Torn By War: 4 (The Death Wizard Chronicles)

by Melvin, Jim

  Jord wasn’t exaggerating when she said she could manage horses. Four stallions and a mare were brought forward—no palfreys among them—and all knelt as if performing for a trainer. This amazed the white horsemen; never before had they witnessed such submission, especially in the company of strangers. The woman unraveled her shawl, revealing long, fleecy locks that matched the coats of their destriers. Jord became an instant legend among the Assarohaa.

  The company rode southwest along the borders of Dhutanga, but it managed less than five leagues before darkness galloped up from behind. By then, six more Jivitan squadrons had joined them. The horsemen lighted torches and then they continued onward, finally reaching the eastern bank of the Cariya River about one bell before dawn.

  “We shall rest here and prepare breakfast,” Julich said to Lucius. “The White City is now just half-a-day’s journey on horseback.”

  “Is there no danger of ambush?” Lucius said.

  “We are on the east bank of Cariya,” the captain said. “The druids will attack from the other side. Besides, if you know what to look for—and what to listen for—then a surprise assault is unlikely. The wood-eaters are not particularly fast, and we have scouts posted as far as five leagues into the forest.”

  While they waited for their meal to be prepared, Bonny, Ugga, and Bard cast themselves on blankets on the soft grass and fell asleep. Jord stood facing the forest, her green eyes glistening but her body motionless. The horsemen watched with a mixture of amazement and amusement as the Daasa skittered into the trees to feed. Lucius tried to sleep but found his anxious thoughts drifting to Laylah.

  “How will I feel when I see her again?” he mused.

  Lucius experienced swells of rage every time he thought of Torg. Their last encounter still annoyed him, but he admitted that his displeasure was as much about his own guilt over Laylah’s capture as the way the wizard had treated him. However, for the first time, the thought of facing Torg didn’t intimidate Lucius quite so much. He was no longer as impotent as he had once believed. The wizard often said that it wasn’t wise to make him angry. Now Lucius could say the same thing about himself.

  “Your thoughts wander far, general,” Julich said. “Is there anything we can do to please you?”

  Lucius chuckled. “Yes. Cut off Mala’s head and ram it up Invictus’ rear end.”

  The captain smiled ruefully. “You know better than I that I am incapable of either. Only the great among the greats could attempt such a thing.”

  Lucius chuckled again. “There is something you could do for me: Answer a couple of questions.”

  “I will try.”

  “Where is Mala’s army now?”

  “We have had less access to the news of the world than we are accustomed,” Julich said. “The eagles have disappeared; we know naught why or where. And our pigeons are frightened to fly. But the hardiest have returned with news from the east. As far as we know, the full strength of Mala’s army is still two weeks from assembling outside the fortress’ gates.”

  “She can tell you about the fate of the eagles. At least some of them,” Lucius said, nodding at Jord. “But here’s another question: Are the druids withholding their attack on Jivita to coincide with the siege of Nissaya?”

  “The evils of the world tend to have like minds,” the captain said. “After eliminating the druids, we would be free to send horsemen to the aid of Nissaya—and vice versa. Therefore, it makes tactical sense that simultaneous battles will benefit our enemies more than us.”

  “You speak as if it were a foregone conclusion that Jivita will prevail.”

  “We are prepared,” Julich said.

  “One final question . . . and then maybe I’ll be able to sleep. How fares Laylah? Has she spoken of me?”

  “Last I saw her, The Torgon’s lady fared well,” Julich said. But then his face grew puzzled. “Has she spoken of you? Not that I have heard. My orders came directly from The Torgon.”

  Lucius grunted. “Never mind, captain. You have told me all I need know. I’ll rest now. How long until we eat?”

  “There is time yet for sleep, general. But before you retire, I have a question for you.”

  “Yes?”

  “These Daasa . . . we in Jivita know little of them. Are they truly formidable fighters? To me, they appear too docile and friendly to be effective. Already I have grown fond of them and fear for their welfare. Our enemy is ruthless.”

  “They are more than capable,” Lucius said. “When the druids come, you will see for yourself.”

