Gerald Matheson may have spent the last year being a general of an army, but long before he led many patrols in the wilderness surrounding Bodden. Now, as his cavalry headed northward over the field of battle, he caught sight of a small group of riders, decimated by Hayley's volley.
What was left of the Knights of the Sword meandered about the field, trying to regain some sort of order. He urged his mount on, directing his men toward a knot of survivors. The knights turned at their approach, determined to fight to the end.
The Weldwyn horse took up the cry once again. "For Weldwyn!" they yelled, their voices carrying across the field.
Someone was trying to organize the knights and Gerald headed straight for him. His enemy struck out, his sword reaching far, but Gerald, by instinct, leaned to the side, and the blade passed harmlessly by him. He struck back with a short, efficient thrust, driving into the closest target of opportunity, in this case, the man's thigh. As he withdrew the blade, blood gushed down the knight's leg. The general struck again, this time into his foe's stomach and the rider fell, his horse galloping off in fear and confusion.
Gerald turned in his saddle, seeking another target, but the small band of resistance was defeated. Now, his men were in the middle of the battlefield, and he quickly surveyed their position. To the east stood an unbroken line of royal foot troops, while to the west the men of Bodden were in a violent melee with the second wave of knights. Gerald heard fighting to the north and looked to see a fierce cavalry melee where the remainder of the enemy's first wave had been engaged by the Bodden horse. He immediately saw the danger they were in and ordered the Weldwyn troops forward, hitting the first wave from the rear.
Beverly advanced the heavy cavalry to the north at a steady trot, prepared to deploy where needed. It was strange, she thought, to be riding a horse other than Lightning, but her valiant steed had yet to complete his healing. In the distance, she spotted the Orc spears which had pushed Valmar's archers back and were now assaulting the southern tip of the enemy footmen.
Just to the right of them, the Elves, under Telethial, were pouring fire into the enemy line. The defending troops were caught between a rock and a hard place. Moments before they had been facing westward, their line securely anchored by a group of trees, but now the Orcs were threatening their rear, moving up from the south.
Beverly brought the horsemen to a full gallop and aimed straight for the enemy line. The Elves, seeing the charge, began concentrating their fire, pouring volley after volley into the intended target, halting only moments before the horsemen arrived, crashing through the line of defenders. The heavily armoured horsemen continued their charge, pushing through the startled footmen and forcing their way north, into the thickest part of the enemy's defences.
Beverly struck blow upon blow with her hammer, the tip of her weapon becoming a blur. Time felt as if it stood still while she attacked; Nature's Fury smashing down, splintering a shield and driving the footman back. Her horse struck out with a hoof, knocking a man to the ground. Around her the men, her men, fought with efficiency and professionalism, breaking the enemy's morale and driving them away in fear.
As the enemy line began to give way, the mass of defenders become thinner and thinner while they tried to avoid the vengeful blades of the heavy cavalry. These men were armed and armoured as knights, but they fought with ruthless efficiency, having been trained for weeks under Beverly's watchful gaze, and now they did her proud. These were not individual knights, each with their own concerns over honour and chivalry, but a professional unit of horsemen, highly disciplined and adept at keeping each other safe. They had practiced in pairs, and now she watched in admiration as she saw them doing their work, each aware of their partner, warning them of any danger and protecting each other.
Telethial stopped her volley just before Beverly's cavalry struck the line. As soon as the horsemen obscured their view, she began searching for other opportunities. Moving the Elves forward, their leader honed in on a small group of men to the north. She paused, letting her eyes take in all she could see.
A group of mostly mounted men surrounded their standard, and she spotted one in particular with an elegant cape. There could be no doubt in her mind as to the identity of him. The distance was great, even for the mighty Elven bows, but she couldn't surrender the chance, no matter how small, of potentially robbing the enemy of their general.
She gave the command, and arrows began to fly.
Valmar watched the battle with intense interest.
"The knights are in danger, Your Grace," said Captain Davis, rather unnecessarily.
"We still have the foot," snarled Valmar, "and the bulk of our archers remain unengaged. This day may yet be ours. What's happening to the west? Have they broken the Bodden line?"
"I cannot see, Lord, too many block our view. However, they are pushing us back in the north, and the southern end of the line is under attack by horsemen."
"More of those accursed mercenaries?"
"No, my lord, they look like knights."
"Knights," spat out Valmar. "Impossible, the enemy doesn't have any knights."
"Perhaps from Westland, Your Grace?" suggested the captain.
"Nonsense, Merceria is the only realm with such troops. It must be some sort of trick."
He was staring south now, trying to make out the distant fight, when an arrow struck the ground nearby.
"What was that?" he called out in alarm.
"Archers to the southeast, my lord.
"I don't see them," Valmar cursed. "Where in the Afterlife are they?"
Captain Davis pointed, "There, my lord, far in the distance, do you see?"
"That's an impossible range," Valmar sputtered, then it dawned on him. "They must be Elves. They've hired the God-spawned Elves. How many do they have? Can you make it out?"
"A small group," replied Captain Davis, "and yet they have our range."
As if in answer, another arrow struck the ground, soon followed by two more.
