"While I admire your faith in me," began the mage, "it is not as practical as it sounds. Finding an army in the countryside is simple, but locating soldiers in a city is not the best deployment of my resources. Birds do not know the difference between knights and soldiers. No, I think this kind of thing is best done by people. I believe someone will have to infiltrate Tewsbury before we march."
"Tewsbury?" asked Sir James.
"Yes," said Fitz, "Albreda and I have been talking, and we feel it most likely that the king's army will spend the winter months there."
"I agree," said Sir Heward, "Tewsbury is the biggest city in the area and controls the road to Wincaster."
"Very well," said Sir James, "Tewsbury it is, then. How many men should we send?"
"I have it in mind to send three," offered the baron.
"Three? Is that all?" Sir James responded.
"Which three?" asked Sir Rodney.
"I've given this careful thought," said Fitz, "and decided that whoever goes must be able to blend in easily with the local population. I've consulted with Albreda, and she feels that she is best suited to the job."
"How so?" asked Sir James. "No offense to Lady Albreda, but she's only a woman. How is she to recognize the types of troops, their weapons and armour and so on?”
"Do you think," asked the mage, "that I am incapable of knowing these things?" Her gaze bore down on Sir James, causing his mouth to shut and his face to grow crimson. "I am more than capable of this task, but I will be accompanied by Sir Heward and Aldwin."
"The smith?" gasped Sir Randolph. "I understand your affection for the boy, my lord, but surely he is no warrior."
"Precisely why he would be ideal," countered the baron. "Aldwin is not so young as you might imagine and he is familiar with all matters of arms and armour. Who better to evaluate their strength than a smith? I will remind you it was he and Albreda that freed us from the king's imprisonment, allowing us to retake Bodden."
"Indeed," said Sir Rodney, "and for that, we are truly thankful. I can see the wisdom in it, but I am curious why Sir Heward? Surely he would be recognized?"
"I will escort them to the edge of the city," replied the huge knight, "though I will not enter unless absolutely necessary."
"Sir Heward," said Albreda, "will be there to protect us on our journey. Should we encounter difficulties, he will explain that he has managed to escape from Bodden. Do any of you doubt his prowess?"
"No," offered Sir James, "he has proven himself."
"When do you leave?" asked Sergeant Blackwood.
"Not for some time," offered the baron. "The roads are still covered in snow. I suspect it will be some weeks before it melts and then another few days for the ground to harden. I shouldn't like to have them bogged down in the mud."
"And in the meantime, what do we do?" asked Sir Rodney.
"We train," replied the baron, "and continue upgrading our defences."
"While I shall go eastward," said Albreda, "and see what my animal friends in the Wickfield Hills have noticed."
The room fell silent at the statement.
"Surely not," Sir Rodney said, interrupting the silence. "The trip would take far too long, and you'd never be back in time."
"Nonsense," countered the mage, "I can be into the hills in less than a day."
"Impossible," scoffed Sir James.
"Have you not heard of magic?" she queried.
"What are you going to do, turn into a giant bird and fly there?" he continued.
"Even a bird couldn't fly that distance in such a short time," added Sir Gareth.
Albreda gave them both a steely look, "I don't need to explain myself to either of YOU."
She returned her gaze to the baron, "Richard, I promise you I will be back in plenty of time for this plan of yours to commence. I merely want to keep an eye on things. I wouldn't like us to ride straight into an advancing army."
"A valid point," said Fitz. "I cannot stop you, but I do hope you will be careful."
"Of course," she returned. "Now, I think we've all had enough of this discussion. Shall we perhaps retire to the dinner table? All this planning has worked up a healthy appetite."
"Very well," agreed the baron. "Let us get to it."
* * *
Albreda halted her horse just shy of the forest. "This will do nicely," she said.
"Are you sure you don't want me to go with you?" offered Aldwin.
"I'm quite capable of looking after myself," she said, "and you need to return these horses to Bodden."
At the smith's look of concern, her face softened. "I promise you I will look after myself, Aldwin. Now, get back to the Keep before they lock you out for the night," she said as she dismounted, handing the reins to him.
"I still don't understand how you intend to travel so far in so short a period of time."
"Do you remember the circle of stones?" she asked.
"Where you made Nature's Fury? Of course, why?"
"I shall use it to traverse a great distance. It is something I learned some time ago."
"You can travel through the air?"
"Not quite, Aldwin, but I can travel to another stone circle which lies to the east."
"You are truly a powerful mage," he said.
"Yes," she admitted, "but let's not tell the others for now."
"Then why are you telling me?"
"I trust you," she added. "There's something about you that I can't quite put my finger on. You've a part to play in this unfolding drama, I'd bet my life on it."
"Didn't you think the same of Beverly?"
"I did, and still do. There's more to this than either of us understand."
"That's fair. I don't understand any of it."
She smiled at him before continuing, "Don't worry your head over it. You know I have visions, correct?"
"Yes, but what has that to do with things?”
"I saw Beverly again."
"But she's dead," said Aldwin.
