“Surrender,” the lead man demanded.
“Hello, Commander,” Estrien said to the man at his side, whom she had identified as Commander Rovak. The man straightened his posture but said nothing. Gwaren smiled to Straiah.
“Rovak, you assured me these people had left our lands!” he said.
“Apologies, General,” Estrien said. “Our mission is too vital. The forces of Corcoran aren't leaving and neither will we.”
“And you, with less than a hundred warriors mean to stop him?”
“We only want to help.”
The general was fuming, debating whether to arrest them all or join with them.
“Our forces are rendezvousing at Cormak Castle,” Commander Rovak said from behind his armored helm. “It's our largest structure in the region. That's where we'll make our stand.”
The general shot a look of rage at him, darting forward with his horse, then turning to face the commander.
“Your fortress won't save you,” Estrien replied. “Their siege works are massive. If they reach your city walls, the battle will be over before it begins. We should try to ambush them somewhere...keep them away from the city.”
The general turned his horse to her.
“We didn't spend decades building fortresses only to not use them. You speak rather freely of things you don't understand.”
“I understand that the forces coming against you have been preparing for twelve hundred years for this war. Your only preparation has been corralling squabbling nobles.”
The general's eyes narrowed as he considered her statement. It was clear that those of Kester still didn't fully believe in ancient enemies now returned, or the abilities of the First Age still at work among the living.
“We travel to Cormak together,” the general declared. “Then I'll decide your fate.”
Estrien glanced to Straiah and Gwaren, who nodded their approval. Then the group set off en masse, northward bound. The forces of Kester numbered in the thousands, which was good, for Estrien guessed that no fewer soldiers were in the camp of the enemy.
They traveled for the better part of the day, picking up a wide dirt road by noon and taking it the rest of the way to the city. The fortress, Cormak, looked much like the alliance city – a walled castle nestled into a tall mountainside, making it inaccessible from that side. But it also made it a death trap if they became surrounded and couldn't escape.
As they neared, the city's features looked different than she expected. Though it was large and menacing, it didn't appear laid out as a military fort. It was built with excesses, with decorative buttresses, as though the architect took some liberties in the design.
“Cormak Castle was built in the early days of Kester,” a rider said who had come alongside Estrien and removed his helmet. It was Rovak's second in command. Estrien gave him a bow.
“It was built by one of the early lords who, like the rest, sought to ascend the throne. They were bloody days then, and the other nobles united against him, scattering the Cormak clan.”
“But Kester has long known peace,” Estrien replied.
“Of a sort. The conflicts are no longer overt. But lords still fight and grasp for power amid the shadows.”
“What happened to the Cormak clan?”
“When their castle was taken, their power base was shattered, and many went on the move, forming what we now call the Jedra.”
“Really? The Jedra have been a great help to us. Sheabor has agreed to admit them to the alliance as formal members.”
He huffed.
“Well, hopefully they'll prove less of a thorn in your side than they have been for us. I won't admit it was right what happened to their clan, but to hold a grudge for so many centuries...”
Estrien was intrigued but they soon reached the walls of the city and Rovak's second departed. The city was close quartered, built to house an army, but not one so large. And there weren't nearly enough stables for all their horses. A growing sense of trepidation filled her heart.
As they deposited their horses, she, Gwaren and Straiah made for the inner keep, commanding the rest of the coalition forces to assist however they could in the battle preparations.
“What do you think of the plan?” Gwaren asked.
“I wish they had seen the siege works. Then they might not be so keen on locking themselves up in a stone box. How in the world did they build them so quickly?”
“My guess is they brought the main sections over in pieces,” Straiah said. “I wouldn't be surprised if Malfur began constructing the bases and supports months ago when he first arrived to this continent.”
“Why is he marching them against Kester?” Estrien asked. “I thought Eulsiphion was his main objective.”
They didn't have an answer for that. And without an answer, Estrien couldn't help but feel like they were playing right into Corcoran's hands. What if this was all a diversion to get the bulk of their forces away from Eulsiphion?
The three walked up a long narrow stone pathway ending at another large wooden door, which opened at their approach, revealing the inner keep. Two soldiers accompanied them to the command room, seated high above the city. The castle was well built to withstand invasion. Once inside, the three took their place among the many others gathered around a large stone circular table.
“As you all know,” the general began, “our scouts have reported a large, hostile force moving in this direction. Commander Rovak, of K'venneh, has encountered this enemy in the Westward Wilds and defeated three forts the enemy had built. But this larger force came from deeper in the forest and was missed because of bad intelligence given us. That force will shatter upon these walls and those that flee will be pursued back to their hidden fortress.”
Just then, the door opened and a lower ranking officer joined them.
“Apologies, General,” he said with a bow. “A large party of the Jedra are outside the city seeking an audience.”
“They aren't to be permitted inside these walls,” the general declared. “Send them away.”
“Wait!” Estrien complained. “Surely they've come to help us.”
