“I have every bit of faith that this will work. If it doesn’t, we’ll just fend those bastards off ourselves. The old fashioned way.”
“I’ve never killed a man…”
“Neither have I. But those things out there, the Brothers of Eternity, they aren’t men; they are just monsters threatening our town. If we must slay them to protect Holtur, we will.” Sonja’s gut turned. She felt comfortable with killing Caede, possibly Crispin too, but killing all those people didn’t sit well with her. Still, she might have no other choice.
“You’re right!” Fin’s attitude smoothed over. “This is Holtur, OUR Holtur! We will defend it no matter the cost!”
Sonja smiled. Her words—despite being forced—worked some magic on the man. “Don’t worry about it, Commander. The shroud will arrive with the moon, I know it! Speaking of that, I need to gather a force of twelve men to capture more shroud.”
“Shit! With all that’s going on, you want to try and capture those things too?”
“Correct,” Sonja said, nodding.
“These Brothers of Eternity, I have a feeling they are a force like none we’ve seen before,” Fin said. “If they attack, we’ll need every able slayer defending the north wall.”
“I agree that the more slayers on the wall the better,” Sonja said. “But Commander, if they attack with all they have, a handful of slayers won’t sway the battle.”
“Shit!” Fin scrunched up his face. “We really need the shroud, don’t we?”
“It feels wrong saying it, but yes, we need the shroud,” Sonja said. “And Part of my brother’s grand plan involves a capture group. He’d be more than annoyed if this all goes smoothly and he receives no reward!”
“We can’t have that now, can we?” Fin shook his head, then allowed a hint of a laugh to sneak through. “Fine, gather your group, but I want you to remain nearby until the shroud have made contact.”
“Yes, Commander,” Sonja said.
She stepped out onto the wall walk and took in a deep breath of crisp, fresh air. It was hard enough picking three slayers to join her hunt for the Eternity Grail, but now she had to pick eleven to assist her with the Hacknebel! Again, Rigst would have easily been her first pick, but he was… Sonja wasn’t actually sure what he was, except for the fact he wasn’t here right now. Next would be Volk, but he was off guiding the shroud. She’d keep Rak and Bevan with her. Rak never talked back and was efficient; always a good man to have by her side. Bevan also knew the alley they’d be capturing the shroud in, a definite make up for the kid’s lack of skill. Including herself, that left nine more positions to fill.
Knoch was the most proficient scout currently in town, and also happened to be the only one around who used Kallum’s original prototype. Lauf would be another good scout to have with her. He didn’t seem all that fazed by the leeches, or his unorthodox flight with the flame wyverns.
Sonja stretched her neck, looking out across the wall walk. Bernard still looked like shit, he’d be good for this job, but not in his current condition. Near the upper armoury, she noticed Hechond and Zeilgen stringing longbows. Good. A pair of strong slayers that were preparing for the upcoming battle. Zeilgen had a desire for overcoming adversary, and wouldn’t knock back a chance to prove himself against the shroud. Hechond was a good friend of his, and would partake in this mission if Zeilgen did.
Rahlman was pacing between a pair of ballista turrets. While he moved he toyed with a trinket in his hand. Sonja didn’t want the man’s assistance before—not when hunting for a possibly blasphemous item—but she knew his worry was now to do with fighting men. He was once a renown scout and would be perfect for the Hacknebel. Removing him from a human against human bloodbath would keep his head straight too.
In the courtyard she observed Kaarm whetting his blades. Sonja had never worked alongside the man. He was similar to Volk in the sense of weapon choice—tungsten hook swords—their devotion for Aesterus, pale complexion, freckles, and red hair. Both were Altkrugan and seemed to despise each other; as though only one token Altkrugan slayer was allowed in Holtur. If she had met him first, he very well could have earnt the nickname ‘Red’ before Volk! She’d take advantage of Volk’s absence for a chance to get to know the slayer better. Kaarm also ran the odd scout mission from time to time, a definite bonus.
She scanned from slayer to slayer. Many good men were readying themselves for the upcoming battle, but she didn’t want to rush picking the last three for the Hacknebel. Sonja focused on a shorter man leaning up against a wall, Ansgren. She snorted. Some slayers are scouts because they are good at moving about swiftly and unseen. Others are scouts because they are a pain in the arse and no one wants to put up with their shit. Ansgren was both, mainly the latter.
