“I had a thought to raise an alarm, seeing the masts of that ship, until I saw the Island Nation ships escorting you. I received word from the others that the forge was attacked, are you all well?”
Sviska nodded, “We are well but we have reason to convene at Srun sooner.”
“Ruir is carrying word to the other chieftains, we must go soon,” said Garoa.
“And we brought weapons and armor,” Slats added.
“Much news of noteworthy information ,” said Knasgriff. “We will prepare immediately.”
He turned to one of his guards, “Rally the men. Ensure all able bodies are prepared to sail within the hour.”
The man bowed and then hurried towards Kersa.
“They tell me stone creatures defend the forge, is this true?”
Slats nodded, “Indeed they do.”
“Are there any other tricks we may be able to use to assault Lokam? Ocean beasts? Dragons?”
Garoa laughed, “Two dragons would do us well, but they are not of age yet.”
“Truly, you have dragons?”
“They are young, but large already. They are in safekeeping and still growing.”
“I have read of dragons. A dragon is a powerful ally,” said Euso, “but a bolt to its heart is a real danger. If it cannot defend itself with fire and smoke, I would hope it would stay away until it can.”
Slats laughed, “The well-forged axes of the dwarven forge are as good a weapon as the claws of a dragon. Brave men will stand against those whom seek to destroy us.”
The city of Kersa became a hive of activity. The ships crafted by Tvila had amassed and six lined the shore. The longships were unlike the fishing ships in every way. Nearly the length of five men of great stature, they sat low in the water when not beached. A single mass with a large sail and a line of new shields, freshly delivered from the forge.
Placed within the ships were stores of meat and fresh water. Each man carried at least two axes and a long spear. Some that had traded more with other Island Nations had bows but most did not. Unlike the armor of the Chieftains and the Saints, their armor was not adorned but was well made of a mix of animal fur and layered plates. From looks alone, it seemed only enough to protect from a glancing blow but not a decent thrust, but in fact the armor made at the dwarven forge was nearly unmatched in the rest of the world.
On the shore, the people made a large bonfire and the warriors began to board the ships. The undercity port that had become a storehouse of smaller ships would not have worked for the war vessels now present. There were tears and firm embraces; most all of the men, and even some of the women who did not have children to rear, were climbing onto the ships.
Knasgriff lit torches and spread them out among the ship captains. Off the masts of each ship were lanterns and as they began the journey around the island, the night sea would be alight with the ships of the Island Nation.
“We will be sending some of our smaller ships down the western tract to scout for any Protectorate attack from the waterways. They plan to anchor in a line to communicate back to us. If they sound horns, we will respond in mass from Srun. We cannot have any message of our massing getting to Lokam. Scouts have been infiltrating all along the coast and thus far I have heard that none expect an attack.”
“So much for a fishing trip,” said Slats.
“That story worked for a time but not after the events at Srun. We are now at open war with the Grand Protectorate.”
Knasgriff’s ship anchored near the shoreline and was transformed from the last time Sviska saw it. Aside from the custom of placing shields along the railings, large torch basins and spears prepared with torch material lined the aft of the ship. The ships oars were now reinforced with metal plates and the sails were not white anymore, but made in the large image of the Nation of Kersa.
“It is not too different,” he told them. “But if we run into ships of the Legion, we chieftains will lead any attack due to the numerous enhancements made on our ships. Some, like mine, are subtle. Flaming spears to catch the masses of the enemy ships. Others, like Ruir, have literal spikes to tear apart the hulls.”
“I saw such work at the forge,” Sviska said.
“I doubt any Legion will dare sail against us,” said Slats.
“I hope you are right. But failing against Lokam in one direct attack will draw every Legion towards us and now with magic, I cannot guess what the Grand Protectorate might come up with.”
“It’s the Itsu Priest I worry about, in regards to that,” Sviska said.
“One battle at a time, my friend,” Knasgriff told him.
With exorbitant shouting and firm pushing from the shore, the ships of the nation of Kersa set sail and moved into formation the waters to the west of the Island. The smaller ships headed south west to scout the coastline while the remaining ships, including the flagship of Knasgriff and the captured ship, now full of supplies even beyond what it had arrived with, began the northern route around the island and then back south towards Srun.
Chapter 4 Preparing Bait and Sharpening Hooks
As they rounded the northern horn of the Island, Sviska spotted a long trail of lights in the distance as the rest of the Island Nations traversed their respective paths towards Srun. With the night sky above, it was impossible to see which nation it was but given the time of travel and necessary preparations, the navies would be arriving at Srun all throughout the night.
The longships of Kersa began to go to shore along with the other ships that lined the coast. Many others remained offshore; there was no need nor room for everyone near Srun and many ships had been tied together, sharing supplies and warmth as they rocked up and down with the rolling waves underneath them.
They disembarked their ship, anchoring it in the deeper waters north of Srun. The sea was not as angry as it had been the night of the siege and it was because of that they were not worried about being thrown against the rocks of the cliffside as they rowed towards the beach.
Upon making shore, they continued in quick order up the Ocean Path, spotting Knasgriff ahead and already entering the fortress. He was in the first boat that made shore.
