Distracted, he finally tore his eyes from whatever invisible sight he focused on, bringing them to rest on Aiva with a forced smile. “It’s nothing.”
“I don’t believe that for one second,” she argued. “I have never seen you so taciturn. It is unlike you. Did something happen?”
He let out a miserable laugh at the question. “It has been a long day,” he sighed. “I have witnessed and partaken in things this afternoon which I never want to endure again. All things considered, however… I probably will not be so lucky. Such are the joys of being a member of the royal family. I don’t envy you the crown. If anything, I sympathize for you in having to bear that burden.”
Twisting on the mattress Aiva slid closer to Edric, hand rested upon his shoulder in attempts to comfort him. She didn’t know what troubled him, though she had several ideas. None of which she wanted to think on. “Does this have to do with the trial? I have been curious as to the outcome. What was the verdict? Has Dacian been taken somewhere?”
“Aiva…” Edric started, shaking his head in dismay. She stared at him, suddenly afraid, the pained expression on his face saying more than words. Something happened. Something… terrible.
“Edric, what has become of him?”
“There is a reason we were so concerned about Callum’s head remaining attached to his shoulders,” Edric stated, distant, troubled by the mere thought of what he spoke. “I recommend you forget about Dacian and simply be grateful that Callum was found innocent.”
It took a moment for his words to sink in. At the back of her mind she recalled the number of times Callum had made mention of his concerns regarding the accusations placed against him. Even in Tanispa, before their wedding, when the charge was less severe. A simple lie to her parents about what he witnessed in the shed. It was treason. The same crime committed by Dacian. She heard Callum’s voice vividly, speaking to her during their dance at his promotion celebration, demanding to know the reasons for her actions that he’d risked everything to hide on her behalf. His career. His life. They could have my head if they so chose… “Oh gods, Edric,” she breathed, horrified. “He is not…”
“Please, Aiva. I don’t want to discuss it,” Edric interjected, a painful expression on his face. She didn’t dare push the subject. He looked absolutely wretched. Turning on the bed he retrieved the clothes, handing them to her with a decisive nod, indicating the end of the conversation. Aiva was content to do as he asked. She wasn’t sure she wanted to know the answers to her questions. Deep down, she already knew them. “Come,” he said quietly. “Let’s get you dressed so you are more presentable when Father returns. I think we have disappointed him enough for one day.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Under the constant watch of her father and the General, Aiva spent the next few days in bed, disallowed from activity beyond sleep. The rest did much to help her, though the constant lack of movement left her frustrated. Restless. She longed to be on her feet again.
Commander Varik had taken his men to Dackdyn nearly four days prior. They wasted no time getting on the road to guarantee the ship would be in port at North Pointe by the time of their planned attack. The scouts were already there, instructed not to return until they had mapped every possible detail of Osahar’s prison. Aiva was anxious for everything to be set into motion. Shaelyn had been in the hands of the pirates long enough. Although she understood the need for caution, Aiva hated the thought of making her sister wait any longer than necessary. It was difficult to convince herself that the days spent in Targas, doing nothing, were still somehow beneficial. While Aiva was lying on her back, others were busy arranging the escape. She just hated feeling so useless. Incapable of helping with the process.
Callum had taken up a position at the foot of the makeshift bed, his hand rested atop the blankets which covered Aiva’s legs, gazing into the distance. She could sense his similar eagerness to be back on the road. Every little noise which came from outside drew his attention to the entrance, his eyes lingering on it, hopeful, a hint of disappointment creeping over his expression to find it nothing more than the wind.
The others in the tent shared a similar disposition. Thade and Cadell had taken to staring at the map, plotting the most efficient route away from Luquarr to reach the Siscalian port with minimal risk of attacks at sea by the Namirens. Edric was seated near a smaller table at the opposite end of the tent, focused on a structure built out of the deck of cards he found amongst the supplies. Aiva admired his progress, the thin design having reached an impressive height. If he built it much higher, he would no doubt run out of material for completion.
