An Empire in Runes (The Runes of Issalia Book 3)

by Jeffrey L. Kohanek

  As the couple grabbed seats near the others, Brock’s gaze swept across the group. Cam and Puri waited patiently, seated side-by-side on a bench. Parker relaxed on the table behind them, leaning back on an extended arm. Benny squirmed on his bench, anxious as usual. Glancing past Ashland, who sat beside Brock, Salina stared at him with a brow raised. She probably wondered why he had asked her to meet him here. Brock expected that they were all curious on the topic.

  Brock spoke, breaking the silence. “Thank you all for coming. We’ve been through a lot together, with the exception of Salina, of course. Then again, she’s been through a lot we haven’t.”

  The former Academy student and newly freed prisoner gave him a smile and a nod. Brock hoped he could trust her. He needed her.

  “After it was discovered that I was Unchosen and we had to flee the Academy, you followed my lead and left your old lives behind. When the Tantarri captured us, we soon found ourselves on a new quest, one that must succeed because the fate of humanity depends on it. You witnessed what remained of Sol Polis, the horrible destruction that The Horde wrought upon the city and its people. When I imagine this evil army heading up the eastern coast, I picture them to be like some fast-spreading disease, killing everything in its path. By now, they’ve completely overrun Vinacci and are heading toward Hurnsdom. While I’m hopeful that the winter weather will slow them, we are just weeks away from The Horde crossing the Tantarri Plains as they head westward. It will surely happen because they have nowhere else to go.”

  Pausing, Brock glanced to the floor before continuing. “I wish it were otherwise, but this is where we must part ways if we’re to be successful.”

  Thinking about the situation, Brock was still amazed that his friends looked to him for direction, and trusted in his plans and decisions. Even more amazingly, the prisoners they had freed seemed to accept Brock’s leadership despite the fact that he was younger than all but two or three of them.

  His gaze scanned the faces of his companions, finding their faith in him reflected in their eyes. He prayed their faith was justified. Ashland’s voice whispered in his head. Go on, you can do this. Glancing toward Ashland, he flashed a brief smile before addressing the group.

  “The army of Chaos-users we are creating here is important work, but there is more we must do. From what we’ve witnessed, we might be facing over two thousand banshees, and these people aren’t equipped for physical combat. Even if banshees weren’t twice the size of a man and didn’t have access to Chaos, we would have no chance against those numbers without help.”

  Brock took a breath, thinking about his plan. “I’m hopeful that the Holy Army will meet us on the plains after the message we left with the Captain Torreco at Hipoint, for it will give us a sizeable armed force to take the field. However, we need more swords, more bows, and more people who know how to use them.”

  Looking toward Cam and Puri, he began exposing his plan. “Cam, I need you to lead an expedition to the Academy. You are to recruit every Paladin trainee who will agree to join us, along with anyone else who is skilled with a weapon.”

  Cam gave a nod, confirming his understanding. Brock knew that his tall friend’s nature was to follow along quietly, but it was time for Cam to set any insecurities aside and become a leader. Brock’s gaze shifted to the smaller form sitting beside Cam.

  “Benny, you’re going with Cam. Use your brain and the creativity of any other smart person who can help. We’ll need special weapons to use against The Horde, and we’ll need a good logistics plan to support the army we’re fielding. They will need food, tents, water, and more.”

  Benny sat upright, nodding as he replied, “You can count on me, Brock. I already have some ideas.”

  Smiling, Brock nodded in reply. “Good. Maybe that genius will help save some lives.”

  Brock took a long breath and turned toward Ashland. “I hate to do this, Ash, but I need you to go with them. We need every healer we can get, and you know them all.” He paused to consider the revelation he was about to share as he looked at Benny and Cam. “There’s another reason for sending Ashland with you. I need her to join you so we can communicate.”

  Benny’s brow furrowed. “How does her coming with us change anything?”

