Victory was in the air; Lord Ivran could practically smell it. He closed his eyes and breathed in the freedom as he rode, letting it fill his lungs. When he opened his eyes again he looked up to the sky and saw that it had filled with heavy, black clouds and threatened to soak them at any moment, but he cared not. The rain would bring a welcome cleanse to the world that was about to change forever. A flash of lightning raced across the sky, blinding his vision only for a moment but he was not afraid. The light had electrified him on the inside and he found himself smiling despite the gloomy sky. He knew the sky had not darkened for him; it had darkened for his enemies. It would rage and howl at them, telling them that death was coming. He would ride in with the wind and slash them down with his rain-soaked blade. Axendra stood no chance against their foe.
…
Rhada had stood idly on her balcony most of the day, watching the armies below her scramble about in the castle yard to make preparations for war. The sky had darkened quickly, filling with heavy black clouds and as the sun began to set over the horizon, the wind began to howl, lightning began to flash, and rain began to pour down in heavy droplets.
It was a storm unlike any other; one she had not seen for many years. It reminded her of another night, where she stood upon a very different balcony in the heart of the city and watched the lightning clash in the sky above her. It spoke to her then, just as it spoke to her now, telling her that her life was about to change forever. This time, however, she had Bloodbinder at her side to confirm the message. It rang in her ears and buzzed at her hip. She had held it for a while, hoping that it would stop but the ringing and the buzzing only grew worse.
A flash of light made her turn her attention back to the sky and she watched the rain and the lightning with dread. The thunder rolled over her like a hundred drums and made the stone beneath her feet quake.
When the sound of thunder dissipated, a knocking at her chamber door filled her ears. She sighed and turned her head slightly, annoyed at the intrusion. She had kept herself hidden away the past few days for a purpose. She had no desire to speak with anyone. But she knew she could not stay hidden forever, especially on the brink of war. So she closed herself up in her chamber, a place where anyone could find her if need be.
The knock came again; more urgent this time and she knew she had to answer.
“Who is it?” She called out with annoyance.
“Mayvard.” He shouted back. Some of her annoyance vanished at the sound of her only friend’s voice and she decided she had avoided him long enough.
“Enter.” She said in a more settled tone and she turned her gaze back out to the storm.
Mayvard stepped inside and closed the door softly behind him. He walked to the balcony where Rhada stood and looked to her with concern.
“I have been desperately searching for you for days!” He said with exasperation.
Rhada did not look at him when she spoke. “I apologize. I have been ill at ease with company as of late.”
“Even my company?” He asked, trying not to let the hurt he felt be heard in his voice.
Rhada sighed again and turned to Mayvard. “Even yours, friend. I am sorry. It has nothing to do with you. I just needed to be alone for a time.”
Mayvard nodded and forced a smile at her. “I understand.”
Lightning filled the sky once more, making them both turn to gaze out at the raging sky. The wind blew Rhada’s hair all around but she did not bother to tie it back. She let it flap freely in the breeze.
“I have come to you with some grave news.” He said, looking back to her once the thunder died down.
“Oh?” She asked, still not meeting his gaze. She seemed uninterested but Mayvard continued nonetheless.
“The King is prepared to denounce you as High Protector.” Mayvard said this in a whisper, as though someone could possibly be listening.
“Is he?” She still did not look at him, nor did she show him the slightest bit of interest in what he was telling her.
“He is.” Mayvard replied with aggravation. “As soon as he finds a suitable replacement, he says.” Mayvard waited a few moments for Rhada to say something… anything. When it became apparent that she would not, he continued in a raised voice.
“Are you listening to what I am telling you? If the King chooses a successor, the sword cannot be passed on to them by you! They must take the sword from you and…”
“And kill me with it.” Rhada finished his sentence. “Yes, Mayvard, I am aware of how it works.” She finally glanced his way.
“I just thought you might be more upset when you learned the King has sentenced you to die. And he has ordered Captain Theodoric and me to help!”
“Is that why you are here then, to take me into custody?” She reached her hand down to the hilt of Bloodbinder, preparing to draw her sword if the need should arise.
Mayvard looked to her with appalled eyes. “Why would you think such a thing? Have I not proven myself a good and true friend? I have come here to warn you, under threat of death!”
Suddenly, Rhada understood. She quickly removed her hand from her sword and shook her head. “Forgive me.” She whispered to him. “Of course you have proven yourself, time and time again. I am a fool to think that you would ever try to harm me.” She turned away from him in shame and looked back out to the black sky.
“I appreciate you risking your life to warn me, Mayvard, but none of it matters now.”
“How could it possibly not matter?” He asked bewildered.
“Can you not feel it?” She asked in a whisper. “There is a rage in the storm that shrouds us in darkness and brings our enemies closer.”
Mayvard looked out to the storm now, wondering what Rhada could possibly be speaking of.
“They stand no chance against our army.” He told her reassuringly. “We greatly outnumber them and we have the strength of the castle at our back.”
Rhada shook her head. “Something is not right.” She told him. “I can feel it. Bloodbinder feels it.” She turned back to him now and her eyes were livid with fear. It was a look Mayvard rarely saw coming from her and it took him by surprise.
