A Gathering of Armies

by Christopher Williams

  Atock turned to the right, away from the castle proper and instead walked toward the exterior wall. He doubted whether any of the others from last night’s meeting were awake, as the meeting had gone into the wee hours of the morning. Lucky bastards are all probably still asleep, Atock thought.

  The hallway ended in a set of circular stairs that wound upward. Atock didn’t pause, but began the climb, perhaps a tad slower than normal. The stairs only went up one story and Atock had become accustomed to traveling them over the last week.

  At the top of the stairs, Atock stepped off onto an open-air deck. The deck wasn’t large, roughly fifteen yards on a side. The castle walls rose on three sides, but the fourth side was unobstructed and Atock could once again see out over the city. Once again that feeling of worry settled over him. The city looked so calm, but he knew that it was just the calm before the storm hit.

  “I’m surprised to see you up already,” a man’s voice said softly.

  Startled, Atock quickly turned to see who had spoken.

  Lord Jared Maltin, the king’s spymaster, sat at one of three small tables.

  This deck was used by the king for taking his breakfast. He seemed to enjoy watching the city slowly come to life. A week ago, there had only been one small table as the king usually ate his breakfast alone. That had all changed with the arrival of Dagan and the others. Every spare moment was now being used to plan for the coming battle, and that included breakfast.

  “I thought everyone would still be asleep,” Atock answered thickly.

  “As did I,” Jared said smiling. He motioned to a chair at his table. “Care to join me?”

  Atock crossed the small deck and sat down.

  A young page immediately appeared on Atock’s right and filled a glass with water. He was one of only a handful of servants allowed in this section of the castle. The young boy promptly disappeared down the hall, heading for the kitchens for Atock’s breakfast.

  “Do you ever sleep?” Atock asked as soon as the boy was gone.

  Jared grinned and stretched his neck. “I sleep enough, although I didn’t sleep well last night.”

  Atock nodded and leaned back in his chair. “Understandable. Have the orders been given to evacuate Telur?”

  The grin slipped from Jared’s face and he sighed deeply. “Yes, but the orders were not well received.”

  “Not well received?” Atock asked. “By whom?”

  “Yes,” Jared answered. “Neither the nobles nor the common folk much like the idea.”

  “Will they obey?” Atock asked, looking concerned. The last thing they needed was an open revolt in Telur as the goblin armies marched north.

  “Of course they will. They have no choice,” Jared replied, although he seemed less sure than what he tried to portray.

  “And what of Lord Steel?”

  “He also is displeased with the King’s orders,” Jared answered. “But he too will obey.”

  Atock tilted his head to the side as he considered. “And why is that? Surely he could resist the King’s commands. There is little the King could do to stop him now.”

  “True, but you forget goblins will be marching north through his territories. He needs the King now more than the King needs him.”

  “Hmm,” Atock said slowly and then he nodded his head. “That makes sense,” he said after a moment.

  Jared’s breakfast was half-gone and he seemed to be more pushing the food around than anything else. “I’m concerned about where the attack will come from,” he said finally.

  “Come from?” Atock repeated. “I thought they were coming straight up the southern road.”

  “Well, yes,” Jared agreed. “But I’m not sure where they intend to cross the Adelion river. There are no bridges to cross unless they traveled to the East and that would add a month or two to their journey, possibly delaying them into the winter.”

  “How about the ferries?” Atock asked. There were numerous ferries that allowed travelers to cross the river. Atock himself, had crossed the river on a ferry when he, Flare, and Phillip had journeyed south to retrieve Ossendar. It had been a while since he had thought of that trip, or Phillip, who had not returned.

  “No, no,” Jared said, shaking his head. “Goblins hate the water. It would take a demon to drive them across that way.” He was silent for a moment and then he shook his head again. “No, I just don’t see how the armies are supposed to be here by the end of summer.”

  Silence settled between them for several moments, as each man gave thought to this problem at hand.

  Now that Jared had given voice to his concerns, Atock could so easily see the problem. Jared was quite correct that goblins hated the water. There was also the possibility, though, that a demon might be driving them across but it seemed unlikely. He doubted whether Zalustus could control that many demons at once, and it would take a huge number to drive an army of goblins across the river.

  “If it’s not the ferries and not the East, then how?” Atock asked. “Wouldn’t they have to go all the way around the Alandell Lake if they went to the West?”

  “Yes,” Jared agreed. “And that would take a month or two as well, putting them past their deadline of late summer.”

  Atock slumped into silence again as he pondered the possibilities. He didn’t ponder for long though, as their breakfast was interrupted by the arrival of the King.

  Both Atock and Jared climbed to their feet as the King approached. The King waved his hand in their general direction. “Enough of that. No need to be so formal at breakfast.” Still both men waited for the King to sit before they returned to their seats.

  Normally the King was surrounded by guards and courtiers, which was probably why he chose to take his breakfast on this small, guarded deck. Since the deck was in a secluded section of the castle, there was no need for guards to watch his every move. It was probably the only freedom the King enjoyed during the day.

  The King sat across from them at their small table, and both Jared and Atock waited for him to speak. Several young pages scrambled to and fro bringing the King drink, then they disappeared back into the shadows, waiting only to be called.