"We must get you out of here, Lord."
"Nonsense, Captain," replied Valmar. "The range is great, and we have our armour to protect us."
Captain Davis didn't reply, so Valmar turned in annoyance only to see an arrow protruding from his arm.
"Good Gods, man," said the marshal-general.
Captain Davis gave a yell of pain and then slumped forward in the saddle.
"Davis," yelled Valmar in concern, "are you all right?"
The captain sat back up, grimacing in pain. "We must get you out of here, Your Grace, it is far too dangerous."
"I'm inclined to agree," said Valmar. "Come, let us be gone from here."
"But the men..." began Davis, his words trailing off.
"The men be damned," said Valmar. "This battle is lost. It is our duty to inform the king of our victory."
"Our victory?" said the captain in disbelief.
"We have worn down their army," said Valmar, "and blunted their attack. Though it's true they hold the field, they have little to continue the war with. We shall regroup in Tewsbury and prepare for a siege. One way or another, we will bleed this traitorous army dry."
* * *
The footmen of the princess's army arrived too late for the battle. They reached the crossroads just as the Bodden foot began their advance into the enemy line, which immediately disintegrated, flooding the field with men tossing their weapons to the ground or fleeing eastward.
Anna spotted a small group of horsemen approaching and smiled in relief as she recognized Gerald at their head. She rode out to meet him, Arnim and Nikki following.
"Gerald," she exclaimed, "I'm so glad to see you well. Are you hurt?"
The general looked over his armour. "The blood's not mine," he said. "I am pleased to report the enemy is defeated, Your Highness."
"You could have saved some for us," grumbled Arnim.
Gerald laughed aloud, releasing the pent up stress. "Never fear, Sir Arnim, there'll still be plenty of fighting."
>
"Where's Revi?" asked Arnim.
"He's back with Sir Heward, dealing with the injured and trying to corral the prisoners. The enemy is in retreat, a small number, at least."
"Should we pursue?" asked Anna.
"No, though shattered, they could still rally and put up a fight, and we need to take care of this mess." He swept his arms to indicate the field.
Anna looked northward, at the bodies that lay strewn about the battleground. The sound of men and horses in pain echoed across the blood-soaked field. "It's a terrible sight," she said.
Gerald nodded his head in agreement. "It is indeed," he said, "but I fear we have worse to come. Wincaster is a large fortified city. It won't fall easily, and we have yet to take Tewsbury."
"Still," said Anna, "we have won a victory this day. Let us be thankful for that."
"Agreed," said Gerald. "Now, we must find the baron and see how he fared."
"Could Revi not spot him with Jamie?" she asked.
"The mage is too busy," replied Gerald, "but Bodden's lines are nearby. Even now, his men are advancing to round up the prisoners."
"Have we any word of Valmar?" she asked.
"Not as yet," he said, "but the field is still chaotic. We'll know more soon enough."
"Then let us seek out the baron and ensure he is well."
"Where do you want the footmen?" asked Arnim.
"Bring them north,” answered the general, “and have them assist with the prisoners. We'll need someone to watch over them and then we'll have to decide what to do with them."
"We could take them to Redridge," suggested Arnim.
"A good idea," said Anna, "but we'll have to detach troops to march them there. We'll need a temporary place to guard them."
"I'll see to it, Highness," replied the knight.
"Thank you, Arnim. Now come along, Gerald, we have a baron to find."
* * *
Baron Fitzwilliam sat on his horse while Albreda bandaged his arm.
"You need this looked at, Richard," she chided, "and your armour will have to be repaired.
"It is a minor wound," he replied.
"That could easily fester. Did you have to charge into battle yourself? Surely your men were more than capable of holding the line."
Fitz looked at her in shock, "I would never expect my men to do something that I was unwilling to do. I lead by example."
"Well," she responded, "you should try to do it without getting wounded. It was very nearly the death of me."
The baron noticed the look of concern on her face and the tears that were forming in the corner of her eyes. "I'm sorry, my dear."
Albreda wiped away the tears, "And well you should be. Now, let's get you over to the princess and see where their healers are."
"Healers?" he said in surprise. "They have more than one?"
"Yes," she responded, "didn't I mention it? That niece of yours, Aubrey Brandon, has taken up magic."
"Aubrey is with the princess? I thought she was in Hawksburg."
"I'm sorry, Richard, I couldn't tell you earlier, but Hawksburg has been sacked."
"Robert?"
"I'm afraid Valmar killed them all, save for Aubrey."
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked.
"I thought it best to wait," she replied. "All of this developed so fast." She used her hands to indicate the field. "I didn't want to distract you. I'm sorry, I know you were very close."
Fitz looked to the ground, unable to meet her gaze. "I understand," he said at last, "and it wouldn't have brought them back."
"Look at me, Richard," she said, using her hand to tilt his head back up to meet her gaze. "You are very important to me and will always be so. Lean on me if you wish, I am here to share your sorrow."
"Thank you," he replied. "Their loss weighs heavily on me, but I have not the time to grieve just yet. You did the right thing. I would have been too overcome by their deaths to carry out this battle. You have saved me. More than that, you have saved our army, for I daresay I would have been useless as a commander."