“Or rather, they're looking for protection. In either case, there's hardly room for our own soldiers, much less their kind of rabble. Send them away.”
The officer hesitated a moment.
“Apologies again, General. The leader of their convoy is seeking an audience with Estrien of the alliance.”
The general clenched his jaw.
“Please let us talk to them,” Estrien said, taking a step forward. “If there isn't enough room for them, then let the coalition station ourselves in front of the city with the Jedra's forces.”
“What kind of fool do you take me for? Now that you've been inside our walls...seen our defenses and numbers...you conveniently wish to leave again? I'm a breath away from throwing all of you into the dungeon. As far as I'm concerned, none of you can be trusted.”
“The Jedra pride themselves on their information. Perhaps they can tell us more about the enemy coming to our doorstep.”
The general eyed her for long moments, unaccustomed to being argued with.
“Commander Rovak, you and your second will accompany her outside the city to meet with the Jedra. Then escort her immediately back here.”
Estrien gave a bow and the trio exited the room.
“And I thought you were difficult,” she said, turning to Commander Rovak with a wide smile.
He smirked and Estrien saw his second stifle a smile. Soon the outer gates opened, revealing a large party of warriors on horseback, Jaithur and Sorren chief among them. They dismounted upon Estrien's approach and gave her a bow.
“I'm continually impressed by your information,” Estrien said. “I've barely just arrived. How in the world did you know I was here?”
“Because everyone is here,” Jaithur responded with a smile.
“Not everyone,” Estrien replied. “Have you had any news from Sheabor or King Froamb?”
> “Very strange things happening in the east. The Windbearer Faigean arrives at Eulsiphion just as King Froamb's army departs to march against the Horctura. And I'm told that the Queen Sheyla has somehow been brought back from the grave.”
Estrien's heart beat quickly. Had they really done it? The coalition shouldn't be here. With King Froamb's army gone and Faigean come, Corcoran would have the perfect target. The coalition forces should be defending Eulsiphion.
“I know what you're thinking,” Jaithur said. “But you could ride night and day and you'd still not reach them in time. Our place is here.”
“They won't let you into the city,” Estrien said.
“That is convenient, for we do not wish to enter. The rest of you must ride out and meet them in the field.”
“The general won't agree to that. He thinks the castle can withstand the bombardment.”
“Then I will be sad to watch a great piece of our heritage turn to rubble.”
“I'm sure you would,” Rovak's second said.
“Whatever past grudges remain, this is now a matter of survival,” Jaithur replied.
“Agreed,” Estrien said. “It might be best for you and your warriors to leave. I'm not sure this is a battle we're going to win. You can live to fight another day.”
Jaithur considered her words a moment and gave her a low bow. Then he turned to depart but Sorren was visibly troubled, hesitating a moment, then riding after his father.
“Father, this is madness!” she heard Sorren say before he passed out of earshot.
Estrien watched in silence, pondering what to do. This was madness. Kester had grown accustomed to a certain kind of warfare – of positioning and bargaining and hiding behind high walls. What was coming was unlike anything they'd prepared for.
At length, Jaithur and his forces disappeared from sight. Estrien grew angry, the situation slipping more and more from her control each moment. It was time to take things back in hand. Returning to the command room, Estrien walked to the middle of the room, cutting the general short.
“General, Jaithur of the Jedra has confirmed our own intelligence. Corcoran is bringing siege works that will smash this city to bits.”
“You're wasting my time,” the general replied. “If they truly have siege works as massive as you describe, they'll never reach the walls of this city. The ground is far too soft to roll them through the open plains. My suspicion is that you've exaggerated your claims and will soon see that our own catapults will splinter theirs as soon as they come into range.”
Estrien had thought about that. The only thing that made sense is that Corcoran had a Woodlander working for him, one who had rendered their timbers light and strong. And the creatures pulling them were more powerful than mere soldiers. But the general would scoff at such a declaration. How could she tell him that the powers of the First Age had allowed Corcoran to build siege works lighter and stronger than what the general possessed?
“We're all growing more than a little tired of your rhetoric,” the general said, impatient for Estrien's response. “If you want to be stationed outside the city, so be it. Go and join your Jedra friends. But if you try and flee, my own archers will shoot you down.”
Estrien bowed and quickly turned to depart before he could change his mind, Straiah and Gwaren close on her heels.
“Well, that was surprising,” Gwaren said, once free of the council chambers. “Why didn't you tell the general the real truth?”
“What?” Estrien replied. “Tell him that Corcoran used magic to build a catapult bigger and better than his?”
“It's hardly magic,” Gwaren said. “And how can he deny it, seeing that Blair has done the same thing with our armor?”
“It doesn't matter. We got what we wanted. Now we need a plan.”
“Corcoran's forces will protect their siege works at all costs,” Straiah said. “We'll have to find a way to get to them or the castle will ultimately fall.”
