The Dreaddrac Onslaught (Book 4)

by C. Craig Coleman

  Saxthor scanned the room.

  General Socockensmek stepped forward. “King Grekenbach is an able general. He knows the history of Dreaddrac’s troop movements on the peninsula, but we still don’t know where General Vylvex intends to strike.”

  Several other generals nodded and mumbled among their close associates.

  General Sekkarian stepped forward beside Socockensmek. “Majesty, I worry about the fate of Hoya and the northern provinces of Talok and Lemnos. I’ll hold the Hoyahof against a siege so long as I can, of course. However, General Tarquak is consolidating his army in Sengenwha. If he marches east and seizes Botahar with little resistance, then moves across the Pundar and attacks Hoya from the south, we would be under siege in the city and unable to prevent his movement through our northern provinces.”

  “We think Tarquak unlikely to range through the provinces with the garrison at Hoya at his back. Still, we must consider he may need to plunder to provision his army,” Saxthor said.

  Sekkarian stepped forward, and Saxthor nodded that he might continue. “Should General Vylvex bypass Graushdemheimer and follow the eastern Heggolstockin border, he could follow the upper Pundar and attack Hoya from the north. If both generals march on Hoya, we would be trapped between the two armies. Under those circumstances, we would be cut off. Reinforcements would have to defeat General Tarquak’s army to relieve Hoya. Basically, we would lose Talok and maybe Lemnos, with the fall of Hoya. The two generals must not be allowed to coordinate an assault on Hoya.”

  There was a great commotion in the hall. Saxthor raised his hand; the chamberlain smacked his staff on the floor, commanding attention to the throne. The silenced court turned to the king.

  Never before have I felt so totally responsible for so many, Saxthor thought, seeing the representatives of his nation turn to him for hope in their despair. I pray I may be worthy of their faith.

  “If that is the scenario, I must agree with General Sekkarian,” General Socockensmek said. “However, that would leave General Vylvex deep within Graushdem’s borders without any reliable supplies. King Grekenbach could attack his supply lines and cut him off, trapping him between the Graushdem army at his rear and General Sekkarian to the south coming from Hoya. I should think he would hesitate to expose his lines like that. My experience makes me think General Vylvex will turn back to subdue Hador, then move to neutralize Heggolstockin in the west or Graushdemheimer before attempting to involve Neuyokkasin in the war.”

  General Sekkarian stepped forward again, apparently about to reinforce his argument. Saxthor raised his hand and nodded to General Socockensmek to continue.

  “General Tarquak has already shown his cowardice in his capacity as general in life and again in his abandonment of his troops in the first battle for Sengenwhapolis. Only the dragon Ozrin’s backing and fear of Dreaddrac’s king convinced him to return. I think it unlikely that he’ll take to the field of his own accord. My intuition tells me General Tarquak will take his time consolidating his hold on Sengenwha and only return to the field when his master threatens him.”

  “Does Memlatec have any insight he would like to share with us,” Saxthor asked. Each general has his own agenda to protect, but the court wizard has Neuyokkasin’s interests and the southern kingdoms at heart, he thought.

  “I can only tell you that Prince Pindradese of Prertsten is amassing his army along the Akkin River on Heggolstockin’s western border. My watchers inform me that both the Prertstenians and Dreaddrac’s minions are there and under the prince’s command,” Memlatec replied. “If Prince Pindradese and his forces attack Heggolstockin, it will tie up Graushdem’s forces in the west. King Grekenbach will have only minimal forces to defend the capital. Vylvex may well risk the attack on Graushdemheimer but not likely Hoya.”

  “Your Majesty, we must keep the two southern armies at Hyemka and Heedra to support the garrisons at Olnak and Favriana in case General Tarquak marches south on Neuyokkasin,” General Socockensmek pleaded. “We must not deplete the forces there to support Hoya now. We can’t dilute our newly trained and untested armies. They’re spread too thinly along the border with Sengenwha as it is.”