"I think you underestimate yourself," said Albreda, "for you are the strongest man I know. Now come, let us compose ourselves, for I see the princess is approaching.”
She passed a handkerchief to the baron, who wiped his eyes, then tucked it into his sleeve.
"Baron," called out Anna.
"Your Highness," he replied. "It is good to see you safe. And Gerald, pardon me, General," he corrected himself, "you look reasonably fit for an old man."
Gerald grinned at the compliment, "Need I remind you, my lord, that you are older than I?"
"I am indeed," Fitz replied, "and happy to be so. I must say you arrived just in time. Another line of those knights would have finished us off."
"You can thank Captain Lanaka for that," Gerald replied. "I understand he kept them busy so that our archers could finish them off. Though I fear they took heavy casualties doing so."
"Remarkable," said Fitz, "that such lightly armoured troops would contemplate such a move. I can well imagine the bravery it must have taken."
"Are you wounded, Baron?" asked Anna.
"A minor wound," he replied.
"Well, have it seen to. Lady Aubrey is close at hand, helping with the wounded. Seek her out and get it looked at."
"When I find the time, Your Highness,"
Anna looked at him with a stern expression, "That is not a suggestion, Baron, that is a command."
"Yes, Highness," the baron said, rebuked.
"I like her," said Albreda.
Gerald moved his horse forward to look at the baron's arm. He held it, looking at the rent in the mail when he noticed something. "What's this?" he asked, pulling forth the kerchief.
"Well, er..."
"For goodness sake," said Albreda, "have you never heard of a lady's favour?"
Gerald looked to the baron, who was blushing furiously. "A favour? Well, it seems more has been happening at Bodden than I thought, my lord."
"You must stop calling me 'my lord’,” said Fitz, trying to change the subject, "you're a general now."
"And you're still a baron, my lord," he said, winking at Anna.
"Lady Albreda," said Anna with a smirk, "would you be so kind as to escort Baron Fitzwilliam to a Life Mage?"
"I should be delighted," replied the witch.
Twenty-Five
The Ride East
Spring 962 MC
They all met that evening to discuss their future strategy. The weather was warming, and they stood around a fire while others continued to clear the battlefield.
"Where do we stand?" asked Anna.
"I'm afraid our army is greatly reduced," said Gerald. "We'll have to rebuild our strength."
"Yes," agreed Beverly, "though we now have my father's troops."
"Perhaps enough to take Tewsbury," offered the baron, "if we act quickly."
"Agreed," said Gerald. "Word won't have reached them just yet, and with any luck, we can convince the garrison to surrender the town."
"It's worth a try," said Anna. "Gaining Tewsbury would let us control the north."
"Yes," agreed Beverly, "and it would give us a base of operations where we could rest and recover our strength."
"The garrison there might still resist us," advised Arnim.
"What if we send an advance party?" offered Albreda. "A show of force to prove we defeated Valmar."
"What are you suggesting?" asked Anna.
"We send a group of horsemen, perhaps only a hundred or at least what we can spare. If we have the baron at their head, there can be no doubt of Valmar's defeat."
"What do you think, Baron?" asked Anna.
"A good strategy," he replied. "When would we set out?"
"As soon as possible," suggested Albreda. "First thing in the morning, if we can."
"That sounds good," added Gerald. "Who would you take?"
"I was thinking Sir Heward and Sir Rodney," said Fitz, "along with what's left of th
e Bodden horse."
"I think we should add more," offered Beverly. "Let me take the heavy cavalry."
"Won't they slow you down?" asked Nikki, who until this time had remained silent.
"No," said Beverly, "we're not rushing eastward at great speed, but a sensible marching pace to conserve energy."
"My daughter is correct," said Fitz, "and I think the presence of the princess's horse will lend weight."
"Your thoughts, Gerald?" asked Anna.
"It makes sense," he agreed. "We'll still have the Weldwyn horse here along with the Kurathians and these prisoners will keep us busy for some time. We'll march the rest of the army in a few days and meet you there. If you run into trouble, you can come back up the road and join us."
"Who else should go," asked Anna, "other than Beverly and the baron?"
"Well, I'm going," announced Albreda, "and I think Lady Aubrey should as well."
"Aubrey?" asked Gerald. "She's still busy healing people."
"Revi can take over her duties," said Albreda. "I think it's important for them to see a Brandon in our midst. It shows a unified north."
"Very well," said Anna, "have the men get some rest. You'll ride out at first light."
The group began to disperse, leaving Gerald and Anna by the fire. Soft snoring drew their attention.
"It seems Tempus is comfortable," said Gerald.
"So it does," she agreed, stooping to pet her faithful hound. "He's getting grey around the muzzle."
"He's getting old, like all of us," Gerald suggested.
Tempus opened one eye, then closed it again as she petted him. "How much longer will he live, do you think?" she asked.
"I think he has a few years, yet," said Gerald. "Revi's magic keeps him healthy enough."
"Good," she said, "I'd like to see him live a life of comfort once this is over, he certainly deserves it."
"As do we all," agreed Gerald.
Fate of the Crown Page 27