"I know, and yet somehow she still appears to me, and I am at a complete loss to explain it. Perhaps her death holds some secret that we have yet to unravel. I must now admit to you that I lied at the Keep. It's not for scouting that I'm going to the hills. Something is calling to me from a vision."
"Then I should come and protect you," he offered again.
"Trust me, I'll be fine," she said. "There is little in these parts that would harm me. No, you should be off."
She watched as he turned his horse about, trotting to the south and the safety of the village. Albreda turned her attention back to the woods and resumed her progress, soon entering the dense underbrush. She had walked less than half a mile when a familiar growling noise came to her ears.
"Ah, Snarl, so good of you to greet me."
The large wolf stepped from the greenery, coming close enough to let her hands caress his face.
"We have work to do, my friend, for events are unfolding, and I must try to decipher their meaning. We go now to the stone circle."
* * *
By nightfall, they had arrived. The stones stood in mute testimony to their ancient power. Albreda stepped to the centre of the circle, looking down at her faithful companion, who sat at her side. They had travelled thus on many occasions, and the wolf appeared almost bored with the entire process. She smiled, then looked up to the stones, raising her hands into the air.
She began the incantation; a high pitched keening that cut through the darkness. Soon, she felt the energy as the stones came to life, the runes on their surfaces glowing and then a crack of thunder and a flash of light erupted into the night air.
Instantly, her surroundings shifted as she lowered her hands while waiting for the stones to dim. The air smelled sweeter here, and she could smell the river nearby; they had arrived. Snarl stood, stretching his limbs.
"Come along, my friend. The work begins now."
Twelve
The Hills
Spring 962 MC
Beverly walked
across the large open area, still wondering at its name. It was really just a field, but the Dwarves laying out the city plans for Queenston had insisted on calling it the Royal Commons.
The army had, for the most part, remained in Kingsford. A garrison occupied Colbridge, of course, but the bulk of the troops had marched to the ancient riverside city to wait out the rest of the winter. Only a few select units returned to Queenston; the Orcs, Dwarves, Mastiffs, and a few Humans.
The newest unit to be formed was the heavy cavalry, whom Beverly handpicked from the existing horsemen. They were armed and armoured as knights, though none but herself claimed that title. Unlike knights, they were taught discipline and tactics. She wanted them to be reliable troops, not wild warriors who attacked with reckless abandon.
Of course, the real reason for the return to Queenston wasn't the troops, but rather the gate that sat beneath Royal Hill. Its magical flame allowed almost instantaneous travel to and from the temple of Erssa Saka’am, the Saurian pyramid that controlled access to ancient portals.
Beverly mulled all this over in her mind as she approached the stone manor house, finally arriving to see the others waiting for her.
Anna and Gerald sat at one end, while Revi, Hayley and Lily sat to one side. Arnim and Nikki had remained in Kingsford to look after the troops along with most of the commanders. Beverly took her place, carefully stepping around Tempus, who dozed on the floor.
"It looks like we're all here," said Anna. "Would you care to begin, Master Bloom?"
"Certainly, Your Highness," began the mage as he stood, tugging slightly on his robes to straighten them. "As you know, some time ago I identified an additional set of coordinates."
"I thought you said two?" interrupted Gerald.
"I did, though I thought it better to start with the one that lies somewhere in the Wickfield Hills."
"I was under the impression you knew exactly where it was," said Gerald. "What do you mean 'somewhere'?"
"Oh, I know its exact location," defended the mage, "I'm just not familiar with the area enough to say how close it is to the towns and such."
"Regardless of its exact location," interrupted Hayley, "it will allow us to gather news from the north. It's likely only a day or two from Wickfield itself."
"I take it," said Anna, "that you are familiar with the area?"
"Quite so, Your Highness. I've spent many weeks there due to my ranger responsibilities, though I daresay that was some time ago."
"Good," said Anna, "then I think it's best you accompany Revi when he goes through."
"I should like to accompany them as well," requested Beverly.
"You surprise me," said Gerald. "I would've thought your new company of horse would keep you busy."
"It would only be for a few days," she defended, "and I'd like to make sure the two of them are kept safe."
"We're more than capable of looking after ourselves, Bev."
"Agreed," said Anna. "What's the real reason, Beverly? Is there something you're not telling me?"
Beverly blushed, "I..."
"Go on," urged Gerald, "we shall think no less of you."
"I want to try and make contact with Albreda."
"Albreda?" said Revi. "How do you intend to do that?"
"It's said that nothing happens in the Whitewood without her knowing of it," offered the red-headed knight. "If I were to enter the eastern edge of the wood, I might be able to contact her."
"How long would this take?" asked Gerald.
"The woods likely lie a few days to the west of the gate."
"It's rough country," interjected Hayley. "Are you taking your horse?"
"No, I'd traverse on foot," she replied. "The woods are too dense for horses to make any decent progress."
"So that's a few days travel," offered the ranger, "with a layover of a few more to try to make contact."
"That sounds like a long trip," stated Gerald.
"Not really," said Revi. "It's likely we would need at least that long to make contact with Wickfield, and if it did work, we'd have an archmage to help us."
