The army that expelled our ancestors was organized along similar lines."

  "You had a staff, of sorts, when we marched to Eastwood, Highness,” Beverly reminded her.

  "That wasn't really a staff," interjected Gerald, "that was a group of advisors. What she's suggesting now is people to do the heavy lifting."

  "Yes," agreed Anna, "though they have to have enough leadership skills to carry through with things, so you don't have to organize every little detail."

  "They'll have to know how to talk to all the races," warned Arnim.

  "No," said Hayley, "there's a better solution."

  "Which is?" asked Arnim.

  "Pick your aides from each company," explained Hayley. "Surely there's enough of them that speak our language?"

  Revi smiled, "I knew she was more than just an archer."

  "Who said I'm just an archer?" she asked, turning her attention to the mage.

  Revi blushed, "Why, no one, it's just an expression."

  "Can we get back to the subject at hand?" asked Gerald.

  "What do you need from us, Gerald?" asked Anna.

  "I've already arranged some things with Weldwyn. I need someone to go to Falford and meet with Osbourne."

  "Who's Osbourne?” asked Beverly.

  "Osbourne Megantis," offered Revi, "he's a Weldwyn Fire Mage."

  "Yes," agreed Gerald, "and the man who's going to make sure the ships can move down the river in case it's frozen."

  "Will that work?" asked Hayley.

  "He assures me it will."

  "And the ships?" asked Arnim. "What are they for?"

  "They'll carry our supplies," replied Gerald. "Even as we've been planning, they've been stocking up on things for this eventuality. The plan is to have them rendezvous with us here, at Kingsford, and then parallel our march downriver. They'll be within sight the whole time and able to come to our aid if needed."

  "Will they be carrying troops, too?" asked Hayley.

  "Yes," he confirmed, "they'll pick up some hand-picked troops when we meet them."

  "Hand-picked?" asked Arnim.

  "Yes, I've discussed an idea with Beverly, but I think we'll keep it a secret for now, the fewer that know about it, the better. I'll brief the princess once the meeting is over."

  Anna smiled, "You're being rather crafty, Gerald. I like that."

  "I'll go to Falford," offered Hayley. "When should I leave?"

  "We'll all go back to Queenston first," said Gerald. "You'll leave for Falford when the army starts moving south. The boats move quicker, but will likely take a day or two to load up. Whoever gets back here first will simply wait for the others."

  "The distance shouldn't be too great," said Revi. "Shellbreaker can keep an eye out for both sides."

  "Excellent," said Anna, "then I suggest we get some sleep, we've a long journey back to Queenston, and then we're on the march. The war to retake Merceria is about to begin."

  * * *

  Anna exited the building, Gerald following her out. She was just descending the steps to the street when a commotion drew their attention.

  "Yer Highness!" a voice called out.

  The guards were swift to respond. The Duke of Kingsford had insisted on posting sentries wherever the princess travelled, and now they apprehended a man who was clearly overexcited. Anna turned toward her carriage, ignoring the calls, but something in the voice made Gerald pause. He looked toward the commotion. The guards had swarmed the man, and he now lay pinned to the ground by a knee on his back.

  "Halt there," called Gerald as he moved toward them.

  The guards backed away, save for the soldier who held the man beneath him.

  "Get off of him," the general commanded.

  The soldier looked surprised by the order but did as he was commanded.

  Gerald knelt, extending his hand, "Let's have you on your feet, Edgar."

  Edgar Greenfield took his hand, hauling himself up. "As I live and breathe, I thought the princess dead, so I did."

  "She's alive as you and me, Edgar. Come along, we've much to discuss. Tell me, how did you come to Kingsford? The last I heard of you was months ago."

  Edgar blushed, "I was livin' down in Stilldale, so I was. Found me a nice widow to settle down with, but she took all me money and kicked me out. Now I'm back to being a messenger." He looked Gerald in the eye, "Sorry 'bout creating the noise back there, but I was sure you was both dead. It were like seein' a ghost, so it were."

  Gerald guided him toward Anna, who had turned at the disturbance. "Much has happened, Edgar. It's good to see you."

  Edgar bowed as they drew closer. "Yer Majesty," he said.

  "Highness," corrected Gerald.

  "Edgar,' said Anna, ignoring the comment, "your reports over the last year have been particularly illuminating."

  "Pardon?" said the old warrior.

  "They've been very useful," Anna reiterated. "Come, ride with us in the carriage. You must tell us what you know of the kingdom."

  Tempus was asleep inside the carriage and opened his eyes as they entered, much to Edgar's surprise.

  "You remember Tempus?" asked Gerald. "Don't worry, he remembers you."

