Fate of the Crown

by Paul J Bennett

  "I brought friends," Sam announced.

  Arnim crawled over the wall, followed closely by Nikki.

  "What are you doing?" repeated Arlo. "I can't help you, Sergeant Riger is nearby."

  "Don't worry," said Arnim, "we're only passing through. Just act like nothing is happening. Go back to your regular patrol, we don't want to raise suspicion."

  "Easy for you to say," grumbled Arlo, "you're not the one who would be in trouble."

  Sam brought his mouth close to Arnim's ear. "There are steps down there," he pointed, "that lead into the city streets. Watch out for soldiers though, there's a couple of them that play cards, but they're usually drunk this time of night."

  Arnim nodded his head and looked back to Nikki who was framed by the moonlight, her pale face smeared with mud to blend into the darkness. She nodded her understanding, then moved ahead of him to lead the way.

  Sam waited for them to disappear into the night and then began climbing over the parapet once more.

  "What are you doing?" asked Arlo.

  "I'm leaving," explained Sam. "My work here is done. The assault will commence two days hence, at daybreak. Make sure you stay at your post."

  "What about the catapults? I don't want to be smashed to bits."

  "Don't worry," said Sam, "we're going to create a bit of a diversion."

  "Good luck," said Arlo.

  "And to you, old friend." He passed the tavern keeper a note and added, "Make sure you read that in private," then dropped below the parapet, using the vines to descend.

  When the saddle maker reached the ground, Albreda dismissed the spell and the vines withered, shrinking into nothingness.

  "Come along, you two," she whispered, "it's time we return to the camp."

  Thirty-Three

  Into the City

  Summer 962 MC

  The siege engines renewed their bombardment at first light. It began with a single stone hurled across the field, leaving a slight trail behind it as it sailed through the air, impacting the wall just south of the western gate.

  Kiren-Jool looked on in satisfaction.

  "Well done," said Revi. "Right on target."

  "I should have thought of this myself," the Kurathian mage confessed. "After all, if I can make archery fire more accurately, why not a catapult?"

  "Are you sure you'll have enough energy to keep this up?" asked Revi.

  "No doubt I'll be tired by the end of the day, but the rate of fire of these things is not great, even with Trolls reloading them. I'll have plenty of time to recover." He glanced back at the massive creatures who lifted another rock while others pulled the lever back to the firing position.

  "Handy, aren't they?" said Revi.

  "Yes," he replied, "though I think we should have built bigger catapults for them."

  "We'll try to remember that for next time."

  "Hopefully there won't be a next time," said Kiren-Jool. "This is not something I ever want to experience again."

  "I thought you were a battle mage?"

  "I am, but sieges are terrible. Think of all the people suffering in that city of yours."

  "I can well understand your reticence," said Revi. "How long will your enchantment last?"

  "Some time yet," he replied. "I think I'll have to recast mid-morning and again at noon. Of course, each casting only affects one catapult, so I have my work cut out for me."

  "Send someone to find me if you find yourself getting tired," offered Revi. "Remember, this is a diversion, but we need to make it look like we mean business."

  * * *

  "I don't see why you had to endanger yourself by going to the wall, Father."

  "I told you, my dear," explained Fitz, "Albreda needed someone to keep an eye on her."

  "Richard," corrected Albreda, "you know that's not true."

  "I'm a warrior," retorted Fitz, "and I need to set an example for my men."

  "I don't think the men had anything to do with it," chided Beverly.

  "Well, it's all done now," replied the baron. "Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't I the parent here?"

  "Yes," said Beverly, "though if you persist in taking these unnecessary risks, you might not be for much longer. You had me worried."

  "You needn't be," offered Albreda, "I had things under control. You know your father meant well, he is a baron, after all. You and he have a lot in common."

  They looked at her in confusion.

  "You're both headstrong on occasion," she added.

  "I'm not headstrong," said Fitz.

  "Nor I," said Beverly.