  “Well, the Hoyahof is already under-garrisoned,” General Sekkarian interjected adamantly. “We dare not move the garrison at the Talok Tower again. Your majesty knows personally what that would invite.” The general crossed his arms, dug in his heels, and stood facing General Socockensmek with a defiant stare.

  Another general at the back of the room shouted his approval of General Sekkarian’s warning about the Talok Tower. Saxthor saw a major beside him nodding his agreement.

  The generals are in no mood to compromise or look at the overall situation, thought Saxthor. Each feels he has insufficient troops to defend his assigned lines. Memlatec isn’t giving guidance either. Once again, I’ll have to decide on the disposition of the armies and hope my insight is correct. The situation is grim at best.

  “We think our troops are spread too thinly as it is. Both of you generals will hold your assigned lines with the troops you have. Continue to strengthen your fortifications and further train your troops. We want daily reports on the disposition of both our own forces and the enemy’s movement as your scouts can discover,” the king commanded.

  “As there are no forces left available to put in the field other than the legions guarding the southern border with the Powterosian Empire, we will lead the Royal Household Guards personally to relieve Botahar. If what you say about his lack of courage is true, that will alarm General Tarquak. He’ll most likely hole up in Sengenwhapolis, preventing a dual attack on Hoya or a frontal assault on the Neuyokkasinian border, at least for a while,” the king continued.

  “Your majesty cannot expose his person to attack or capture!” General Socockensmek said. There was a general uproar in the hall. The chamberlain pounded his staff on the floor, and the leaders looked to the throne.

  “All would be lost should your majesty be captured or killed,” Sekkarian added.

  “We must do something to prevent coordinated attacks on Hoya, even if it means risking our own person, General,” Saxthor replied. “None here can spare the troops or leave your armies at this time. We, with our guards, are the only resource still available that can deter General Tarquak. Let us remind you that Sengenwha’s liberation is the responsibility of Neuyokkasin, as our cousin Dagmar is now the lawful Queen of Sengenwha.”

  *

  King Saxthor addressed his Royal Household Guards, with a legion brought up from the southern border and additional volunteers to announce his plan to leave Konnotan and march against the enemy at Botahar. The king withheld the specifics of their destination so that spies wouldn’t be able to warn General Tarquak. Later, the king discussed the plan with Queen Dagmar, and the plan to fortify Botahar seemed the most sensible to her, as well. Next morning, when the Neuyokkasinian force formed up to march north, the queen joined Saxthor at the head of the relief column.

  “You must not accompany us, Dagmar,” Saxthor said emphatically. “This expedition is entirely too dangerous, and you’re needed here to assist the government in my absence.”

  “I must insist on coming, too, Saxthor. Sengenwha is my country, and my brother died defending it. I’m now the rightful queen. I cannot sit here in Konnotan while you risk your life defending my country.”

  They argued for a few minutes until Memlatec joined them.

  “Your majesties shouldn’t dispute things and appear divided in front of the army.”

  “Quite right,” Saxthor said. “If this stubborn woman insists on coming along, we appoint you, Memlatec, to assist the chatra in the kingdom’s administration in our absence. You’re given the final decision if there’s a disagreement between the chatra and you. Belnik, so inform the chatra,” the king said. Saxthor looked at Dagmar astride her great roan mare. “I’m most annoyed with you but delight in your company.” He put his hand on hers.

  “But, Your Majesty,” protested Belnik, “I mu
st accompany you on this expedition. Your majesties will be busy with the plans and battles, and you will need me to manage the daily camp activities.”

  “Is everyone coming along? Is there to be no one left in the city to defend it?” the king grumbled. “Go at once and inform the chatra of our decision to give Memlatec final authority, then rejoin us on the road. He’ll fume of course. Tell him it’s only in a dispute situation; we don’t need additional internal strife.”

  Belnik turned his horse and raced back to the palace and the chatra.

  Saxthor turned to Dagmar. “Belnik doesn’t want to fall far behind the army. This will be his first military expedition, and he doesn’t want to miss any of it.”

  Dagmar laughed a slight laugh. “Lead on, Your Majesty!”