  “There’s something you don’t know about us,” Brock began. “Through our strong connection with Order and with each other, Ashland and I have developed…an ability to communicate. Distance isn’t a factor. We can do it from anywhere.”

  Benny leaned forward, intrigued. “Telepathy? I’d heard that it was an Ecclesiastic art, but it seemed more myth than reality. How does it work?”

  Brock smiled. Benny’s curiosity knew no bounds. “It just works, Benny. Trust me.” Brock turned toward Cam. “If you ever need to get a message to me, just tell Ashland. I will relay updates to you through her as well.”

  Cam nodded, while Benny appeared disappointed.

  Shifting his gaze to the girl seated beside Cam, Brock continued. “Puri, I need you to return to the Tantarri. Your father must know what I am doing here and that we are bringing help from the Academy. If all goes as planned, we will meet on the upper plateau before The Horde arrives.”

  “Yes. That is exactly what I must do.” Puri nodded, appearing resolute. “The Tantarri will be ready. I am sure my father already has warriors scouting the eastern edge of the plains, watching for The Horde.”

  Brock smiled again. Puri and the Tantarri might be different, but their conviction and bravery were comforting in this case. He looked up at Parker.

  “Parker, I was going to send you with Cam, but now I need you here. I need someone I trust to drive the wagon to Wayport to restock.”

  “No problem, Brock,” Parker replied. “I’ve got this job covered.”

  So far, so good. That left Tipper, Libby, and Salina.

  “That just leaves you three,” he said, pointing at them. “Although you’re still a bit raw, especially Salina, you’ve all shown some ability with Chaos. I need your help in training those people out there.” He pointed toward the door. “We’ll figure out how we can use them against The Horde after we can gauge their abilities.”

  Tipper glanced toward Libby, who shrugged. He nodded toward Brock. “You can count on us, Brock. We’ll help in any way we can.”

  There it was, Brock’s plan laid-out, except for the timing.

  “It will take three or four days for you to reach the Academy, Cam. I’ll give you another week to gather your army and to prepare. In Paladin tactics training, we learned that armies travel slowly, so I expect it will then take another week for your army to reach the plains.” Brock nodded at the timing coming together in his head. “We will meet on the upper plateau twenty days from today. I just pray we arrive in time.”

  CHAPTER 6

  “When Brock rode around the corner on the Hedgewick Roller, everyone gasped.”

  Brock smiled as he watched Benny tell his tale. His friend was animated and waved his arms while describing the events to the crowd. Over half the camp had come out to join them as they sat around the bonfire and drank the last barrel of ale. It was apparent that Benny had done his best to consume a sizeable share of the barrel.

  Benny grinned as he concluded his story. “Speeding through the gap in the crowd, Brock pulled on the brakes, and the roller stopped just inches shy of where Master Nindlerod waited. The old coot was so excited that he began jumping around with cackling laughter. I even joined him, dancing a jig in celebration.”

  Benny performed a quick dance step to demonstrate. As he spun, his feet became tangled and he almost tumbled into the fire, righting himself just in time. He faced the crowd and finished his story.

  “Of course, the Hedgewick Roller won the Invent
ion Challenge. Someday, you may even become the proud owner of one yourself.”

  Brock had heard this story numerous times now, it being one of Benny’s favorites. However, Benny tended to skip part of it. Brock decided to jump in and share his version with the crowd.

  “Benny appears to forget that he almost killed me the first time I rode that thing. With no means to stop it once it got going, I veered off the road and narrowly avoided a tree. The contraption caught on a root and jerked to a stop, launching me into the air. I landed safely, but the emotional scars remain.”

  Ashland snuggled against Brock as she laughed at the imagery. Many in the crowd laughed as Benny’s face showed a pained look.

  “It wasn’t that bad, Brock. I made changes, and now it’s totally safe.”

  Brock snorted. “Well, don’t even get me started about your flying machine.”

  The crowd quieted at the mention of a flying machine.

