by Suzanna Lynn
“I don’t feel like we should put our faith in these elves,” General Cormag spat. “We can only trust our own men.”
“I suppose that settles it,” said King Ashmur.
“What is that, Your Grace?” asked General Derwen.
Baylin’s father gave a deep sigh, placing a hand on his son’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, son, but we must trust in our own men to protect the Kingdom.”
Chapter Eighteen
Luana held the baby as they waited in the dimly lit chamber with two guards, Queen Valasca, Meg and two other maids. She was told guards were gathering up her parents and sister and would be escorting them to join her shortly.
The secure chamber was housed deep within the mountain, and it had been a true labyrinth to get to it. It was created to make it hard for the royal family to be located, should the castle be overrun. However, she feared Lord Cadman would know how to locate them.
Luana was certain she would never find her way out without help. They had taken hidden passages and gone into rooms that housed small doors behind tapestries. The room was very cool and lacked a hearth because of its depth within the mountain. However, she had been assured the room stayed a constant temperature, so it would not get any colder, even in the winter.
Queen Valasca busied herself by instructing the maids on where to store the linens and various clothing, along with the food they had brought with them.
The chamber was large and spacious, with pillars throughout to support the great weight of the mountain that loomed over their heads. There was even a small room off to the side to house the chamber pots and buckets to clean with.
The maids stored items in large trunks, all lining one side of the room, while Meg set to work making up the beds that had been brought in.
Baylin’s mother crossed the room to Luana. “May I hold him?”
Luana gently passed the baby boy into the Queen’s arms.
Valasca sighed as she cuddled her grandson. “There is nothing quite like the feeling of a baby in your arms. Even in such horrible times they bring a sort of peace to your heart.”
Luana nodded and forced a smile. I feel no peace at all. My heart breaks with fear that I will lose him. That somehow Mirstone will come and Isla will take him from me. I can only think of protecting him and his father. She ached to be at Baylin’s side and had contemplated trying to sneak out of the castle to aid him. However, she knew she was the only one who could protect her son, and she was certain beyond a doubt she would get lost.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud banging on the door.
The two guards by the door drew their swords. “Who goes there?”
“It’s Ferric.”
Luana recognized his voice, but the guards still kept their swords drawn as one of them slid a small window on the door open to check. Once they saw it was, in fact, the captain of the guard, they opened the door.
“What is it?” called Queen Valasca, making her way to Ferric. “Has it begun?”
“Nearly, Your Grace,” Ferric replied with a bow. “I’ve come to speak with Luana.”
Luana’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Me? Is it Baylin? Is he well?”
“Yes, quite well,” Ferric confirmed. “There is a matter he would have me discuss with you. In private, if that is agreeable.”
Valasca nodded. “Let them pass.”
The guards moved away from the door, allowing Ferric to escort Luana into the next room.
Once the door was closed, Luana turned to Ferric. “What is it?”
“Baylin would be furious if he knew I was here,” he said. “But I fear the fate of the Kingdom lies in your hands.”
“Mine? But why?”
“Because of your…” He couldn’t seem to finish the statement.
“Because I’m an elf, or at least, part of me is.” She smiled. “Because I have powers?”
Ferric nodded. “Actually, a bit of both. You see, the generals don’t trust King Rydel. Neither does King Ashmur. He has made the decision not to call for aid from the elves, but I know they are on our side. I know they care about this Kingdom. Why else would they have saved us in Fagin Forest? Why would they have taught you such magic if not to keep you safe?”
“Yes, the elves seem to want to help balance the scales,” Luana agreed. “But they also feel too much interference will anger the gods. They are wavering, at best.”
Ferric placed his hands on her shoulders, drawing her gaze. “But if you were to go to them and plead for the Kingdom…”
“You want me to ask for their help?” Luana’s eyes grew wide. “But that would mean entering Fagin Forest.”
Fear gripped her heart as she thought of the trolls and the dark sorceress.
“I would not ask this of you if I did not feel it was necessary,” he said, looking guilty. “I know Baylin would never ask, and he would be right in doing so. I do not wish you any harm, but I know if the elves do not help us, Grasmere will be lost. Baylin will be lost.”
Luana’s eyes flashed to Ferric’s at the words. “Lost?”
“We’re surrounded, Luana,” Ferric said, shaking his head. “Mirstone and Kardell were enough of a threat, but this dark sorceress… If she comes down on us with the trolls while we’re already in battle…”
“They could destroy the Kingdom.” Luana shuddered at the thought. “Of course I will ask for help. I can leave immediately.”
“Not alone you won’t,” Ferric said. “Come with me. We will get you suited for battle just in case.” He guided her down the hall. “Baylin taught you how to use a sword?”
Luana nodded as she ducked through a hidden door. “Yes, though I wouldn’t say I am skilled at it.”
“He’s a good teacher,” Ferric said, leading her down a winding, dark stairwell. “Plus, you have your… your light thing you do.”
Luana stifled a laugh. “Yes, there’s that.”