  King Saxthor rode ahead of the column, and Queen Dagmar rode up beside him, ignoring his annoyed look. He knew she knew it was for appearances. Having checked that everything was ready, the king signaled the move forward, and the column started on the expedition. Traffic generally moved north on the Southern Nhy River, but there were too many soldiers and supplies to move by available boats, so the army moved north along the official state road that was little more than the country farm roads as it twisted and turned. Saxthor looked back and saw Memlatec watched the small army depart with trepidation.

  From the city gate, a ragged beggar watched the column depart as well.

  *

  A week later, the army worked its way through a swampy forest with great difficulty and emerged onto a substantial farm, where the fields were still not planted. It was an excellent place to allow the soldiers a rest, giving them time to encamp on fallow fields where they would do no damage to crops. Saxthor sent Belnik ahead to the farmer’s house to solicit the owner’s permission, though with the army having priority, permission wasn’t necessary.

  As Belnik approached the homestead, the neglect of it became more and more obvious. By the time the king’s representative reached the house, he was sure the place was abandoned. Someone has maintained this place to some degree, Belnik hoped.

  “Hello,” Belnik called out. “Anyone at home?”

  The king’s valet dismounted, went to the door, and knocked. As he waited for a reply, he looked over the house. The shrubs around the house have been pruned in recent months, and leaves were swept off the porch. He looked back at the door and knocked again. Still no one came to answer. Anxious to get the permission, he tested the door and found it open. “Hello, is anyone here?”

  Still no one answered. He looked in the window. There’s furniture but little sign of recent habitation, he thought. It’s as if everyone left in a hurry yesterday, perhaps on hearing the army’s approach. It seems strange the king’s subjects would abandon their farm just because the army might pass through here. For whatever reason, no one is in the house now. Belnik turned to leave and found a tall gaunt man standing in the doorway.

  “Good afternoon to you, sir,” Belnik said, startled. “I was afraid no one was home.”

  “What brings you to my house?” the solemn man in the doorway asked.

  “King Saxthor is passing through and would like your permission for the army to camp on your fallow fields for a day,” Belnik said. “We have marched for a week, and the last leg through the swampy forest just south of here has worn out the men.”

  “Encamp if need be, but the king and queen must come ask permission themselves,” the man said. His thin, unkempt hair and weathered, wrinkled face suggested years in the sun and hard work, but his eyes were stark, cold, and held an unyielding stare.

  “Sir, the king has many important matters to attend to regarding the disposition of his troops. Surely you understand his responsibilities won’t allow him to pay a social call.”

  The gaunt man stood blocking the doorway with his stare fixed on Belnik. “They must come ask permission themselves,” the cold voice said with unyielding force. There was no hint of a smile, no emotion at all.

  “But, you must know the king can march the army where he deems necessary in times of war. His majesty doesn’t need to ask the landlord’s permission.”

  “The king and queen must come to ask permission themselves.”

  “Very well, I’ll convey your message, but I can’t promise you the king will be able to come in person,” Belnik said. The man can’t be reasoned with, he thought. “Where’s your fine wife?” If I can talk with the wife, she might soften the stubborn man or even get him to approve of the army’s camping here.

  “Don’t have no wife.”

  “Well, the army will be camping on the land through tomorrow,” Belnik said, standing straight, his hand on his sword. Who takes care of this large farm is a mystery that bothers me. Just one man certainly can’t have kept it up, he thought.

  *

  Saxthor met with his commanders and allocated the available space to the various army factions. The commanders were on their way back to raise their standards at the appointed sites so that their contingents would find them and set up their tents accordingly. Belnik returned, troubled by the incident at the farm house.

  “What is it, Belnik?” Saxthor asked when his valet entered the king’s presence and bowed.

  “Majesty, the farmer requests that you and Queen Dagmar come personally to request permission for the army to camp on his land. I told him you were busy with setting up the camp, but the man insisted. I told him you wouldn’t be able to come and that it was the king’s right to encamp wherever necessary while on campaign, but he didn’t change his demand. I just thought you should know.”