“I thought Lord Ivran would pull his forces back if Bhrys came to us. I was wrong. He marches this way.” She took in a deep breath and continued.
“Lord Ivran is not a foolish man. He would not attack unless he knew victory was guaranteed.” She shivered in the cold and saw fear appear behind Mayvard’s eyes.
“What do you think is going to happen?” He asked, hoping that she had an answer.
Rhada placed her hands on Mayvard’s shoulders and fixed her gaze upon him.
“Do you remember the day we returned to the castle and I was uncertain if I would survive?”
“Yes.” He answered. He would never forget that day.
“Do you remember what I said to you then?”
Mayvard nodded his head. He could never forget that either. “You told me to take Myranda and run for our lives.”
“Yes.” Rhada said. She pulled away from him but continued to hold him in her gaze. “Should the battle go sour, which I have a strong feeling it will, those are my orders to you.”
“No.” Mayvard said bluntly. Rhada glowered at his response but he cared not. “I will not abandon you or my city. I will stay and fight no matter how grim the outcome.”
“No.” Rhada said back. “You will find the Sorceress and you will save her life. If the castle is overrun, they will kill her just as they will kill you. I am not going to argue with you Mayvard. If we lose the battle, you are to take Myranda and flee. Find a farm somewhere quiet, marry her and raise your children there. It will be a peaceful life; one that you deserve.”
“And what about you?” He asked angrily. Rhada turned away from his question.
“I am not deserving of peace. I believe my fate will be quite different.” Lightning flashed again and this time the thunder was deafening. Mayvard covered his ears but Rhada stood still as a statue, never f
linching against the storm.
“Rhada,” he began but she stopped him.
“That is all, Mayvard. Prepare the army. Our enemy will be here by nightfall.”
Chapter 21
Captain Theodoric moved through the corridor swiftly, shoving his way past soldier after soldier, trying to get outside quickly so he could direct his warriors. He knew his finest were gathering at the northern edge of the castle grounds as they had been commanded. Bayard had been given the charge of seeing that they were prepared to ride into the city within the hour.
There was a bout of laughter that broke out from a crowd of soldiers lining the halls as they were donning their armor. Theodoric turned his head to the side and watched with narrowed eyes as they giggled like little children. He could not fathom what could be so humorous when they were on the brink of war. He supposed their certainty of winning this war had put the men in a cheerful mood, but war was war, whether you had the upper hand or not, men were still bound to die.
He was turning his head away from the laughing men in anger when he spotted Lord Guyon Arnet of Elipol and his Protector approaching. He would not have considered the possibility that Lord Guyon wanted to speak with him had his gaze not been so intently fixed upon him. He stopped and gave Lord Guyon and Protector Josef a chance to catch him up, curious as to what they could want with him.
“Captain Theodoric, may I have a moment?” Lord Guyon asked.
Theodoric nodded. “You may.”
Lord Guyon placed a gentle hand upon Theodoric’s shoulder and guided him to the edge of the corridor where they would not be overheard.
“I wondered if I might offer you some aid in the guarding of the city gates?” He whispered. Protector Josef had leaned in close so that he may hear Theodoric’s response.
Captain Theodoric was surprised by Lord Guyon’s offer. He and his men had been commanded by the High Protector to guard the castle. If she found out he had offered some his men to Theodoric, she would be livid. A part of Theodoric knew it was his duty to decline, but another part of him was shouting to not be such a fool.
He had not agreed with the High Protector’s strategy of keeping only a small band at the front gates. She put too much faith in their ability to hold the enemy at bay but the front gates were weak. Theodoric believed that keeping the enemy out of the city all together would have been the smarter thing to do. He could not argue with his instinct and so he nodded.
“I should very much appreciate your aid at the gates, my Lord.” He said.
Lord Guyon grinned widely at the Captain. “I knew that you would. I could not help notice the look of stress upon your face at the High Protector’s commands, and I quite agree the city gates need more protection.”
“I am glad I am not the only one who thinks so.” Theodoric replied.
Protector Josef now spoke; “I shall assemble my men at once and meet you at the road.” He bowed and spun on his heel and hastily disappeared into the crowded corridor.
“I hope this does not bring the High Protector’s wrath down upon your head, Captain.” Lord Guyon said with an air of regret.
Captain Theodoric waved a dismissive hand in reply. “I shall explain my reasoning to her the best I can. I doubt that on the eve of battle she would have me punished. She trusts my judgement, elsewise I would not be a Captain.”
Lord Guyon nodded. “Of course. Good luck Captain.”
“And to you.” Theodoric said as Lord Guyon began walking away.
Captain Theodoric mounted his steed, clutching tightly to the reins and shifting in his saddle until he was comfortable. Bayard was next to him, mounted and waiting for the command to begin the march.
They were surrounded by his specially chosen men, three hundred of what Theodoric considered his finest soldiers. Off in the distance, at the head of the road that led to the city, gathered Protector Josef and his five hundred.