“Agreed. But can we do it and live to see tomorrow?”
The Athel
Ariadra scarcely slept. She spent most of the night on the round pavilion, her hand placed firmly against the Athel stone. To her lament, the moon was shrouded by a layer of clouds, making her attempts to find Baron futile. So she stood and waited, gazing at the necklace of Sheyla in her hands and its brightly colored jewel.
It was amazing to consider that such a thing could be crafted by the hands of people. Such a magical place the old world must have been. It seemed so strange that something like an Athel stone could be right there in the open and yet somehow completely out of reach. So much of the old world was right in their daily sphere, and yet it was all still such a mystery.
The dawn broke and the glow of morning filled the far horizon, bringing the hidden plains once more to sight. Her conversation with King Froamb confused her. How was it possible that they'd had an Athel stone sitting there all this time, yet none of the Forthurians had ever learned how to use it? It didn't make sense. She would seek him out when he first stirred from bed.
And to her surprise, it didn't take long. King Froamb entered the palace hall still in his nightgown and was pacing before his throne, clearly lost in thought. Ariadra returned inside and approached him, guessing what thing kept the king from sleep.
“How fares your army to the north?” she asked.
His countenance turned dark at the question.
“Not as well as expected,” he replied. “Our casualties have been greater than the general assured me they would be.”
“I'm sorry to hear it.”
“And what keeps you up in the early morning watches?” he asked but immediately seemed to realize the answer to the question. For even though she played the role of Sheyla, it was still Ariadra he spoke to.
“My heart tells me that Baron has been captured by Corcoran. If I can learn how to use the Athel stone, I'm sure I can find him. Do you have anything that might help me? Are there any writings of the experimenters you spoke of among the archives?”
“Not to my knowledge,” King Froamb replied.
“How can that be?” she asked. “It's been sitting there in your care for a dozen centuries. How has no one ever learned its secrets?”
“We never really knew what it could do until Pallin arrived and used it in our presence. There were only rumors before.”
Even as he spoke the words, the revelation struck her. It was so obvious. Why was she questioning King Froamb when Aravas and Faigean surely knew how to use the Athel stone? Why hadn't she considered that until now?
“Thank you,” she said and quickly departed to her bed chamber to ready herself for the day.
When she emerged, the city was already bustling. Entering the palace hall, there were dozens of persons of state who each greeted her with a bow. But gazing about the room, she didn't find Sheabor or King Froamb. Where could they be?
Walking up to one of the courtiers, she addressed him with a bow.
“Where is the king, good sir?”
“In meetings, my lady.”
“With Lord Sheabor, I presume?”
He nodded with a low bow. Ariadra's heart beat quickly. She didn't care how important their meeting was. Finding Baron was higher. But if she was to disturb their meeting, she would need a reason. Ariadra had a good one, but Sheyla didn't. She thought for long moments about what she could say.
But what if she could just speak to Aravas directly? Where were he and Faigean hiding? It must be somewhere in the palace chambers. She could wander them until she found one under guard. But what would she do then...demand entrance? As Sheyla, she might be able to get away with it. But she was walking a fine line.
In the end, she made her way back to the pavilion and once more placed her palm against the Athel stone. She tried various things until her eyes throbbed from too much light. She could see why the Forthurians had abandoned their quest. Without even knowing what the stone could do, how could one experiment?
Near midday, the pal
ace hall, mostly deserted until now, became bustling with persons of state. Ariadra left to see if the king or Sheabor were among them. Entering, she found that they both were, but they were on a straight shot toward the door. Changing her course, she hurried to meet them, careful not to draw attention to herself.
“Lord Sheabor,” she said.
“My lady.”
“May I speak with you? It's about my husband.”
Sheabor tensed and glanced around. Ariadra knew she was walking a dangerous line. Obviously anyone who heard her would think she was referring to King Euthor. But Sheabor knew the truth. So, pulling her off to one side, he glanced about again until it was safe to speak.
“What is it?”
“I need to see Aravas,” Ariadra declared.
“They aren't to be disturbed right now.”
“Please. It's very important. I need him to show me how to use the Athel stone. With his help, I'm sure I can find Baron.”
Sheabor considered her request for many moments, so much so that it made her angry.
“What's the problem?” she asked, her voice raising.
Sheabor held up his hands to calm her but her anger only grew. He opened his mouth to speak.
“No,” she said. “You told me you would do whatever you could to help find Baron. That was either true or it was a lie. Decide.”
Sheabor clenched his jaw.
“We'll need to wait until the city has gone to bed. We can't have Aravas and Faigean out among the people. They're different now. Someone could notice.”
“Thank you,” Ariadra replied.
Then they departed and Ariadra returned to the pavilion. Her heart beat quickly. She had been desperate to find a way to locate Baron. Now that the means were within reach, she felt a different anxiety. What would she see through the Athel stone? What if Baron truly had been captured?
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