  "If you say so," offered Albreda. "Now, don't you two have places to be?"

  "Not until this evening," said Fitz. "The attack won't commence until first light tomorrow."

  "True," said Albreda, "but you still have to ride all the way over to your men. You don't want to be doing that in the dark, and you want to set a good example, don't you?"

  "Yes, of course," he muttered.

  "Well then, off you go."

  Beverly wore a smug look as she watched her father ride off.

  "What are you looking at?" asked Albreda. "I believe you're the one that's supposed to be seen preparing the assault troops for the breach."

  "Yes, of course," Beverly replied, blushing.

  "Take care, Beverly, and give my regards to that smith of yours," called out the mage.

  "Aldwin?" she questioned. "How did you know I was going to see him first?"

  "I know that look," said Albreda.

  "What look?" the knight replied innocently.

  "That look you get whenever you think of him. Do you think I see nothing? Now, be off with you, and good fortune."

  "And you, Albreda," the knight replied.

  * * *

  It had been almost one year ago that 'Handsome' Harry Hathaway had come to the Gryphon to meet the knight, Hayley Chambers. Now, he sat in the very same seat, nursing an ale, this time in the company of Nikki the Knife. He let his eyes wander the room, noting the presence of his people.

  "Are you sure about this, Nik?" he asked, for the third time.

  "I told you, Harry, it's safe," assured Nikki. "You need to relax a little, you're even making me jumpy."

  The door opened, and Arnim Caster entered, followed by a dozen men.

  "What's this?" demanded Harry, rising to his feet.

  "Don't worry," soothed Nikki, "it's not what you think."

  "He brought the watch with him," cursed Harry. "I knew he couldn't be trusted."

  "Sit down, Harry, you're creating a stir."

  Harry sat, looking alarmed. Arnim walked over to their table, his men taking up seats nearby.

  "What's the meaning of this?" demanded Harry.

  "These men are trustworthy," insisted Arnim. "Do you vouch for yours?"

  "Of course," Harry replied, "I only picked men I trust completely. What's this all about?"

  "You know the city is under siege," started Arnim.

  "Tell me something I don't know," said Harry.

  "The assault is coming soon."

  "And?"

  "And the attackers will come against the west wall," said Arnim.

  "What's that got to do with us?" asked Harry.

  "We're going to take the south gate," he replied, to be met with silence.

  "Are you insane?" Harry finally said. "It would take trained soldiers to assault a gatehouse!"

  Arnim leaned in close, lowering his voice, "The enemy will be concentrating their defences on the west wall. They'll be distracted and vulnerable. They'll never be expecting an attack from within the city."

  Harry looked at the knight in disbelief and then finally shook his head, "You're serious."

  "Very," said Arnim.

  "And just how long would we have to hold it?"

  "Not long," said Arnim. "Cavalry will be closing in from the south. Once they arrive, our job will be done."

  "And you want us to work with the Town Watch?"

  "I know wha
t I'm asking, Harry. You'll need to put aside your differences for the time being. Until this siege is over, we're all on the same side. Unless, of course, you like being on the receiving end of those siege engines?"

  "All right," Harry said at last, "I'm in."

  "Good," said Arnim. "How many men did you bring?"

  "Twelve."

  "Excellent, that matches the dozen I've recruited. I'd hoped for more, but it'll have to do. We'll rendezvous on Pennington Ave, it's only two blocks from the gate."

  "I know the street," said Harry. "There's an old candlemaker’s shop there, do you know the place?”

  "Yes," replied Arnim, extending his hand. "I've been there many a time. We'll meet there, just before dawn."

  "Agreed," said Harry, shaking the knight's hand. "We'll see you there."

  * * *

  At the midnight changing of the guard, a shadowy figure sidled up to the Palace gates, where he was quickly admitted. Making his way into the Palace by means of the back door, he passed through the courtyard to enter the building, knowingly navigating the route to the office of Marshal-General Roland Valmar. He knocked on the door.