A sudden gust of wind whipped through the tent, sending the cards toppling to the ground around Edric’s feet. He looked almost saddened at first before realizing what had caused the mess. Aiva followed his gaze to the door, sitting up excitedly to see Gadiel standing there in the entrance. “Your Majesty. General. I apologize for the intrusion, but you said to waste no time in finding you when we returned,” Gadiel stated, chest pushed forward in a confident stance. “Commander Varik has docked at the pier in North Pointe. The letter has been delivered to Osahar and he has agreed to meet with you the day after next. He requests you come when the sun has reached its peak. No sooner and no later or he will be inclined to no longer acquiesce your terms.”
“And you have the details of the prison?” Cadell asked, moving out from behind the table in long, determined strides. Gadiel nodded, his hand extended toward the General with a piece of folded parchment between his fingers.
“With the amount of information we collected, we could build a replica if we felt compelled to do so,” Gadiel nodded. “There are trees along the eastern and southern walls which would be a good source for cover in the planned ambush, if I may be so bold as to suggest it.”
“You may,” Callum agreed. In a fluid motion he rose from where he sat on the bed, making his way to stand at Cadell’s side. He peered over his father’s shoulder at the parchment, intent on the images and inked words scrawled across the surface. “The trees certainly work to our advantage. We can approach the prison from the rear under cover of the woods. Archers can take out the guards positioned further from the structure itself while a smaller team can quietly handle those around the building. We do not want to draw attention to what we are about to do. The guards inside cannot be alerted to the attack prematurely or they may begin to strike at the prisoners.”
Gadiel nodded, stepping around to motion toward something on the parchment. Curious, Aiva climbed out of bed, slowly crossing the floor to Callum’s side. Between the three men it was impossible to make out the details drawn there. They were too engrossed in the process of their plans. She was left with nothing to do other than listen and attempt to create an image in her mind of what the structure would look like.
“The prison is more heavily guarded inside. At the front door they carry longbows and will be able to fire from range if they suspect anything. There is also an archer on the roof. He will have the best view and is most likely to spot our advance. I recommend he be one of the first dispatched. From a distance, if possible, and swiftly,” Gadiel explained. Aiva could see Callum and his father nod in agreement. It was sound advice. She’d come to expect nothing less from Gadiel.
“Father – General,” Callum corrected himself quickly. “I would like to request Gadiel accompany my unit when we reach North Pointe. He will make a fine commander to take over the men should anything happen to me.”
Surprised by the statement Gadiel blinked, twisting to stare at Callum in disbelief. “Captain,” he stammered. His protest was cut short by Callum’s hand coming to rest on his shoulder, a warm smile passing over his lips.
“Gadiel, I should have done this a long time ago. You have proven yourself worthy of the title time and again. I would be a fool not to have you among my most trusted men. In a more official capacity,” he chuckled. “If the General approves of my decision, then it will be done.”
Head
tilted thoughtfully to one side, Cadell let his gaze shift between Callum and Gadiel. Aiva watched the men, none of them speaking, a silent examination taking place, Cadell’s eyes moving over Gadiel to analyze every detail of his form. She felt an overwhelming urge to add her own approval to the decision. Gadiel deserved recognition for the great deeds he’d performed throughout the journey from Tanispa. With him alongside them in North Pointe, they would be a force to be reckoned with. But it wasn’t her place to interfere in military matters. The choice would be made by the General.
“He is a fine soldier and has done well with everything asked of him by myself and the King,” Cadell nodded in approval. “I also cannot discount the fact that he saw Prince Edric to Luquarr safely. The only negative against him is that he regrettably allowed the Princess to wriggle out of his grasp, but she is a slippery one,” he glanced over to Aiva with a smirk, “we may be able to let that fault slide.” Coming to a pause at Gadiel’s side he gave a solid pat on his back, a proud gleam in his eyes. “Congratulations, Commander. You will serve the Captain well on this mission. I am confident in that.”
It was all Aiva could do to keep from running over and wrapping her arms around Cadell in grateful appreciation of his decision. To do so would be inappropriate, especially at a time like this. She needed to maintain her composure.