Rak walked into town with a pair of rough looking men, slayers from the south gate. Ansgren offered some words and the two slayers looked puzzled. Rak responded with a ball of phlegm to the ground. Sonja made her way towards the men, best stop them arguing now if there was a possibility of them spending the moons together. Ansgren was an unpleasant man, but he had strength, endurance, and could possibly confuse the shroud with his tongue if needed.
“Rak,” Sonja called out. “Two scouts from the south wall?”
“Yeah,” Rak responded. “Sudtor said he couldn’t lend any more.”
“Captain Sonja.” The two man saluted.
“At ease,” Sonja said. “Your names?”
“Ellard Rolver.”
“Lambert Gluvum.”
“Did Rak fill you in on what we are doing?” Sonja asked.
“A little,” Ellard responded. “The man doesn’t like talking too much.”
Rak grunted.
“We’ll be fighting the shroud,” Sonja said. “Until they come, we will be guarding against the Brothers of Eternity.”
“They’re human, right?” Lambert scrunched up his face. “You’re really gonna make us fight against men?”
Sonja scratched at her curls. “Well, hopefully that will be accomplished by the shroud. If they break through the north gate, then yes, we will require you to fight men. Better to stick a sword in them than let them have their way with your daughters or wives.”
“They’re that bad?” Ellard asked.
“No. They are much worse,” Sonja said. “Stay close to Rak and obey his command until we are ready to move out.”
The two nodded, then went off with Rak. Sonja turned to Ansgren.
“Ah, and to what perpetration does Ansgren incur the indulgence of Miss Sonja Bluwahlt’s presence?” the short slayer asked.
“That’s Captain Bluwahlt when on you’re on duty,” Sonja snapped. “Why are you not out in the field?”
Ansgren widened his eyes, forming crows feet in the corners and crinkling his brow. “Ansgren endeavors no exploits with those vulgarians of imminent proximity, not to allude what shall soon transpire between Holtur and the shroud. Captain Bluwahlt desires the privation of a scout so indisputably?”
Sonja didn't fully understand the way the man spoke—she doubted that he himself knew exactly what he meant—but she could get the gist of his meaning through tone and mannerisms. “No, of course not! I actually require you for another task.”
“Then what, foretell, do you necessitate?”
“Professor Formidor and my brother have put together a machine to capture the shroud.”
“Antithetical to the contraption precursoring the year? Ansgren aspires to a prolonged existence, measurably beyond the forthcoming moons. Convey Ansgren if erroneous, but Ansgren surmises that half the implicated slayers perished, correct?”
Sonja ignored the question. “The Hacknebel is much more durable, no slayers will fall. I’ll be overseeing the operation myself.”
“Captain Bluwahlt’s scrutinising gaze brings titalisation! Ansgren perceives the nourishment of Ansgren’s well-being increasing.”
“If you don’t want to do it, tell me now! I understand if it is a little too frightening
for you.”
“Stressing to obverse Ansgren's temperament? Well, extinguish consternation, Ansgren Glilaz has been declared many things—some more meticulous than their supplementals—but one title never administered, is coward.”
“Good, you heard what I said to Rak?”
Ansgren nodded. “Could Ansgren disregard your tumultuous squall?”
“Right, when the shroud appear, follow us to Nordrachosten Alley.” Sonja suddenly felt unsure if her men would be capable of handling the moons in a confined space with Ansgren. It would do no good if they all run out of the Hacknebel—seeking an escape from his words—and into the shroud for the slaughter. “Behave yourself. No antagonising the men. I need everyone sharp when the shroud arrive.”
“Ansgren antagonise? I’m reluctant you've perplexed Ansgren with a disparate slayer!”
“You know what I mean!” Sonja paused for a moment, then said, “And thank you. Your talents will help us all.”
“The euphoria is Ansgren’s, Captain Bluwahlt!”
Knoch and Lauf had finished their rounds and had just returned to the north wall. Good, the majority of town would now be aware of the upcoming situation. Before Ansgren could throw any big words at the returning scouts, Sonja put her hand out to hush him. “Everything set?” she asked the obvious. Much more pleasant than an assault from Ansgren.
“Everyone in town knows, Captain,” Knoch said, punching a fist against his chest.