  “Wonders never cease,” the captain said softly.

  FOR BREAKFAST, they were served venison stew with brown bread to soak up the broth. A short while after dawn, they broke camp and rode down the eastern bank of Cariya. A squadron of horsemen cheered them from the far bank.

  As soon as the company lost sight of the trees behind them, the Daasa became hesitant, as if sensing that the Green Plains were devoid of their natural habitat. Soon after, it became apparent they had no desire to follow Lucius and the others into the open fields. Lucius pulled back on the reins of his mount and came to a halt.

  “I don’t think they’ll leave the border of the trees,” he said to the others. “At least not until the real battle begins. I might have to await the druid invasion from here.”

  “If you do that,” the captain said, “you’ll play a small role in the outcome. The druids will exit Dhutanga west of the river, and the nearest bridge capable of bearing large numbers is ten leagues to the south.”

  “We could swim,” Lucius said.

  Julich shook his head. “The currents are too powerful and unpredictable to swim. Few who attempt the crossing, even on horseback, survive.”

  “The Daasa are great swimmers, even when they’re nicey,” Ugga said. “I thinks they could make it, Master Loo-shus.”

  Jord agreed. “This river will not hinder them, if they wish to cross. When the druids come, will the Daasa be able to see them from here?”

  “My lady, they’ll hear them long before they see them. But unless they can swim better than any animal that walks the land, then most will drown.”

  “I have an idea, Lucius,” Bonny said. “What if I stay here with the Daasa and you go on to Jivita? You can cross over the bridge and come back up the river. When the Daasa see you on the other side, maybe they’ll swim over to join you.”

  “The general would not have to go all the way to the bridge,” Julich said. “There are barges available that can ferry small numbers.”

  “If I go, you go,” Lucius said to Bonny.

  “We’ll stay here,” Jord said, gesturing toward Ugga and Bard.

  “Excellent!” Julich said. “Follow me, general. You, Bonny, and I should be able to return to the opposite bank before noon.”

  When they reached the ferry about a mile farther south, they dismounted and prepared to cross. But another set of riders approached along the eastern bank, their steeds coming toward them in a canter. Lucius recognized Torg, Laylah, and Elu. The wizard rode a great white stallion, but he was dressed all in black. Beside him was the sorceress, also wearing black. The Svakaran was atop a pony much smaller than the destriers, and he was adorned in a miniature version of the white armor of the Jivitans.

  Elu was the first to greet them. He leapt off his pony and ran clinking and clanking before wrapping his short arms around one of Lucius’ legs.

  “Lucius! Bonny!” was all Elu could manage. It amazed Lucius to find his eyes tearing up, and he crouched low and gave the armored Svakaran a hug. Bonny did the same.

  “It’s good to see you, my friend,” Lucius said.

  When he looked up, Laylah towered above the three of them. Torg was several paces back, looking uncomfortable. A pale but stately woman with long black hair stood beside the wizard. Lucius’ heart raced as he rose to face Laylah, who smiled and surprised him with a hug.

  “Lucius, I’m so happy you’ve arrived safely,” she said. “And Bonny, it’s wonderful t
o see you.”

  “Elu is glad too,” the Svakaran squealed. “But where are Ugga, Bard, and Jord?”

  For the moment, Lucius paid him little heed.

  “I’m pleased you’re safe too,” he said to Laylah, taking both of her beautiful hands in his. “A part of me believed I would never see you again. How did you manage to escape?”

  “That’s a story best told over beer and wine,” Laylah said. “I would hear your tale as well.”

  The woman who stood next to Torg spoke next. “May I approach?”

  “Of course, your highness,” Laylah said.

  The woman wore a tight-fitting tunic with white breeches. A simple green crown graced her brow. “Allow me to introduce myself,” she said. “I am Queen Rajinii, Sovereign of Jivita, and I welcome you to the White City. Tales of your strange but heroic army abound among my people. According to Sir Elu, you and this fine lady”—she gestured at Bonny—“played a crucial role in the dismemberment of Duccarita, which was no small feat. The good people of Jivita thank you, both for what you have done and what you might yet do.”