  Saxthor and Dagmar looked at each other there in the king’s tent.

  “This hasn’t happened before. What subject would make demands on the king in time of war?” Saxthor asked.

  “It’s a dangerous precedent. I shouldn’t imagine you’d want to encourage such behavior,” Dagmar agreed.

  “The man is a fool,” Saxthor said, incensed by the mandate.

  “Yes, but perhaps we could go and thank him for his hospitality, thus being polite, yet not acknowledging his ultimatum?” Dagmar suggested. She put down the goblets she was carrying and put her arm in Saxthor’s. “Perhaps that compromise will still placate the man but won’t encourage challenges to the royal prerogative.”

  ”This is ridiculous!” the king said in a huff. “It could set a bad example at a time when we need loyalty and unquestioning support in the kingdom. We want the people’s backing, of course, but this insults the crown.”

  “Well, you don’t want bad feelings festering behind you in the kingdom, Saxthor. Let’s make a quick visit, thank him, and leave. That should be enough,” Dagmar said.

  Saxthor snatched his cape and helmet. “Lucky thing for this lout I hadn’t taken off my armor, or we’d not be going.” He picked up Dagmar’s cloak, and they turned to Belnik.

  “We must hurry to the farm house; it’s getting dark,” Belnik offered, coming out of a daze at the last minute decision.

  “Very well, but only to thank the man, then we leave promptly,” the king said grudgingly. He checked Sorblade in its scabbard and turned to Dagmar. “Remind me to double this man’s taxes when we return.”

  “Yes,” Dagmar replied with a smile. “And be sure to draft him into the army!”

  Saxthor dropped his head, then grinned back.

  Belnik sighed with relief.

  The royal couple, a dozen guards, and their guide Belnik set out immediately and arrived at the farmhouse after dark. No candles or lanterns burned in the house, though the man had demanded his king and queen visit. Only the fireplace light lit the home’s open door.

  “You sure the man is expecting us?” Saxthor asked.

  The riders dismounted, and the guards stood by the horses as Belnik went to summon the farmer. He called as before, but no farmer appeared; yet there was the fire in the fireplace and the door stood open. As before, Belnik entered the house and called for the farmer.

  “This is outrageous,” Saxthor sai
d. “I don’t demand groveling from my subjects, but I’m not about to tolerate this kind of insult.” The king signaled the queen, and they mounted their horses as the tall emaciated man appeared in the doorway.

  “Do your majesties beg permission to encamp on my fields?” the farmer asked. All those standing with the horses looked to Saxthor at the tone. Belnik was still in the house, searching for the farmer, but the guards put hands to swords.

  “Hold your weapons,” Saxthor said, raising his hand. “What’s the meaning of this? Your king doesn’t beg anyone’s permission. You’re lucky we don’t have you imprisoned for your impertinence. Queen Dagmar and I came to thank you for your hospitality, that’s all. Your lack of respect for the throne is duly noted. For the present, your farm isn’t forfeit, but be mindful of your manners in the future.”

  The farmer turned and disappeared into the house without being dismissed, leaving the visitors standing shocked.

  “Did you see that?” Saxthor growled. “Such rudeness, and in front of Queen Dagmar, is insufferable.” His agitated stallion began stamping the ground. Saxthor pulled back on the reins and patted the horse’s neck to settle him down. “Bring that man back out here. He must apologize to the queen at once.”

  Four guards immediately entered the house, searching for the farmer, but all they found was Belnik coming down the stairs. The guards and Belnik returned to the king. “He’s simply disappeared,” Belnik said.

  “Nonsense, people don’t just disappear.” The king dismounted and stormed into the house. His guards followed immediately and searched again for the man they all saw go into the house.

  They combed the ground floor, and then inspected the upper floor as well, but as with Belnik, there was no one to be found. Finally, the king led the way toward the cellar, where a guard lit a candle at the door.

  “Well, the man must be here somewhere,” the king said angrily. They started down the stairs. “Watch your step down here. He must have some secret hiding place.” Then they heard the faint muffled sound of the queen calling for Saxthor out front.