Lauf grinned, then added, “If they want to keep their guts on the inside, this moon they’ll remain inside.”
“Good,” Sonja said. “I need you two for another task…” She looked at Knoch, pursing her lips. “I need you to operate a shroud capturing device.”
Knoch pounded his fist against his shiny, bald head a couple of times, then asked, “Did I just hear you right?”
“Yes.” Sonja nodded. “This time, Formidor has assisted in building it. They’ve named it the Hacknebel. It is far sturdier than the thing you used last time. Knoch, you’re the only here that was involved with my brother’s contraption last year.”
“We captured one… but the whole fing was awful…” Knoch said. “It’s dangerous, Captain. I know your bruver thinks it went well. It didn’t…”
“This will be different,” Sonja assured. “We’ll have twelve slayers manning the device, and stone walls between us and the shroud.”
“To ameliorate ruminations,” Ansgren announced, “you shall possess Ansgren’s amity to facilitate vapidity!”
Knoch slapped his hand to his face. “He will be there?”
Ansgren wiggled his body, showing off a smug grin while Sonja nodded.
“Woo! Guess that means we’re safe then!” Lauf said, raising a fist to the sky. “I don’t think the shroud would risk eating him, his flesh would probably transform them into purple flowers or something!”
Ansgren folded his arms. “Is this the aformented forbidden antagonisation?”
“Nah, it’s just for you!” Lauf patted Ansgren’s slick, brown hair. Lauf was rather tall and wiry, which made the stocky Ansgren appear as a waist level midget beside him.
“Enough,” Sonja interrupted, “both of you. We may very well be spending the moons together. Us, plus another eight slayers in close proximity.” She pointed at Lauf, then to Ansgren. “I want neither of you throwing around wise cracks. It will be of no benefit if a fellow slayer gets pissed off and throws you to the shroud. Understood?”
It was only aimed at the two smart arses, but the three of them nodded in confirmation. She had to hold back a laugh at Knoch doing so. He was good hearted and never offended anyone, of course, he probably lacked the wit to do so if he tried. Not that it mattered, he was as intelligent as any other slayer in combat, and more than most while scouting.
“When the shroud appear, we are to head to Nordrachosten Alley.” Sonja pointed in its direction. “It’s not far east of here, if you don’t know where it is, just follow me.”
The three of them nodded their confirmations as she walked off towards Kaarm. Despite the cold, the man was topless, revealing bulging muscles stuck in place by tight, snow-white skin that was littered with orange freckles.
“Sharp enough yet?” Sonja asked. His black hook blades looked sharp enough to split the air itself, still, he kept honing them further.
The large Altkrugan spun his attention to Sonja, flicking his locks of crimson hair about. “Nothing wrong with being ready, Captain.”
“If you really want to sharpen something, you could give my blade a fresh edge.” Sonja smirked. Volk always enjoyed that kind of banter, the blank look on Kaarm’s face confirmed that he did not.
“What’s the problem, Captain?” Kaarm asked bluntly.
“Besides the obvious? Well, I’d like to request your assistance with something when the shroud arrive.”
He put down his blades and turned his full attention to Sonja. “I guess Volk’s too busy playing with the flame wyverns?” Kaarm said. “I will help you. This thing, it is similar to what was used last year?”
“Yes,” Sonja said, “stronger, safer, more powerful.”
“Good.”
“Nordrachosten Alley—”
“I heard you speaking with the scouts,” Kaarm said. A grin formed beneath his mess of a beard, it looked blood-stained, like he had eaten too much raw meat straight from the carcass. “You can count on me. I shall be there.”
Sonja nodded. “Thank you.”
Climbing back to the wall walk, she approached two more of her selected slayers, Hechond and Zeilgen. Hechond was a foreigner. Where he was originally from, Sonja didn’t know, but he was a man who liked to travel. After the death of his brother he decided to remain in Holtur, which, given his skills, was fortunate for the town! His slender, toned body, tanned skin, pony-tailed, dark hair, and piercing voice made him an exotic favourite among the town’s ladies. Sonja had never gone there. Bar her fling with Rigst, she’d manage to keep duty and pleasure separate.