Ferric held her arm as he led her farther through the maze of tunnels and stairs.
“Ferric, what if we do encounter the sorceress?” Luana asked, her voice bouncing off the walls.
“Then let’s hope your lights are brighter than hers.”
*****
Ferric took Luana through the kitchen, to a back tunnel leading to the stables, avoiding the main entrance the soldiers would use.
Once in the stables, Ferric tossed a large leather satchel he had been carrying at her feet. “You’ll want to change.”
“What?” she exclaimed. “Why do I need to change?”
“We don’t know what this journey will hold, but I’m pretty sure that silk dress won’t make it through Fagin Forest unscathed,” Ferric laughed dryly, guiding two large black horses from their stalls. “It’s time you dressed like a Lady of Grasmere. Even the Queen wears riding trousers when she must go out on horseback.” Ferric lifted a saddle onto one of the horses with a great heave. “Use the horse stall. No one will see you.”
She glared at him in defiance.
“Good gods, I won’t look if that’s what you’re worried about.” He laughed as he grabbed a saddle for the other horse.
Luana hid behind the tall walls of the horse stall as she quickly undressed herself. She was a bit embarrassed for having fallen out of practice when it came to dressing herself. When she finally wiggled out of her dress and petticoat and slid on the riding trousers and long tunic, she felt ready for the task ahead.
“Are you done yet?” Ferric called. “We don’t have much time.”
“Just,” she said, coming out of the stall once her tall riding boots were secure.
“Good. Here, put these on,” he said, handing her leather gloves and silver metal gauntlets. “I know you’re not used to being prepared for an attack, but it would certainly give me some ease.”
She slid on the gloves easy enough but required his assistance with the gauntlets. She pulled on her hooded riding cape and mounted the horse. At least I don’t look so feeble once I’m on the horse. She was still embarrassed at he
r inexperience. She hadn’t noticed it with Baylin since he had been so patient. Ferric, on the other hand, though not unfeeling, did not mind pointing out her shortcomings.
The pair took off down the road toward Fagin Forest. The horses kicked up clouds of dust and rocks as they tore up the ground.
Luana knew the chances of someone seeing them once they left the castle grounds was likely due to all the guards keeping watch at posts along the mountain walls. She hoped their head start would give them the edge they needed to get to Fagin Forest first.
*****
They arrived at the forest edge while the sun still shown high in the sky. The day had been rather warm, yet the path leading through the forest had an icy chill to it.
“So how do we find the King?” Ferric asked, dismounting his horse.
“It’s not as easy as finding him,” Luana said, dismounting. “He will not be found unless he wishes to be. We must trust he will come to us.”
“Are you saying we just have to wait here?” Ferric snapped.
“Not exactly,” Luana said, pulling a dagger, some bread and cheese from the satchel Ferric had packed for them. “We must venture into the forest.”
Chapter Nineteen
Baylin mounted his horse, preparing for battle as the sun winked its final light on the horizon. This is ludicrous. He surveyed the men as they finished their preparations.
The King had finally come to the conclusion to march on Rivermouth during the night. It was true, the night would give them the benefit of cover, and his men knew these lands well, even in the dark. However, it also gave them a greater disadvantage should the trolls make any move.
Baylin urged his horse on, moving to the front of the line. He felt exposed, almost naked, without Ferric at his side. Since they were young boys, they had always been by each other’s side during any mission. Ferric, where are you?
“Your Grace,” greeted General Derwen, bringing his horse up beside the Prince.
Baylin nodded. “Are the men ready?”
“Ready?” the general laughed dryly. “Is a man ever really ready to die?”
Baylin’s eyes flashed to the soldiers lining up on horseback. “I will not let my men fall… not if I can help it.”
“But you can’t, Your Grace,” Derwen said mournfully. “No man has the power to stop death. I love your father, he is my King and also my dear friend, but this plan is likely a suicide mission.”
“You aren’t suggesting that my father—”
“Of course not,” Derwen rebutted. “I’m certain he believes this is the right thing and that it will succeed. But, if you are right, and the trolls hit us, or Kardell finds the hidden shore in Open Shaw, we will be slaughtered.”
Baylin’s heart felt like a heavy rock was on his chest. It tightened in anticipation for what was to come.
“Your Grace,” called a steward, running through the lines. “I just received word that General Ferric was last seen at the secure royal chamber this morning.”
“What?” Baylin asked, turning his horse to face the young man.
“Her Grace, the Queen, says he came this morning and asked to speak privately with your bed wife,” the steward explained. “The Queen permitted them to meet in the hall outside the chamber. When neither of them returned, she sent a guard to find them, but they have yet to be found.”
“My son?” Baylin uttered.
“The baby is with the Queen, Your Grace,” the young man said.
“They’ve been gone since this morning and this is the first I’ve heard of it?” Baylin boomed. “Why did no one inform me sooner?
“I am sorry, Your Grace,” the steward said with a slight bow. “I only know what has been told to me just now.”
“Of course, thank you,” Baylin said, waving a hand to dismiss the young man.