“I don’t know what to say,” Gadiel exhaled. His pleasure radiated through the warmth of his green eyes, glowing brightly in the dim light of the tent. He caught Aiva’s watchful gaze, a smile passing between them in her silent felicitations. “This is an honor, General. Captain, I cannot express to you my gratitude. You will not be disappointed.”
“I know, Commander. You have never failed me before. I don’t expect you to start now,” Callum replied, his demeanor professional, though Aiva could see the happiness in his own eyes to observe the smile on his friend’s face. “Now,” he added, “with that order of business out of the way, we should start to separate the men into their proper units and explain to them their duties. Those accompanying the King will need to be ready to leave by morning. The rest of us will wait until nightfall. We should not be seen travelling together. Our numbers should not be made known.”
“Come along then, Captain. Commander,” Cadell nodded to Gadiel. “Let us get to work. There is still much to be done before we can guarantee the success of our plan.”
Aiva’s heart pounded with nervous excitement at the sight of the city coming into view in the distance. It took less time for them to reach than she anticipated, her head reeling with the possibilities which might work against their plan. It would be difficult to explain their way out of any accusations when they traveled with a unit of fifteen men. Well-armed and prepared for battle. They hardly looked as if they were coming to town for a friendly visit.
Directed off the main road, she followed the men into the dense trees which lined the city perimeter. They would have more cover than she thought. Somehow it only brought a mild relief to her frayed nerves. Preparation for war was nothing like she had pretended as a child. She couldn’t help but wonder how her mother had dealt with the pressure. The fear of death. It was constant, lingering with her subconscious, taunting her. At any given point in the battle she could feel the blade of her opponent slip past her guard and pierce her flesh. Unlike in their games when she was younger, there would be no standing up from a wound such as that. Death was final. And she was placing herself directly in the line of Sytlea’s grasp.
Her eyes trailed along the line of men surrounding her, taking in their faces, curious if they felt a similar fear. Edric revealed only a hint of discomfort in the dim sparkle of his silvery gaze. This was his first real battle. He experienced nothing like the troubles she and Callum faced along the way to Luquarr. No agaruls. No tigers. No pirates. There had not even been mention of raiders along the road to Targas. More than a decade his younger and she had seen more battles than him. But he carried himself proudly. Honorable. Regal in countenance, as would be expected of a Prince when riding with his soldiers. She respected him for the poise and grace he possessed. Even in the face of inevitable danger, he could always be counted on to maintain peace.
Callum and Gadiel were the image of perfect calm. If they felt fear, there was no sign of it upon their faces. Callum carried himself with similar poise to that of Edric. Symbolic of his noble upbringing, raised around the royal palace with the same teachings provided to the children of the King and Queen, while seasoned with the strict expectations of the military. He was well-versed in hiding his emotions. The men could never be allowed to see him falter. Gadiel moved proudly at his side, bearing the new stripes of a commander upon his arm. They were fitting for him. Long overdue. Both moved with such purpose and strength. Aiva admired the loyalty they showed for her family. Willing to risk their lives without hesitation.
When they reached the thickest line of trees Callum broke from formation to give silent commands to the men, his hands the only tool which directed them to their positions. Once the men had taken up their hiding places he came to Aiva’s side, leaning to whisper quietly in her ear. “You can come with me. I prefer you not stray far off.”
“We have a similar preference, then,” she gave a forced smile, her hand reaching for his before realizing her mistake. Displays of affection were not appropriate for the battlefield. Reluctantly she began to retract it again, surprised to feel Callum’s fingers wrap around hers. He said nothing, only giving a slight nod, a flash of understanding visible in his eyes. She stared at him, grateful for the brief moment of comfort his touch brought.
He led her through the woods, coming to rest behind a large tree, his hand gently tugging on Aiva’s to guide her down beside him. Careful not to make any noise, she did as he instructed. It was an honor to have been allowed to fight at his side. She didn’t want to do anything which would make her father regret the decision to permit her company.