  "Enter," came a voice.

  He opened the door to see the marshal-general himself, sitting at his customary desk.

  "Saunders," said Valmar, "this is rather unexpected. You have news?"

  "I do, Your Grace," the man replied.

  "Well, get on with it, man," said Valmar, rather irritated.

  "Beggin' your pardon, sir, but it's just as you thought, Caster has called on his old friends in the watch. He's in the city, even as we speak."

  Valmar sat back, a smile creasing his features, "That's good news, Saunders. Or should I say, Sergeant Saunders?"

  "Thank you, my lord," said Saunders. "What shall we do? Do you want us to arrest him?"

  "No, not at this time," said Valmar. "I think we'll let him carry out his plan. Do you know what that is?"

  "I do, Lord, I was there as one of his men."

  "Excellent! We shall let them believe their ruse has been successful and draw them in. Once their comrades have entered the city, we'll unleash our ambush."

  "They'll be trapped like rats in a barrel,” offered Saunders.

  "Precisely," said the marshal-general.

  * * *

  A stone struck the rampart, sending shards of brick flying into the city. Arnim instinctively ducked, as did most of the people on the street, even though the attack was blocks away. Across the way, Nikki, waiting in the alleyway, had her people lined up behind her. Ever since the bombardments started, the soldiers had sought out refuge in the towers, leaving the streets clear of troops. Now, a very select group of individuals made their way toward the southern gate.

  Arnim waved Nikki and her people forward. They left the safety of the alley, moving down the street, parallel to his own advance. A shopkeeper opened the door, saw the advancing group, and hurriedly rushed back inside, closing it quickly. As they drew closer to the gate, Arnim gave the signal to halt and wait.

  The sun had just begun its daily ascent, stretching shadows as it climbed in the east. The guard tower was still closed up from the night before, the portcullis down. Even the great double doors of the city were closed, the massive drop bar holding them in place.

  Arnim drew his blade and waited as two of the watchmen moved forward, meandering slowly, so as not to raise suspicions. They stopped, knocking on the door to the tower and waited. A moment later it opened to reveal a bored looking soldier. The knife was quick, slicing through the man's throat and the watchmen pushed their way past the body

  Arnim broke into a run, the rest of his men following. Across the street, he saw Nikki's people, waiting to rush for the same structure. Pushing through the doorway, he heard the sound of fighting in the floor above. Looking up, he spotted a dead watchman lying on the stairs, blood pooling beneath the body. He rushed past and cursed as his foot slipped, sending him crashing to his knee.

  A few of his men ran past him as he staggered back to his feet. "Guard the door!” he yelled at the ones below, then continued his climb. The top floor held the winch for the portcullis. He arrived in time to see two of his men working the mechanism, raising the large iron gate that prevented access.

  There was an opening here, a window that looked down into the tunnel beneath them. He hurried towards it to see Nikki and her people moving forward to remove the wooden beam which held the great doors closed.

  "I wish I knew what was happening," said Fitz.

  "We must be patient, Lord," said Sir Rodney. "They are doing all they can. Even now, your niece is watching them."

  The baron looked to where Aubrey lay on the ground as if she were sleeping, while guards kept her safe.

  "The sun is rising in the east," he said. "It's almost time to move. If we wait too long, it'll be too late."

  A gasp from behind alerted him that Aubrey had returned from her spirit walk. "They're in the gatehouse," she announced

  "Now," yelled Fitz, spurring his horse forward. The Bodden horse advanced with the footmen following. Fitz knew this was the moment of greatest danger, for if the attack failed, they would be cut to ribbons by archers on the wall, unable to strike back. It all hinged on getting to the gate in time.

  They began closing the distance, but it felt agonizingly slow. The plan was to dismount once they reached the gate, for the fighting there would be no place for horses.

  He spared a thought for Albreda. He knew she was busy to the north, and he prayed for Saxnor to protect her.