  Tipper’s voice came from Brock’s left. “Flying machine? I haven’t heard about that before.”

  Benny glanced at Tipper before turning back to Brock. “It worked, Brock. We flew.” He turned to Ashland. “You saw it. Tell him that we flew.”

  Grinning, Ashland nodded. “You guys flew alright. That is, until you crashed.”

  Brock eyed Benny. “Yeah, Benny. We crashed and you broke your collarbone. We’re lucky that’s all that happened.”

  Benny looked pained again. “It can work, Brock. I have ideas on how to improve it. I’m telling you, I’m going to get that thing to fly.” He stared out into the night, his eyes growing distant. “It won’t just be for a thousand feet this time. It will fly for miles and miles.”

  Brock chuckled at Benny’s enthusiasm. He took a drink of ale, emptying his cup as Benny took a seat beside him.

  “The ale was a good idea, Brock,” Benny said, taking a drink from his cup. “After tonight, we won’t see each other for a while.” He stared into the fire, his voice losing the edge of enthusiasm. “And when we do, there’ll be a war.”

  The crackling of the fire filled a moment of silence, interrupted when Brock spoke.

  “There already is a war, Benny,” Brock patted Benny’s shoulder. “It just hasn’t reached us yet.” Brock’s eyes shifted to the flames as he spoke. “Somewhere out there, people are dying right now, falling to the horrors of The Horde.”

  Everyone had been quiet while Brock was speaking, remaining still in the somber moment that followed.

  “Let’s not worry about war tonight.” Brock said louder, trying to sound cheery. “Tonight, we celebrate life, freedom, and friendship.” He stood, holding his glass high. “May all people stand together, support each other, and refuse to give in to despair!”

  People throughout the crowd held their cups high and mimicked Brock’s toast.

  * * *

  The kiss lasted far longer than usual, wrapped in the emotion of their farewell. When their lips parted and Brock’s eyes flickered open, he saw the glisten of tears in Ashland’s blue eyes. As a tear broke free and began to track down her cheek, he wiped it dry with the sweep of his thumb. He lowered his hand, taking hers as he led her out of the mess hall. As soon as Wraith cleared the door, he pulled it closed.

  Turning to the open dirt yard, Brock found Puri and Cam preparing the horses. Dawn had just broken, but the sun had yet to clear the foothills to their immediate east, leaving the entire camp in cool shadow. Brock led Ashland across the yard toward where Benny stood watching Cam and Puri. Holding his hand up toward Wraith, Brock bid her to sit and keep a distance from the horses.

  “Good morning, Benny,” Brock said as he approached. “I hope your backside is ready to ride again.”

  Brock smiled at the thought as Benny turned toward him. Benny winced, rocking his shoulders as he responded.

  “I’m trying not to think about it. I’m sure my rear and legs are going to be sore tonight.”

  Brock shrugged. “At least your feet won’t suffer since you’re not walking.”

  Benny nodded. “True.” He fell quiet before turning to look Brock in the eye. “We haven’t discussed the journals we found in the Emblem Throne.” Benny’s elbows rocked again as he spoke. “I hate to say this, but I don’t think Ashland and I will have much time to work on them. I think we should leave them with you.”

  Brock smiled. Benny’s curiosity about the discoveries waiting within those journals made it difficult for him to give them up. Brock felt a stab of pride for his friend’s ability to let them go.

  “I think you’re right, Benny.” Brock replied, glancing toward the beautiful girl at his side. “Ashland said the same thing last night when she explained what you guys have discovered so far.” He looked at Benny and gave a nod. “I’ll pick up where you left off. If I find anything that’s of interest, I send the message through Ashland.”

  Benny nodded, appearing somewhat relieved. “Sounds good, Brock.”

  Cam approached with Puri at his side. “The horses are ready. The saddle bags are loaded with food and water.”

  Puri’s face clouded. “I still wish they weren’t bridled. It is not right.”