  “Your greeting honors me,” Lucius said. “But one thing confuses me. Did you say Sir Elu?”

  “Elu is now a member of the queen’s personal guard,” Laylah said respectfully.

  “And a brave member, at that,” Rajinii added. “He also asks good questions. Where are the other members of your company?” She turned to Julich, who stood nearby. “Have you lost track of them, captain?”

  Lucius laughed. “Not so, your highness. Captain Julich has been a most gracious host.” Then he quickly explained why the others had been left behind. As he spoke, Torg approached, almost timidly.

  “Lucius,” he said, “it is good to see you, though after the way I treated you the last time we were together, you and Bonny are probably not so happy to see me. For what it’s worth, please accept my apologies.”

  “You had your reasons for being angry,” Lucius said. “And you kept Laylah alive. That is the most I could ask for.”

  “She did the same for me. But as Laylah said, these are tales best told with mugs in hand. The great battles approach, but it appears that a few more days of peace remain. Let us cross the river and see if the Daasa will follow.”

  “I will come too,” Rajinii said. “Tonight, we will feast beneath the moon.”

  They boarded a flat barge large enough for ten horses and riders. The barge was attached to a cable on the far bank. Once unfettered and released into the powerful current, it arced across the river. Soon after, they were safely on the other side, where hundreds of cheering horsemen greeted them.

  This impressed Lucius, but his attention was soon derailed by the sight of Torg and Laylah riding side by side a stone’s throw ahead. Something the wizard said caused the sorceress to laugh. Lucius felt his old jealousy arise.

  Instantly Bonny was beside him. “Would you like me to go away? It seems, once you got a look-see at Laylah, you forgot all about me.”

  Though Bonny’s vehemence startled Lucius, he realized that she was right. Before he could apologize, the queen rode over and patted Bonny on the back.

  “It appears I’m not the only one who’s jealous of Laylah. It’s easy to see how men like Torg and Lucius would be attracted to her.”

  Lucius grunted. “No offense, your highness. But would you mind if I spoke to Bonny about this in private?”

  “A man who speaks his mind, even to a queen!” Rajinii laughed, then urged Arusha forward.

  “Bonny, listen . . .” Lucius said.

  “Don’t worry, Lucius. You don’t need to explain . . .”

  “Bonny!”

  “What?”

  “I’m not trying to explain, I’m trying to apologize.”

  “For what?”

  “For my behavior. I’ve spent the past two weeks half-believing Laylah was dead. I mean, how could she have possibly escaped the druids? Then, seeing her alive was . . . jarring. I’ve known her for a long time.”

  “I know . . . I know . . .”

  “Please let me finish. For a moment, I returned to my old habit of obsessing over her and feeling as if she’s my possession . . . stolen by him.” He gestured toward Torg. “But if you’ll forgive me this one last time, I promise you it won’t happen again. I have no idea what the future holds for me. Less than a month from now, most of us will probably be dead. But if we somehow survive all this, you are the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. I swear it.”

  The pirate woman smiled. “Ah, Lucius, it’s not like I caught you in bed with her. You were just acting a little flirty, that’s all.”

  “I love you, Bonny.”

  “Elu loves Bonny too,” the Svakaran cried from below. “Elu loves all his wonderful friends.” And then he surged forward to join the queen, leaving Lucius and Bonny to their laughter.

  AT NOON THEY came to the edge of the forest on the western side of Cariya. Elu was the first to see the Daasa and his other companions on the far bank, and he dismounted and began leaping around and waving his arms.

  “Look, great one!” he shouted to Torg. “It’s Ugga and Bard—and the white-haired lady who fought the dragon!” Then the Svakaran suddenly quit jumping and lowered his head. “But not Rathburt. He is still gone.”

  Torg dismounted and joined Elu near the riverbank. “I’m sorry, my friend. But Peta herself told you that he still lives.”

  “Unless Elu was dreaming.”

  “I think not. I sense Rathburt’s presence somewhere in the forest. Perhaps it’s safer if he remains out of sight until the fighting is over. As you know better than anyone, he sometimes has trouble staying out of his own way, much less a druid’s.”