A group of horses grazed outside the doorway with a lone man holding a bow watching over them. The Falacar trusted no one else but their own to watch their horses.
The signs of battle were still present but most of the wreckage was cleared. A thick animal hide hung in the doorway where before, the near impregnable doors had stood. The collapsed column had an ornate blanket over it and many more candles lit the atrium and side room before the walkway towards the meeting room. A host of supplies were lining the walls and now roving guards made their way through the structure, including the upper portion, looking down upon the causeway. Walking down the open-air bridge to the meeting room, there were even more candles. It was a solemn mix of memorials and practical light but Sviska could still smell the stench of blood.
Upon entering the meeting chambers, Bloodhawk turned from speaking with one of his men, to greet them.
“Not even three suns have passed and we are back to discuss war. The Falacar cannot decide if you all love war or if the need is that great to push forward.”
“Greetings, Bloodhawk, and I wish we did not have to push forward so quickly but it is necessary,” Sviska explained. “There were advancements made by the enemy.”
“I have heard of the attack but I was not sure how many the Legion had sent or the casualties on the side of the Island Nation.”
“Casualties were low but they sent many ships,” said Berie.
“We were lucky,” added Sviska.
“You are favored by the gods of the North, dear Sviska,” Bloodhawk said. “It is because of that favor that we Falacar fight for you as we do. We were spared much heartbreak and suffering in the east. If we must suffer now to secure your lands, we will do so.”
“I thank you for that,” Sviska said with a smile. “One day, you must tell me of your lands. When this is at last al
l over, I would like to ride to your homeland.”
Bloodhawk gave him a deep nod, “An honor, saint.”
Around the table, all but Arsus had arrived. The nations of New Srun and Colui sent representatives but due to the funeral pyre of their leaders just turning to ash within the last day, no person of official capacity was present. Those sent of such nations, sat away from the table, leaving the spots of their fallen leaders open.
Knasgriff and Ruir, along with Tvila, looked upon a series of maps and other notes scattered around the table.
Slats looked at the assembled men, “The Legatus is not here?”
“We sent word,” Knasgriff said, “but received no reply. The Falacar have engaged many of the Grand Protectorate to the south. We must assume that his forces will not be of help and continue our plans.”
Garoa approached them, “What word from the spies?”
“Good to see that you each made it back safely,” Tvila smiled, “Garoa, I hear you took a ship of the Red Trident, as well as numerous Grand Protectorate ships.”
He looked to her, “Mind the stories you hear. It was Slatnichor of the Dwarves that deserves credit for that.”
Tvila followed her friendly gesture by a continued smile. Garoa ignored it. Instead, he looked down at the map of Lokam before him.
Sviska came to his side and Slats took a seat across the table; a bowl of smoked fish, well picked-through already but food still, beckoned him. Berie stood behind Tvila.
“The spies say that ships have left Lokam but only after bringing in Legions from the far Northwest. It is said that raids in Taria have essentially cut off the path between Lokam and regions to the west. From across the north, Lokam is amassing forces within its walls and they are well entrenched.”
“The Itsu Priest?” asked Sviska.
“He has not been seen. However the earthquakes in the region have increased and now a deep fog hangs around the Tower.”
“The Priest is there,” stated Garoa, “Plus I am sure he plans to ‘bless’ more of the Legions.”
“We assume so to both of those but whether he is there or not does not change our plan.”
Ruir pointed at the northern portion of the city and the river, “This river is shallow but wide. It is used to deliver supplies into the center of the city and is a way to the center island that links up with the tower through the grand causeway. The central island is a fortress itself, with multiple gateways and towers, making approach from the city impossible.”
“We have seen this place,” said Sviska, “as well as the river going in. There is a gateway through the wall where the water flows freely, pooling in the city itself to form a large lake before exiting the city via cascading falls near the southern walls, where it flows down and out of the city through a crevice over rocky cliffs.”
“This will be the center location of our main attack,” Ruir told them. “My flagship will lead the attack, followed by a large host of our best troops from each nation. This is where I hope that you,” he looked to Garoa, “as well as you, Berie, will come with us. Aside from the morale you will increase with your presence, your strength will be best used here.”
“I want to be in no other place but to be able to assail the tower as quickly as I may,” said Garoa.
Ruir nodded, “ Berie, your bow will be put to best use from the island keep. They will no doubt counter-attack.”
Slats pushed himself in between Garoa and Ruir, “Where might my ax do the most damage?”
“That is the part of the plan that both Ruir, Bloodhawk, and I have debated,” Knasgriff said.
He pointed on the map to the plains between the city of Lokam and the mountains of the east. “No doubt, it will be easier with the Falacar but we must draw out the Legions from Lokam. Especially now, they expect an attack but with the horsemen of the east, we think we can face a much larger foe. But our numbers are low. I feel a stance against them, waiting for their attack, would serve just as well to draw them out, but Ruir wishes to advance and attack the walls.”
“I did not say attack directly but instead make our presence known and coerce them out. Then our men can retreat and the horseman can cover them, attacking from the sides. It keeps all forces of the Island Nations near.”