  Cam leaned toward her, speaking softly, “Sorry, but these are not Tantarri stock. Without bridles, they wouldn’t respond to us like you expect.”

  Puri glanced at Cam, crossing her arms over her chest. “It still does not make it right…silly Outlander.”

  Brock saw a small smile at the edge of Puri’s mouth. He still wasn’t sure what to make of the relationship between her and Cam.

  “Cam, did you put the sack I gave you into a saddle bag?” Benny asked.

  Nodding, Cam replied, “Yes. It’s wrapped up all snug and safe as you instructed.”

  Benny smiled. “Good. We need to treat that sack with care. It’s precious cargo.”

  After a moment of reflection, Brock spoke, sharing his concerns about their mission.

  “You’ll need to be careful. The Hand is out there, and I’m sure they want to see us captured or killed. Watch out for Master Varius and Eldarro when you get to the school. However, they may not be the only masters involved with The Hand, so you’ll need to work secretly as you recruit students to join us,” Brock told his friends. “No matter what, you cannot get caught. Gather anyone you can, but make sure you’re away from the school one week after you arrive. The Horde won’t wait for us to show. We need to arrive where the lower plain meets the upper plateau before they do.”

  With serious expressions, those around him nodded. They knew the circumstances and that failure wasn’t an option. Still gripping Ashland’s hand, Brock used the other to hold a full purse toward Cam.

  “Take this. It contains enough gold to feed the army you’re about to gather. Thanks to the gold we found when we took this place from The Hand, we can finance this war.”

  It was as stroke of luck and Brock knew it. In Paladin training, they had been taught that wars were expensive and that a lack of food could kill troops as easily as a sword or arrow. Gaining control of this prison had literally led to a gold mine.

  Cam and Puri turned, heading to their horses. Benny gave Brock a nod and turned to follow. Brock took Ashland’s other hand and stared into her eyes. I love you, he sent to her. She gave a small smile. I love you, too. He leaned in for one last quick kiss. Following the others, she climbed up onto her horse.

  With his friends looking down at him from their horses, Brock addressed them one last time.

  “We’ll meet you on the upper plateau. Good luck.”

  They nodded, kicking their horses into a trot. Brock watched them cross the yard and head through the open gate, and he decided that he hated farewells. Wrait
h whimpered, and he reached up to scratch behind her ears. It was amazing how closely the animal’s behavior reflected Brock’s own moods.

  The bunkhouse door creaked in protest before slamming closed. Brock turned to find Parker, Salina, and a few others approaching. Reaching Brock, Parker placed a hand on his shoulder.

  “They’re gone, I see,” Parker said. “I know how it feels, Brock.”

  Brock nodded, knowing that Parker was referring to how it felt to be separated from Ashland. Parker had recently endured the same painful separation when he had to watch Tenzi sail away while he stood at the docks in Hipoint. Brock knew that Parker hoped to find her when the war was finished, assuming they survived. She and Sinclair had their own mission though, one that Brock prayed was successful.

  CHAPTER 7

  Sea spray blasted over the bow, dispersing into a fine mist that carried across the deck. Tenzi blinked the salt water from her eyes as she intently watched the ocean before her. The ship steadily approached the breakers, about to enter the protected waters of the harbor. As she had expected, there was little activity in the port. Nor Torin was a busy harbor for most of the year, but it wasn’t the friendliest port to reach in the midst of winter. While not as risky as attempting a winter berth at Ri Hon, docking here could be challenging if the weather wasn’t cooperative. She thought about Ri Star sailors, reflecting on the maneuvers she had seen them perform in the Gulf of Norta. While their skill on the water was undeniable, they were far too bold for her liking.

  New Spirit rose up high and dipped low one last time before leveling into the relatively still harbor waters. Locating an open suitable slip, Tenzi turned the wheel toward their new berth. She heard Sinclair shout out orders.