"Archmage?" said Gerald. "I don't think I've heard you use that term before."
"It refers to a mage of considerable power," explained Revi. "From all I've heard and seen, she is a formidable caster. If we convince her to join us, it will give us a tremendous advantage."
"Very well," said Anna, "it's worth the risk. What about your cavalry?"
"I'll see to them," said Gerald. "There's little else to do here other than make plans."
"Excellent," said the princess, "then it's all settled. When do you want to head out?"
"I thought," said Revi, "that we might leave first thing in the morning. We have to traverse to the epicentre of the grid and then open the gates."
"He means," clarified Hayley, "that we have to return to the pyramid first." She turned her attention to the mage, "Honestly, Revi, sometimes you can be so..."
"Scholarly?" suggested the mage. "I'm afraid it's in my nature."
* * *
Morning found them atop the pyramid in the Great Swamp. The old Saurian priest, Hassus, watched with interest as Revi began the casting sequence that would expand the green, magical flame to allow them to step through.
Hayley turned to Beverly, "Are you all set?"
"Of course," replied the knight. "I'm getting very used to this sort of travel."
"So am I," said Hayley, "though it would be nice if we could use it to get to a tavern. I haven't had a good ale since we left Kingsford."
Beverly chuckled, then turned her attention back to the mage. Revi had almost finished the ritual, and she was just in time to see his final actions as the surface of the flame rippled, revealing a darkened chamber.
"It worked," she said.
"Of course," stated the mage. "Would you care to go through first?"
Beverly drew her sword. "By all means," she said, stepping forward to come close to the flame before bracing herself as she touched its surface. She felt the familiar tug and then was in a dimly lit cavern, the flame having diminished as she travelled through, and now she waited for her eyes to adjust.
It appeared to be a room of stone, much like that of Uxley. Revi had suggested they all followed the same layout and looking around, she was apt to agree. The familiar three corridors were leaving the chamber, so she turned her back to the solid wall and headed down the centre one.
She had only gone a few steps when a noise from somewhere ahead halted her progress. She peered into the darkness trying to discern whatever was there as the flame behind her jumped to life again, throwing distant shadows.
"Hayley, is that you?" she called out.
"Of course, were you expecting someone else?"
"No, but there's something up here."
"Hang on, I've got a lantern. Give me a moment, and we'll cast some light on the subject."
Beverly heard the ranger fumbling about, and then the familiar sound of steel striking flint. A brief spark of light flashed followed by a soft yellow glow as the lantern came to life.
The knight let her eyes adjust once more, then glanced down the hallway. "I don't see any footprints."
"No," agreed Hayley, coming up behind her. "In fact, the whole floor is clean. Look, it's been swept recently."
"You mean..."
"Yes, something is living here, or should I say someone. It's very unlikely an animal would sweep the place."
"Hello," called out Beverly, "we mean you no harm. Come out and show yourself."
"I don't think that will work," said the ranger.
"Why?"
"We're in a Saurian temple, remember? If there's someone here looking after the place, it's likely one of them."
"You're right," agreed Beverly. "We should back up to the flame and wait for Revi."
"Agreed. Then he can use his spell of tongues."
Hayley turned around, retracing her steps to the altar, taking the light source with her. Beverly stood rearguard, then s
tarted backing up. She noticed a brief flicker of movement just before a spear came sailing through the air towards her.
"Look out!" she cried, swinging with her sword. It clipped the end of the spear, causing it to deflect to the side of the corridor. "Someone's not happy we're here."
The corridor filled with a soft green light as the altar come to life once more. Seeing no one in front of her, Beverly turned and sprinted back to the flame, quickly turning as she arrived.
"Revi, there's someone here," Hayley rushed out. "You need to cast your spell of tongues quickly."
"One moment," replied the mage, "I need to get my bearings."
It felt like an eternity until the air began to tingle as the mage cast his spell. Beverly felt her skin itch slightly. "What did you do?" she called out.
"I cast the spell on all of us," he said. "You should now be able to speak to whoever it is."
"Don't I have to see him first?" she asked.
"Yes, of course. Why, haven't you seen them yet?"
"No, but I've heard someone moving and whoever it is, threw a spear at me."
"Where are they?" asked Hayley.
"Off to the left, I think."
"That corridor branches back around to here," said Revi. "I remember the floor plan from Uxley. Go ahead and block the way, Beverly. We'll move around to take them in the rear."
Beverly stepped forward cautiously, her sword out in front. Taking up a position by the side passage, she peered around the corner, but only blackness met her gaze. She heard Hayley and Revi heading down the other side, then some muttering just before Revi's light spell burst into existence, flooding the area.
Beverly peered around the corner again to see a small figure emerge from the far corner, its face turned toward the light. It grasped a crude looking spear and raised its arm, making ready to hurl the weapon.
"We come in peace," she called out and was startled by the sound escaping her lips, for she spoke in Saurian.
The creature turned its head to look at her, and she saw it blink. "Who are you?" it called out.
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