  Edgar took a seat, looking uncomfortable as he did so. "I thought you was all dead," he said. "I travelled up to Bodden and told the baron so. Even had his daughter's hammer as proof."

  "The baron is well, I trust?" asked Anna.

  "Oh aye, he was, th
ough not so much after I told 'im 'is daughter was dead."

  "She's quite alive," said Gerald, "and with us here in Kingsford."

  "Well I never," said Edgar.

  "So what news have you?" asked Anna. "We know so little of what is happening in the capital."

  "Things in Wincaster is gettin' bad, I'm afraid," said Edgar. "The king, he called all 'is knights to swear loyalty. Said he was going to raze the north. There's been rebellion there, you see. I 'eard Baron Fitzwilliam started it all."

  "Do you know how he plans to do that?" asked Anna, her face a mask of concern.

  "'Fraid not. I were eager to get out quick as I could. I was planning on heading to Westland for safety. I don't reckon I like the sound of what's 'appenin'. What is it you're doin' 'ere in Kingsford?"

  "We're taking back Merceria," said Gerald. "Kingsford is our next step."

  "Next step?" said Edgar. "What was yer first?"

  "Raising an army," said Anna.

  "You 'ave an army?"

  "Of sorts," said Gerald.

  "Do you 'ave one or not?" asked Edgar.

  "It's a difficult one to answer," said Anna. "It's more of a collection of allies."

  "An alliance?" asked Edgar, then his expression broke into a grin. “You've made an alliance with the Westlanders, haven't you?"

  "Partially," said Gerald, then he saw the look of confusion on Edgar's face. "We also have Elves, Orcs, Trolls and foreign mercenaries."

  "Wait, did you say Trolls? You 'AVE been busy," said Edgar.

  "On that, I think we are in agreement," said Anna.

  * * *

  Edgar's return to the princess's service had put her in a good mood. She had him write out everything he could think of and now sat pouring over his scribbled notes.

  Gerald found her this way, sitting in front of the fireplace, stray pieces of paper spread across the floor. "Anything of interest?" he asked.

  "Yes, lots," she answered, without lifting her head.

  Gerald picked up a note, scrutinizing it. “I don't know how you can find something useful from all these random observations. Look at this, for example. This note says two dozen knights left Wincaster heading west, how does that help us?"

  "If you remember Arnim's report, he said that Colbridge was expecting another two dozen knights. Edgar keeps very accurate dates on his notes. These knights that left Wincaster must be the ones expected in Colbridge."

  "How does that help us?" asked Gerald.

  "It at least confirms Arnim's report," explained Anna. "Anyway, it's just an example, but I can use a similar process to estimate what's happening in the kingdom."

  "And what do you think is happening?"

  "Nothing good, I'm afraid," answered Anna. "If Henry is sending an army north, no good will come of it. We may have to change our plans."

  "I was hoping we could trap him on the Kingsford-Wincaster road. If he heads north, it will complicate things immensely."

  "Indeed," she said, "but there is some good news."

  "Which is?"

  "He's put Valmar in charge of the army. It's marching to Tewsbury. I rather suspect they plan on wintering there; that should give us time to secure Colbridge."

  "Yes, his incompetence is to our advantage, but we need eyes in the north," said Gerald. "I wish Revi had more of those gates for us to use."

  "He does," said Anna, startling her old friend. "He has two more gate locations worked out; we just haven't had time to explore them. I had hoped that once we secured Colbridge, we'd have time to investigate them."

  "Did he say where they were?"

  "Yes," admitted the princess, "one by Wickfield and the other near Redridge."

  Gerald's face broke out into a grin, "That's marvellous news. I couldn't ask for two better locations."

  "Don't get too carried away," warned Anna, "we don't even know if the locations are still viable, they could be dead ends."

  "Then how did he find them?"

  "He was looking through more of those ancient Saurian records back in Erssa Saka'am."

  "Erssa what?"

  "Saka'am. It's the name the Saurians use for their home city. You know, the one with the huge ancient temple?"

  "I never heard it called that before," admitted Gerald.

  "It is a mouthful, I grant you. It's in their native tongue. It means ‘place of magic’.”

  Eight

  The March South

  Winter 961/962 MC

  They returned to Queenston to marshal the troops for the winter march. The Duke of Kingsford had promised to arrange supplies and billeting for them once they arrived, but the army first had to cross the miles to the great city.

  Gerald sat on his horse, watching as the troops formed up, Beverly beside him. He was in a foul mood, the steadily falling snow having crushed his optimism.

  "The Elves are already on their way," reported Beverly. "They're fast, the snow doesn't seem to slow them."