  This made Elu chuckle and seemed to cheer him up. “If you sense him, then he must be alive.”

  By then, Laylah had joined them. “I sense him too,” she said.

  As the three spoke, Lucius and Bonny made their way to the water’s edge. The wizard found himself laughing hysterically at the sight of Ugga and Bard bounding around like overgrown boys. But Jord stood with arms crossed, a green aura shimmering around her motionless form. Torg wondered if anyone else could see the magical emanation.

  Meanwhile, the Daasa had noticed Lucius and Bonny, and thousands gathered along the river’s edge, resembling a massive herd of pink Buffelo pondering a dangerous crossing. Torg had no idea if they could make it or not, having never witnessed firsthand how well they could swim. He was amazed when a lone Daasa suddenly plunged into the currents and disappeared beneath the surface. For what seemed like an impossibly long time, it remained submerged, but then it sprang from the water and scrambled up the bank. In an instant, it was dripping at Lucius’ feet, its thick backside waggling excitedly. The firstborn and pirate hugged its soaked fur. Torg wasn’t certain, but he thought he saw tears in their eyes.

  The success of the first Daasa created an exodus among the rest. Hundreds of them crossed, shaking themselves dry and then rolling over and over in the soft grass. The spectacle amused the Jivitan horsemen, and they laughed and slapped their thigh armor with their gauntlets. Their destriers paid the Daasa no more heed than they would a pack of friendly dogs.

  Of everyone in attendance, Rajinii seemed the most amazed. She had never before seen a Daasa up close, but she had heard enough about them to be curious. The queen walked over to Torg and Laylah and pressed her hand against her heart.

  “How can such marvelous creatures become the killers you describe?” she said.

  “The first time I saw them,” said Julich, who stood nearby, “my words were the same, your highness.”

  “They are but ten thousand, and yet they killed almost every villain in Duccarita,” Torg said. “The pirates and slave traders are not the equal of druids, but the monsters that haunted its alleys also succumbed.”

  By then, Lucius and Bonny had joined them, overhearing much of what was said.

  “We saw them kill a bunch of druids when they fought in the forest,” Bonn
y said proudly. “When we . . . they get mean, they are a handful.”

  “Your highness, I would recommend that as many of your men and women as possible commune with them,” Lucius said. “The Daasa seem to fight at their hardest when they believe we are in danger. We need to imprint upon them that the armored horsemen are also friends.”

  “Make it so,” the queen said to Julich. And then she began shouting orders to others. “Raise the pavilions. Prepare the feast. Joy and festivity will be a rare commodity in the coming days, but tonight there will be plenty of both, the One God willing.”

  In the late afternoon, Jord, Ugga, and Bard joined the others. There was a great deal of hugging and back-slapping, and Ugga, in characteristic fashion, burst into tears. Horse-drawn wagons began to arrive with food, drink, and other supplies. Workers erected twenty large pavilions, each with eight sturdy posts, and they stretched white canvas over the peaked roofs. Then they placed a single round table made of white balsa in the center of each pavilion, each with sixteen chairs.

  A fire pit was prepared and a simple feast devised on the open plain: roasted boar, boiled eel, cabbage stew, and elderberry wine. It was past dark by the time the guests had arrived from Jivita—more than three hundred, all told—with twenty squadrons forming a perimeter guard.

  Queen Rajinii presided over Torg’s table. Laylah, Elu, Lucius, Bonny, Jord, Bard, and Ugga joined them. Also present were Manta, Captain Julich, General Navarese and Archbishop Bernard. Sitting on the wizard’s right—standing in the chair, actually—was “Burly” Boulogne, who made even Elu look large.

  “I can see that you haven’t yet taken my advice to seek safety,” Torg whispered to the enchanter.

  “And miss all the excitement?”

  Queen Rajinii raised a hand-held gong and rang it once. A surprisingly vibrant sound filled the air. All else went silent, including the Daasa and horses.

  “Bless us, Ekadeva,” she said after the first ring.

  She rapped the gong again.