General Derwen pulled his horse close to Baylin’s. “What would you have us do, Your Grace?”
Baylin’s heart and mind were a mix of emotions—fear, betrayal, sorrow. Why would Ferric take Luana? Why would he betray me?
“Your Grace?” Derwen questioned.
Baylin straightened in the saddle, squaring his shoulders. “We move on Rivermouth as the King commanded.”
*****
The trek to Rivermouth was a quiet one. They kept their pace slow enough to limit the sound of horses’ hooves. Though the sky was clear and the stars shown bright, the moon was waning, providing little light.
As the army approached the outskirts of the village, the men broke their formation, spreading left and right to surround the area. Baylin remained centered, preparing to push forward down the middle of the village with his men while the generals brought up the left and right flanks.
Baylin’s stomach twisted in his gut, dread and fear spreading over him. If this does not work, we will all die. The Kingdom will be taken, all of my family killed. He tried to push the thoughts away, but the vision of his tiny baby boy in Luana’s arms flashed in his mind. My son will be killed. Cadman would not allow him to remain alive. Cold sweat fell down his back as he urged his steed on.
The village was alight with small fires built by the soldiers who had been there. However, the army was nowhere to be seen. Not one man stood in the village.
“Your Grace,” whispered General Derwen. “What do you make of it? How do you hide twelve thousand men?”
“You don’t,” Baylin answered.
The only sounds were the crackling of fire and the gentle rhythm of horses’ hooves on the hard ground. Baylin could not see the docks from this side of the village, but he was certain twelve thousand men were not camped out at the docks.
Baylin signaled to one of his men.
The soldier trotted up on his horse. “Your Grace?”
“Take four men and head for the docks as quietly as you can,” Baylin instructed. “If you see anything, anything at all, do not engage. You are to turn back immediately and report.”
The young soldier nodded. “Yes, Your Grace.” Baylin could see the fear in the man’s deep green eyes. He knew they may never return, that he may have just sent these five men to their deaths.
“What orders, Your Grace?” asked General Derwen.
“Send word through the lines,” Baylin said, keeping a sharp eye at the village that fell before him. “Something is amiss. We may expect an attack from behi—”
A loud explosion came from far behind them. It shook the ground like an earthquake, causing the horses to rear and buck; some bolted off with their riders in tow.
The Prince contained control of his steed and turned it sharply to see fire rolling up the side of Mount Shadowcast. “The castle!”
He watched as a great fireball was thrown through the air, hitting the mountain and rolling down to its base.
“Catapults!” called General Derwen. “They’ve laid siege to the castle!”
Chaos ensued as men and horses began to move. Baylin pushed his mount on as he overtook the men, leading the army. His emotions mixed between duty and fear. How can this be? How could they possibly have gotten around us? Catapults are not something that can be taken through the forest. Baylin felt the coldness of dark magic as he and his men raged toward the castle.
*****
Several hours had passed while they rode, watching helplessly from a distance, hoping they would make it in time to defend the castle. The horses were nearly spent by the time they traveled the long distance up the rolling hills to within site of the battle, raging at the feet of the castle.
When Baylin reached the top of the last hill before the mountain, he could see the extent of the damage. The catapults launched large boulders covered in oil and lit to flame. The boulders broke great chunks of rock out of the protective mountainside, while the oil and flame caught on anything they could. Several shots were aimed high enough to reach two of the balconies sticking out from the mountain castle. Both broke off and fire raged inside.
Another fireball was launched through the air, hitting the main gate
and demolishing the metal portcullis that had been secured over the large stone door.
“No!” cried Baylin, unable to contain his sorrow and anger.
“We must engage, Your Grace,” called General Derwen.
“Formations, re-form the lines!” Baylin called, drawing his sword.
Baylin sat restless, his body throbbing with fear and anxiety. The horses whinnied and snorted as their masters turned and wheeled them into position, preparing for the attack. He knew the King would be mustering the remaining soldiers and guards within the castle to defend their people. But it will not be enough. They will be slaughtered.
“Derwen take the right flank, Cormag the left!” Baylin commanded, riding up and down the tightly formed line of soldiers. “Bring down those catapults! We mustn’t let them break the defenses and enter the castle!”
The horses pawed at the ground, biting down on their bits, pulling impatiently. Baylin rode to the center of the line. “Go forward!”
The ground trembled as the massive army of men and horses washed over the land like a tidal wave. The armies of Mirstone and Kardell turned, re-forming their lines to brace for the attack. They made efforts to reset their catapults on Baylin and his men, but the contraptions were heavy and slow to move and Baylin’s mighty host was coming upon them quickly.
The armies met in a deafening sound of crushed metal, horse whinnies and guttural screams. The enemy surged forward, but Grasmere’s army was vast and had the high ground.
Baylin wielded his sword as though it were a part of his body, taking great strokes and striking down soldier after soldier. Men screamed as their lives were brought to an end at the end of sword or axe. Though the Mirstone army was still strong, the men were scattered and not united in their attempt to best the men of Grasmere.