  "They have the advantage of being the first through the snow. The going will get more difficult as additional troops trudge through it. I assume Telethial is leading them?"

  "Yes, General," said the red-headed knight.

  "We're not on parade, Beverly, you can call me Gerald. Are the Kurathians lined up?"

  "Lined up and ready to go on your command."

  "Give the order then and let's get this army moving."

  Beverly rose in her stirrups and waved. The Kurathian leader, Lanaka, saw the motion and barked out commands. Moments later, the mercenaries moved forward, their light cavalry spreading out in front.

  "They are very experienced," said Beverly, "but I wish they had heavier armour."

  "It would only slow them down," said Gerald. "They're excellent light cavalry and perform their jobs well. We can't make them into something they're not."

  "I understand," said Beverly, "but with no real heavy cavalry, how are we to counter knights?"

  "I have an idea or two," said Gerald. "Don't worry, we've lots of Mercerians joining us in Kingsford. You'll get your heavy cavalry, but you must be patient. You don't want knights anyway, do you?"

  "I'd be lying if I said they wouldn't be useful."

  "After we take Colbridge you'll get time to train your horsemen. I'm hoping we'll have lots of heavier armour by then."

  "How do you reckon on that?" she asked.

  "We'll just take it from the king's knights."

  "You make it sound so easy."

  "Easy? No, I suspect it will be rather difficult, but we have a surprise for them, several in fact."

  Beverly grinned, "You can be quite devious at times, Gerald."

  "I learned from your father." He looked to Beverly, who was staring down at the ground. "Don't worry, I'm sure he's fine."

  "I'm not worried about my father," she said, "he knows how to defend Bodden."

  "I was talking about Aldwin," said Gerald.

  Beverly blushed, for in truth her smith was all she could think about for the last few days. "I miss him terribly," she confessed, "and I've been gone for ages. What if he's moved on? He could be married by now, he certainly wasn't lacking for attention."

  Gerald reached out to her, touching her on the forearm. "If that's what you think, then you're vastly underestimating the man. Aldwin loves you, he's willing to wait decades."

  "But he likely thinks me dead," she objected.

  "It doesn't matter," said Gerald. "I didn't stop loving my wife because she died. She'll always be a part of me. This isn't like you, Beverly, you're usually so confident. What's the matter?"

  "I'm worried," she confided. "It feels like events are moving out of our control. What if this attack fails?"

  "It won't fail," promised Gerald, "I won't let it. You have to have faith."

  "How can you be so sure?"

  "What makes you think I'm sure? I have doubts, just like everyone else, but I know it's a solid plan. You have an important part to play, do I need to replace you? I can have Hayley take your place if you
like?"

  "No," she replied, "I know the plan better than most, it just seems so...unorthodox."

  "That's the beauty of it," he said, "and I don't think they'll expect it."

  As the Kurathian mercenaries finished filing past, Gerald looked north to where the rest of the army gathered. "Who's next?" he asked.

  Beverly withdrew a paper from her saddle, unfolding it carefully. "Looks like the Orcs."

  Gerald frowned.

  "Something wrong?"

  "No, they're wonderful troops, and I wish we had more of them, but they move quickly. They'll catch up to the Kurathians in no time and then they'll have to slow down."

  "I had to use them to separate the Kurathians from the Weldwyners," explained Beverly.

  "I know. I just wish it were easier. Here comes Kraloch now."

  The Orc shaman walked in front of his troops while Orc hunters ran to either side of the column. Behind him were the disciplined Orc spearmen, though Gerald had to remind himself they weren't 'men'.

  "They're impressive," said Beverly. "I daresay I wouldn't want to face them in battle."

  "You already have," said Gerald in surprise, "or did you forget the Battle of Eastwood?"

  "Believe me, I'll never forget, but those Orcs weren't disciplined like these. I can see why the ancient Elves were afraid of them, they're a forbidding sight."

  "I wouldn't mention that around the Elves," Gerald reminded her. "I don't think they'd ever admit to being afraid of anything."

  "The Orcs will be followed by the Weldwyn Volunteers, led by their cavalry. I wish we had more of them."

  "I wish we had more of everything," added Gerald, "but we must make do with what we have."

  They waited as the Westlanders marched past, grins lighting their faces.

  "They're eager," commented Beverly. "They think it's a grand adventure."

  "Let them," said Gerald. "Few men would serve knowing the true horror of war. I only hope that most of them will live to remember this day."

  Beverly looked at him in surprise, "Having regrets?"

  "No," he replied, keeping his eyes on the troops, "but it's not easy sending someone out to battle."