Zeilgen too was a hit with the women, although his appearance differed considerably. While not as pale as an Altkrugan, his complexion lacked any form of a tan, a true Holtur-blood. His blond hair was longer than Sonja’s, but even in the heat of battle, it held neatly behind his ears. He had also acquired Silverton plate armour and a foreign, long, thin sword—as long as a claymore, but narrow and light—etched with symbols on the blade and a decorated hilt. His getup suited him; he was a proud and honorable man who loved a challenge.
“Hechond, Zeilgen,” Sonja called out to the two men. The weapons they tended were placed down and their attention given to the Captain. “I need both of you to assist with an operation.”
“Of course,” Zeilgen said, offering a slight bow. “What is needed, Captain?”
“Killing shroud.” They both grinned at that.
“Killing the shroud, is that possible?” Hechond asked.
“Easy!” Sonja wasn’t sure how simple the Hacknebel would be to operate, but enthusiasm wins men easier than pessimism. “The real challenge will be putting up with Ansgren and Lauf while we work together!”
“Ah, a real challenge indeed,” Zeilgen said. “Working with them will put a great strain on my honour.” He took in a deep breath. “For a chance at the shroud, I’m willing to risk it!”
“If Zeilgen is in, then so too am I!” Hechond said. “It will be grand to offer a little death back to the shroud.”
“Agreed! When the fog appears, follow me to Nordrachosten Alley.” Sonja pointed east.
“Captain, are we to abandon the wall?” Hechond asked. “Even if it is under attack by the Brothers of Eternity?”
Sonja narrowed her eyes. “Yes, you will need to abandon the north wall. It’s all part of the greater defensive plan.”
Hechond scrunched up his face. “But Captain—”
“It’s the plan,” Zeilgen interrupted, pulling Hechond back. “I have no doubt our role will be of great import.”
“Thank you,” S
onja said. She both understood and shared their worry. Turning her back on the north wall mid-attack was not going to be easy. “We won’t leave the north gate until the very last moment. No point hanging around just to watch the shroud tear through the Brothers of Eternity.”
“See!” Zeilgen said, slapping Hechond’s chest. “Our Captain would never abandon the north gate. We get to defend the wall from that cursed group AND slay some shroud!”
Sonja smirked at Zeilgen’s inspirational technique. “The operation in Nordrachosten Alley is of top priority and cannot be compromised.”
“Yes, Captain!” the two man said in unison.
“Good!” Sonja said. “When the shroud appear, you know what to do: follow me to Nordrachosten Alley.” Sonja then continued down the wall walk. Good men, Zeilgen and Hechond. Honourable people are easy to command, especially when it comes to a slayer’s duty.
Rahlman was still pacing. “Stache!” Sonja called out, hoping that hearing his nickname would lighten his mood.
“Captain,” he responded.
“I need your help with—”
“I can’t do it Captain!” Rahlman burst out. “I hate disobeying orders, but I just can’t bring myself to kill another man! Even if they do attack Holtur. It’s just not right! It’s—”
“I have another task for you,” Sonja interrupted. “Away from the north gate, away from the Brothers of Eternity.”
“Thank you!” Rahlman’s blue eyes widened and his moustache curled with a grin. The trinket he had been toying with made its way to his lips for a kiss. “Ralumina be praised!”
“I need you to slay shroud.”
Rahlman swallowed hard. “Shroud?”
“Yes, shroud. Professor Formidor”—Rahlman cringed at the name—“and my brother have created a machine that will burn off their fog. I’ve already checked out the device and it will work fine.”
Rahlman stood up straight. “Those horrors should not walk our streets. If I can help stop them, I shall.”
“Good, I’ll be waiting until the shroud arrive.” Sonja bent over the battlements, taking an opportunity to gaze over the surrounds. She couldn’t see any of the Brothers of Eternity nearby, they were all hidden away in their camps. Most likely planning their siege of Holtur. “I’ll be ready to fight those men, but only if I have to. You, Stache, I want you to take a sniff around the alley we’ll be spending the moons in. Be sure there are no ways the shroud could escape. Junior has already warned the residents, but make sure no stragglers have remained behind. Help Junior bolster any loose fittings, and make sure everything looks good.” She doubted there would be anything that needs fixing, but it was a polite way to dismiss the superstitious man.
The Holtur Curse (The Holtur Trilogy Book 2) Page 16