Bloodhawk put his hands together and bowed his head, “We do not feel this is the wisest of attacks, though we will proceed as you wish, if it is what the Saints desire.”
“What do you think would work well, Bloodhawk?” Sviska asked.
“My men are strong on the open field, not in the confines of a city. Draw them out with forces of the Island Nation and engage in the open plains of the east with the highlandss to provide a strong cover for the army if we are forced to retreat. There we can circle around, our bolts are deadly and we are faster than men are and able to flee, as needed. They do not know our numbers but knowing that our horses are present, they will send many of their Legions.”
“Did your scouts not receive word that another Legion of men had moved in from the south and reinforced the southern road?” Ruir asked. “If they disengage from your fight and march quickly north, we will have to deal with them then. Our plan not only has us taking the central tower and island, we still must capture, too, the city. It is why an all-out attack on the city would be best.”
Sviska pointed to Taria,“We must not forget Brethor and the people of Taria. They have said they will be ready. They will attack from the North, if only they can know where to go.”
Knasgriff took colored rocks, some black, others red. He placed three black ones in Lokam, another he put down on the southern road going towards the east. He put another five in the far south and an additional one he put in the eastern mountains.
“Each of these denote one Legion, at about four thousand men each. The one in the east is the Legion under Arsus, of less strength but still an ally although out of reach from us for now.”
Bloodhawk nodded, “We are working to reach him. The Legion blocking us has caused considerable issues.”
Knasgriff took the red ones, placing one at sea, north of Lokam, two at New Srun and one in Taria.
“These are our forces, and of unknown amounts, those in Taria. We must pull as many of the twelve thousand men in Lokam out as we can. Directly engaging them in the plains to the east, we have less than two thousand men that we can field, leaving just around four hundred for the main city attack. That is a small amount.”
“We must remember that taking the central part of the city is what gives us any chance of defeating the Legion. If we fight Lokam with the amount of Legions currently there, even with all of our numbers, we will not hold our ground. With fewer Legions, still it will be difficult but Lokam is not built for fighting in formation. The forces present must be camped around the city. Once they leave, as in the plan to draw them east, those remaining will be much fewer. Fighting will be done in city streets, ax and sword against ax and sword. The large formations and numbers will be less of an advantage to the Legion and in such manner, will make our chances better.”
“Before our arrival, I would say your plan was folly,” Garoa said, “This plan does have substance but it needs more. If the war god Kel is brought out under control of the Order, we shall all pay dearly. At Elinathrond, even with magic as an ally, Kel wrought absolute destruction on the city. That is why every effort must be made to take the central island and the great tower. The people of Lokam are not stupid about what has befallen the lands under the rule of the Grand Protectorate. Some misinformation that needs to be corrected can be dealt with, but we must get to the tower and obtain the Staff of Kel. Perhaps I can free him.”
“What is this staff?” asked Ruir, spitting as he did. “How can a staff out do our weapons of steel and shell?”
“It was the device of the head of the Priory of Kel, servants to the war god. A staff of considerable power. It was sealed in stone until a new master of the order is chosen.”
“Are you the new master?”
; “No.” He shook his head, “But we must stop it and I must save my daughter.”
“Is this about your daughter?” asked Ruir, “Are we nothing but pawns to you, Garoa?” He stood up, his hand on his ax. “We of the Island Nation were preparing to stand against the Grand Protectorate for our people, what do you have to lose?”
“Stop, Ruir,” Knasgriff commanded.
Sviska spoke up, “The people of all lands are at risk. The hundreds we saw under the grasp of the Itsu Priest are in Lokam.”
He stopped and looked at Garoa and Berie, and then to Slats, “We seek to help all that we can.”
Garoa looked at them, nodding. “I want to help all I can but, yes, I do seek my daughter. Furthermore, Kel is a prisoner and perhaps if I can free him, he will see our plight and honor our warriors.”
“A worthy task, Rusis,” said Bloodhawk, “You must pray to the god that such act is his will.”
“Den you need to talk about the rest of da plan,” said Kealin, emerging from behind a pillar. He walked down the steps, now garbed in his armor of metal and shell. “Has no one questioned how to get in the gate of iron that blocks the river path?”
“We had not gotten to that,” said Knasgriff.
“Good thing me and Tulasiro are here to talk about dat den.”
He smiled, showing his teeth curved and sharp. “Blade work we need to do, Sviska.”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“You and I will be the first to Lokam and to the walls. We will take the gate tower, silently. It is what Kealin feels will be best. After opening the gates, we will join the battle at the Tower as soon as we can.”
“Is that not too risky? Do we not have spies to do that from the inside?” asked Slats.
“Our spies are not for this type of work,” Knasgriff stated, “But Kealin is.”
“And I know Sviska,” said Kealin, “He will do well with me. I have no need to take many of the Island with me to the walls. Sviska and I can do it. The walls around that gate were shortened when the gate was placed many years ago. It will be the easiest place to scale the defenses.”
Saints of Wura: Winemaker of the North, Arcane Awakening, Reckoning in the Void (Saints of Wura Books 1-3 with bonus content) Page 60