Suddenly, Captain Theodoric spotted a figure dressed in black approaching. Her thick boots splashed heavily into the mud as she walked. Her arms and hands were completely covered with black leathers but on her chest she wore her plate guard. Her sword dangled at her side, swaying with each step she took and her hood had been pulled down over her face to shield her from the rain. It wasn’t until she stood directly before his horse and looked up that he could see her face. Her dark, gray eyes peered up at him through the shadow of her hood and Theodoric felt himself become lost in her gaze. Her eyes always captivated him. He wondered if he would miss the sight of them after she was gone.
“Captain.” She said, giving him a slight nod. “How are preparations?”
“Everything is ready, Madam Protector. I have rallied three hundred of our warriors and Lord Guyon has offered up five hundred of his men for the protection of the front gates.” Theodoric could not help but notice the change in her eyes as he spoke. She turned her head slightly and seemed to look at Lord Guyon’s men with suspicion. When she turned back, to Theodoric’s surprise, she nodded.
“Good. I want you and your men to make certain the people of Axendra are barricaded inside their homes. No one is to be wandering the streets tonight.”
“Madam Protector, may I ask a question?” Theodoric tried his best to sound respectful.
“You may.”
“Would it not be best to keep the rebels out of the city? Why not send all our forces to the gates? Then Lord Ivran will have no choice but to retreat and our citizens shall remain safe.”
The High Protector shook her head. “I do not fear for the safety of Axendra’s citizens. Lord Ivran would never attack anyone he considers innocent. His goal is to reach the castle.
‘During invasion, our strongest defensive point is against the castle’s stone walls. It is there that this battle shall be won.” She looked away from Theodoric and out towards the city. Her face grew solemn in that moment and Theodoric had a sudden feeling she doubted their chances of winning the battle.
Perhaps the King is right to want to be rid of her. He thought to himself as he looked down upon her. She was always so brave and confident in the past. Now she has changed. She is weaker than before and fears for battle. Theodoric wondered what could have possibly made her this way as his eyes lowered and fell upon Bloodbinder. The mightiest sword in the world! He felt his heartbeat grow as he stared at the blade. Perhaps if I am successful in keeping the rebels out of the city, King Firion will decide that I am the most suitable replacement and the sword will be mine. The thought of holding Bloodbinder in his hands and feeling its power excited Theodoric beyond explanation. The excitement was enough to soothe the anxiety he felt over having to run the High Protector through with her own sword in order to become its wielder.
“I will keep the city gates safe, Madam Protector.” He said, making Rhada turn her gaze back to him.
“I have every faith in you.” She said flatly. She took one last look at Lord Guyon’s men from Elipol as they were mounting their horses before turning and heading back towards the castle; a black silhouette against the heavy rain.
Bayard turned his palfrey so that he could speak to Theodoric. His hood had been pulled down over his eyes as well and his thick, leather gloves were soaked through.
“The men are ready and waiting your command, Captain.” He had to shout against the droning of the rain.
Theodoric nodded, raised the horn to his lips and blew. Suddenly, Protector Josef Alan was at his side, blowing his horn as well, signaling to his warriors that they were to follow him into the city.
They made the journey in silence- trying to speak over the deafening rain was nearly impossible. Theodoric kept his eyes turned downward, away from the stinging droplets that pelted him. When they entered the city, he could see that the peasants were doing the same, rushing through the muddy streets and nearly tripping over themselves, trying to get out of the rain or away from the thundering horses that galloped in their direction. Many of them stood underneath banisters or in alleyways and watched with curious eyes as the w
arriors passed.
Theodoric suddenly pulled on the reins and stopped in the middle of the street, still a mile away from the city gates. He turned to Bayard and Protector Josef and ordered them to send their men out into the city to instruct the people to close shop and go home. They were to lock themselves inside and stay there until all danger had passed. He was aware that this may cause a panic but decided it was out of his hands.
As his men were scurrying about, leading their horses through the wide streets, Theodoric continued on, wishing to get a good look at the gate before the enemy arrived. Bayard trotted up next to him, telling him that the men would rally at the gate as soon as their task was completed.
“Is your brother joining the archers upon the battlements?” This he knew to be an obvious question, for there was no other place that Barrett would be, but he asked just to break the solemn quiet that floated between them, even though he had to practically shout in order to be heard above the rain.
Bayard turned his head up and nodded. “He is with the High Protector, helping arrange the archers.”
Silence fell between them once more and lasted up until they reached the gate. They were greeted by a few sentries and when Theodoric told them the situation, they scrambled up the ladders to stand upon the parapet to keep watch. Bayard dismounted and leaned against the stone wall that separated Axendra from the outside world and lit his pipe. He kept it under the protection of his hood so the rain would not snuff it out.
Suddenly, Bayard lowered his pipe and pointed towards the city. “They are returning.” He said.
Captain Theodoric turned his head and saw a host of men on horseback riding towards them. He then looked up to the sky and saw the clouds were as thick as ever and there was no sign of the rain letting up. The world around them was beginning to grow dark as the sun was setting and Theodoric felt his men were returning just in time.
Rise of Darkness (The Watchers Book 2) Page 22