  King Darion took a deep breath and studied both men for several moments. Finally, he asked, “Well, have my orders been proclaimed throughout the city?”

  Jared nodded his head enthusiastically. “Yes, my King. The orders were given last night and riders were dispatched throughout the kingdom. For several hours now, your commands have been broadcast throughout the city.”

  “And how were my commands received?” The King asked.

  Jared paused, appearing to not want to answer the question. After a moment, he said slowly, “Well, there have been some rumblings.”

  The King smiled. “I assume that’s putting it mildly.”

  Jared returned the smile, relieved the King was not more angry.

  “I understand the people do not wish to leave the city, but they will be glad to be gone once the goblins get here.”

  “Yes, my King,” Jared agreed.

  “And Lord Steel?” the King asked.

  Once again Jared appeared hesitant to answer the question. “He too seems unhappy with your commands.”

  This time the King did not smile. “I don’t care if he’s happy or not. Are my commands being followed?”

  “I believe so,” Jared answered quickly. “I don’t see how Lord Steel has any other options.”

  The King didn’t appear happy with this statement, but he seemed to accept it.

  “I have been trying to determine where the goblins will cross the Adelion river. I’m still not sure where the attack will come from,” Jared said.

  The King leaned back in his chair, and stared off into the distance as he thought. “Perhaps this attack has not been too well thought-out. Perhaps the goblin armies will fail before they even reach our territory.”

  Something about the statement bothered Atock. He had personally seen the efficiency with which Zalustus had attack
ed Fort Mul-Dune, and he doubted whether something so simple as a river would hold off his advance.

  The King seemed to catch something in Atock’s look. “You disagree?”

  Atock nodded. “Yes, I don’t think they will march north just to be stopped by a river. Whatever they planned, they’ve taken the river into account.”

  The King looked a bit sour at these words but he nodded his head. “You’re probably right. So what’s to be done?”

  Jared and Atock shared a look, its meaning obvious – I don’t know.

  After a moment, it was Jared who answered. “Well, for the time being, I suggest we continue as we have already begun – harvesting the crops, gathering the soldiers, and getting the women and children away from Telur.”

  “And will the farmers harvest their crops early?” Atock asked.

  “Lord Steel is leaving Telur this morning headed south. He and his men are to enforce the King’s edicts. They also will serve as an advance warning of any approaching armies,” Jared answered.

  “But how will they make the farmers do as they’re told?” Atock asked.

  “They have their ways,” Jared answered.

  Of that Atock had no doubt. “But we need those farmers. If Lord Steel and his men get too heavy-handed, then who will do the harvesting?”

  “If we run out of time, then we’ll just have to burn what’s left,” the King answered slowly.

  “Yes, but burning should be a last resort. We will need those crops before winter is over with,” Atock replied.

  Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Heather, Enton, and Dagan. The three new arrivals took seats at the second table. Heather and Enton both looked exhausted. Enton’s hair stuck out every which way, and Heather’s eyes were glassy. Even Dagan looked rumpled, but they listened as Jared caught them up on the conversation.

  When Jared was finished, Dagan waved his hand dismissively at the topic of the crops and farmers. “I’m more concerned about where the goblins will cross the river,” he said.

  Jared shook his head. “I just don’t see how it’s going to be done.” He glanced over at Heather almost apologetically. “At least not in the time frame we were told.”

  They paused again as several young pages scrambled around with food and drink before once again disappearing.

  “At this point I don’t see any reason to waste any more time debating it. We’ll proceed with our plans of fortifying Telur and removing the women and children from danger. There’s no point in sending a force to keep the goblins on the other side of the river when we don’t know where they intend to cross,” the King said.

  Dagan frowned. “It’s going to be hard to verify that the farmers are harvesting all of their crops. It’ll take soldiers and that could prevent Telur’s defenses from being ready for the assault.”

  The King nodded. “Cedric and his forces will patrol the southern lands and verify that the crops are being harvested or burnt. The farms east, west, and north of Telur will be handled by my own soldiers.”

  “All right,” Dagan agreed. “But we better not waste any time.”

  At that moment, Lord Steel arrived. Despite the late night planning session, Lord Steel looked like a king – regal and imposing. He stopped before the King and inclined his head in greeting. “My King.”

  “Good morning, Cedric,” the King said. “Preparing to leave the city?”

  “Yes, your Majesty,” Lord Steel answered. “My men and I are headed south, we should reach the Adelion river in a few days.”

  “A few days?” Atock asked.

  Lord Steel turned his gaze on Atock – his piercing eyes studying Atock intently. “Yes. We’ll be pushing hard and we’re taking remounts. As I understand it, we don’t have a moment to lose.”

  Atock nodded. Undoubtedly, Lord Steel and his men would be the first to engage the goblins. After a moment’s thought, Atock climbed to his feet. “Lord Steel, I would like to accompany you.”

  Lord Steel looked surprised. “And why is that? My men are more than capable of defending our lands. I don’t think we need the help of you or your Guardians.”

  Now it was Atock’s turn to look surprised. “Really? If Heather’s information is correct, then you and your lands are about to be overrun. I would think you could use any and all the help that you could get.”