  Albreda stood beside Aldus Hearn at the edge of the wood, watching the action in the distance.

  "I see Beverly is moving the men forward," she said. "It's almost time."

  "Get ready," yelled Hearn. The Elves emerged from the woods, their bows nocked and ready to let fly.

  "Now," yelled Albreda.

  As she began calling forth the power of nature, Aldus Hearn's deep voice rang out with his words of magic, almost harmonizing with her own. The trees shook as a terrific noise burst forth from the woods, startled birds fleeing from branches. The air surrounding Albreda buzzed with energy, and lights swirled around her while her hair, which had come loose from its braid, stuck out in all directions.

  Before her appeared a pillar of light, and she willed it to move, slowly advancing it toward the tree line where a tall redwood stood waiting. The beam flared briefly as it enveloped the trunk, and then the ground rumbled as the roots tore loose, sending dirt flying.

  The Elves all moved to stand clear as the great tree began to shamble forward, towering more than one hundred feet into the air. As its roots hit the field, it began to pick up speed, and the Elven archers had to break into a run to keep up.

  Albreda looked to her right to witness another tree, this one a tall ash, emerge from the forest as Aldus Hearn beckoned it forward.

  Beverly was halfway to the walls of Wincaster before she halted the men. She looked to the top section of the wall where the catapults had done their damage. Troops crammed the battlements, standing ready to repel the attack. Even as she watched, the early morning sun began to rise, dispelling the darkness.

  She turned to her men who stood ready with ladders. "That's it," she called out, "they've taken the bait. We'll hold still here for a moment, then begin our retreat."

  The two great trees lumbered forward, accompanied by the Elves who were loosing off the occasional arrow as they rushed to keep up. Albreda ran beside the great redwood now, preparing for the next phase. She kept her eyes on the walls, looking for the telltale sign. There was activity up there, as the defenders struggled to grasp what was happening.

  Then she saw it; white linen draped across a section of the battlement. Suddenly, fighting broke out on the wall itself. She gave the command, and the mighty tree bent its trunk until the very top lay across that exact spot on the wall, creating a ramp. She waved her hands, and the branches moved, forming steps.

  Up went the nimble Elves, their sword
s at the ready. On her right, she watched Hearn's tree performing a similar action. The druid waved his hands, casting another spell, and then a flock of ravens appeared above his head.

  "Show off," she said, more to herself than to anyone in particular. She moved to the base of the redwood, letting the Elves precede her. She waited a moment, giving them time to finish their climb, then started her own spell. The air buzzed with energy and then six small lights descended into the earth. A moment later, half a dozen large wolves appeared. She pointed at the tree, and they began running up it, with Albreda following closely behind.

  A clash of steel greeted her ears as she finally reached the battlements. The soldiers defending here were all Human, but a small group had tied a white cloth around their arms, identifying them as allies, and she ignored them, targeting their opponents instead. Small stones flew through the air, propelled by her magic, striking a defender, sending him tumbling from the wall.

  Baron Fitzwilliam drew ever closer to the walls of the city. He was nervous, for the king's soldiers atop the gate had spotted their advance and were now readying to repulse them. The only thing that saved them from the first barrage of crossbows bolts headed their way was that the early morning shadows had interfered with their aim.

  They would not be so lucky with the next wave. At the very last moment, the gates swung open and Lady Nicole waved him forward. He rode into the archway and dismounted, his men following suit. They charged into the tower with their swords out, seeking to disrupt the enemy's next barrage. Looking behind him, the baron made out his footmen coming safely through the gate. Sir James had them in hand, so Fitz turned his attention to the city itself.

  The gate opened into one of the poorer sections of town, the main road heading north, with many side alleys visible. He directed his men up the road while he remained to help secure the gatehouse.

  Arnim approached from the tower to greet him. "It worked," announced the knight. "Now, we must push north as quickly as we can."