Settled next to the rough bark she sat, motionless. Time was cruel to her racing heart. She feared if it beat any harder it would sound like an alarm to their enemy. Desperate for anything to distract her mind from the endless wait, she let her fingers begin a nervous fidget, tracing a line over the red embroidery around the edges of the military doublet she wore, borrowed from one of the soldiers. Callum reached out to rest his hand over hers, preventing her from continuing the incessant movement, ears strained to listen for something in the distance.
They remained in absolute silence for what felt like hours though she knew it was far less. Twenty minutes. No more than thirty. A trumpet sounded from somewhere in town, the signal Callum waited for. Fanfare to announce Thade’s arrival for the meeting with Osahar. A secret cue for the secondary unit to prepare the attack.
Pressing his finger to his lips Callum gestured for Aiva to remain quiet, rising to his feet in an agile display. Gadiel appeared through the trees to stand at his side, a longbow in his hands, extended out to Callum. Accepting it quickly, Callum drew an arrow from a quiver at his back, positioning it over the string to test the weapon, a nod of approval the only communication between the two men. Aiva watched, enthralled by their every movement. Gadiel wielded a bow as well, both men stealthily making their way through the trees to maneuver closer to the prison. From where she was seated Aiva could see the outline of the structure. On the roof stood a single guard. Their first mark. Callum took aim, the bow loaded, tilted at an angle to help support the control of his shot. He made every motion look simple. Flawless. With nothing more than a quiet twang of the string being released, Aiva watched the arrow slam into the chest of the man on the roof, his body tumbling backward from the force, landing prone, no longer visible from where she sat on the ground.
At the dull thud of the man’s collapse, the other guards became more vigilant, scanning the area in search of what may have caused the noise. They couldn’t see their fallen comrade. A benefit for Callum and Gadiel who were already advancing along the tree-line, easily taking down the few men positioned at
the rear of the building.
The sentinels at the front entrance were the responsibility of Aiva and Edric. Once the other guards were successfully taken, Callum waved Aiva forward to where he and Gadiel stood, weapons held firm, prepared to strike again if any unexpected watchmen appeared. Quietly she slipped to her feet, a nervous smile on her lips to see her brother appear from where he’d been hidden. “Are you ready, Aiva?” Callum asked, staring hard into her eyes. He gave no indication of doubt, only a somber hope that she was prepared for what was being asked of her.
She was surprised by the confidence she held in her ability. Any hesitance she once possessed had dissipated, replaced by the realization that she was no longer the inexperienced fighter she was when they first left Escovul. Her hands knew what to do with the blade. It was a simple matter of getting into position without drawing attention to her or Edric. If she was able to get into range, the men didn’t stand a chance. She gave a quick nod of her head, beckoning Edric to come closer.
“If anything goes wrong, I will have several men ready to come in as support,” Callum explained. “When the sentinels are dead, Gadiel and I will find a way through the lock on the back door and lead a group inside. You and Edric will direct the men through the front. If all goes according to plan, this should allow us to surround the guards within and take them by surprise.”
“You make it sound so easy,” Edric chuckled, apprehensive.
Aiva couldn’t help laughing, her hand lowered to the hilt of her sword. “If all goes the way we want, it should be,” she smiled. The anxiety was making her crazy. She wanted to go. Why did Edric have to stall? Assertive, she gave him a push forward. They didn’t have time to waste. There was no guarantee Osahar would be entertained for much longer.
Stumbling into motion Edric caught his balance, resuming his confident demeanor while accompanying Aiva to the side of the prison, exposed from their cover of the trees. She waved him to separate. They would have better luck at a surprise attack on the two sentinels if their approach came from both sides of the building. Pressed against the wood she inched forward, careful not to bring attention to herself. Her hand slipped away from her sword when she reached the front, breath coming in ragged spurts from the suspense of their impending attack. A full blade wouldn’t be necessary. With the right timing she could take her target down with a well-aimed strike from the dagger strapped at her thigh.
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Two: Beyond the Veil Page 80