  Lord Steel looked a tad angry at Atock’s response. Undoubtedly, he was not used to being spoken to in such a manner, and certainly not by what he considered a common soldier. He sucked in air looking like he might explode.

  The King interrupted. “I think that would be an excellent idea. Besides, Prince Atock might think of something that you miss, Cedric.”

  Lord Steel was taken aback. Whether from the King’s agreeing to Atock’s request, or from being reminded that Atock was a Prince in his homeland, was unclear. Regardless, the King’s statement seemed to deflate him and he turned a wary eye to Atock. “As the King wishes, but we travel fast. If you fall behind, then you’re on your own.” He nodded his head in the King’s direction once, and then turned to leave. He paused, turning back to the group. “We leave from the southern gate of Telur in an hour.”

  There was a brief silence as Lord Steel walked away, and then the king said to Atock, “Are you sure about going with him?”

  Atock nodded. “It has to be better than staying here.” He grinned over at Enton. “Besides, this way I get to see battle first.”

  Enton still looked half-asleep, but at the mention of battle, he seemed to come around a bit. “I envy you,” he said simply.

  “Well, why don’t you come with me?” Atock asked. In all honesty, he was surprised that he even had to ask. Enton was the kind of person to insist on going.

  Enton turned his head, almost as if seeking permission. Strangely, it was not to the King that he looked but rather to Heather.

  Atock’s forehead wrinkled in confusion. He wants her permission? he thought. It was true that Enton had been under Heather’s command, but that was over now. Why was he still looking to her for permission?

  Heather colored slightly, a small blush coming up in her cheeks, but then she nodded her head almost imperceptibly.

  Enton turned from her, an ear to ear grin covering his face. “I have to get my ax and we need horses.”

  The group remained silent while Atock and Enton descended the stairs. Heather was the last one to pull her eyes from the men’s backs, though no one else noticed, or at least they pretended not to notice.

  The King sighed and leaned back in his chair. “All right, tell me what’s being done to defend the city.”

  “As agreed, your orders have been sent out to all parts of the realm,” Jared replied. “Riders were dispatched early this morning, and since the sun has come up, runners and messengers have been reading your orders throughout the city.”

  “Yes, yes,” the King said waving his hand. “I mean what is being done to fortify the city.”

  “Craftsmen are being sent all around the city to inspect the walls for any weaknesses. Food and water are being gathered, which connects nicely with your orders to harvest the crops. The bondsmen have been called in, and the closest ones should be arriving in a matter of days.”

  “My King,” Dagan began slowly. “We did not discuss it last night, but perhaps we should send envoys to the other human kingdoms.”

  At this suggestion, King Darion looked a bit sour. “I doubt it would do any good. Most of the other kingdoms would welcome Telur’s downfall, and besides could they even reach us in time to affect the outcome?”

  “Perhaps, and perhaps not,” Jared said slowly. “But if they do come, then perhaps they can reach us in time to make a difference.” He shrugged, looking a tad uncomfortable. “And besides, the human kingdoms will surely fear such a huge army of goblins.”

  “He’s right,” Dagan agreed. “If that army of goblins can destroy Telur, then it can also destroy their kingdoms.”

  The King was silent for several moments
, as he considered their advice. Finally, still looking sour, he raised his head and nodded once. “Send the envoys.”

  Atock and Enton arrived at the gates just under an hour later. They each rode one horse and led a second.

  Atock felt good to be getting back out of the city, and the prospect of killing goblins always cheered him.

  Lord Steel and his men were already waiting for them at the gates. Atock wouldn’t have been surprised if they had already left. Apparently, Lord Steel was true to his word, although he looked a tad grumpy.

  “We ride hard and fast,” Lord Steel said. “If you fall behind, then you’re on your own.” With that, he wheeled his mount around and galloped south.

  Lord Steel had roughly twenty men with him, and they each led a spare horse. There were several large packs on a couple of the horses.

  Atock and Enton shared a look and then charged after Lord Steel and his men.

  “What have you got me into?” Enton demanded.

  Atock’s only answer was a smile.

  Chapter 6

  Flare and Keenan sat on opposite sides of the small fire. They had been in the eternal forest for several days now, having arrived by wizardry on the banks of the Black River. Flare had considered taking them straight to the Elven city of Solistine, but was unsure if that was a wise thing to do. The Elven city had been there for millennia, and he wasn’t sure if there were any safeguards against wizardry around the city. He thought it safer to travel to the edge of the forest and then hike the rest of the way.

  As usual, they sat in silence. It had only been a few days ago that Prince Keenan had sworn his fealty to Flare. Keenan’s life, and the lives of his people were dependent on Flare succeeding. Even so, Keenan remained quite restrained around him.

  Flare found it surprising, Keenan had seemed anything but reserved around the other Guardians. Perhaps it was the fact that Flare wielded a sword and also practiced magic. For several millennia, warriors had been forbidden to learn the magical arts – many were still terrified of a warrior who knew magic.

  Keenan shifted slightly, and the movement pulled Flare’s eyes from the fire. “You want the first watch or second?” Keenan asked.