The Desolate Empire Series: Books 1-3

by Christina Ochs

  Her mother looked pleased. “Really? You must pay him a visit.”

  Kendryk

  “We must continue to hold Birkenfels somehow,” Kendryk insisted. Trystan had been in a rush to make for Helvundala, and proposed abandoning the castle for now. “So little of Terragand is ours, but as long as Birkenfels is safe, we have a rallying point.”

  “Can we spare the soldiers?” Trystan asked, frowning. They had gathered in Birkenfels’ small dining hall to make plans. “Now Brynner has joined us, we’re doing better, but I doubt we can spare a garrison here.”

  “We must,” Kendryk said firmly. “We’ll keep it small so their supplies last longer; no more than fifty.”

  Trystan raised his eyebrows. “Is that enough?”

  “That’s all we had during the original siege,” Kendryk said. “All the rest were civilians. The walls are strong, it’ s nearly impossible to storm the gate, and it’s difficult to position big guns to strike it with any force.”

  “We can spare fifty,” Trystan said.

  Kendryk realized he could give the order, and Trystan would have to comply, but he preferred to keep things friendly. Besides, he valued Trystan’s expertise. He’d spent most of the past several years fighting imperial forces at terrible odds, and succeeding surprisingly often. Aside from Braeden and Count Faris, he was the most experienced person here.

  “Please don’t leave me here again.” Merton spoke up from the end of the table.

  Kendryk smiled at him. “Tired of this castle, are you? I understand. You’ll come with me, but I’d like it if you personally picked the soldiers for the garrison.”

  “Be glad to,” Merton said with a grin. He’d barely set foot outside the castle walls since the first siege over four years before.

  “I propose we make for Helvundala as quickly as possible,” Kendryk said, now that had been settled. “I’m certain our appearance will sway my cousin, and give Lennart support.”

  “I agree,” Count Faris said. He looked down at the map spread across the table, and pointed at a spot. “The fastest way is through here. I’m sure you’re familiar with the Garsten Gap.”

  Braeden snorted rather loudly. “Best watch yourself before going in there.”

  Faris looked at him. “I take it you have experience with it?”

  Braeden shook his head. “We came from the other side, and Duke Evard’s small force of musketeers stopped us cold. Though at the time I was sure you were in charge there,” he added with a nod toward Faris.

  “I remember,” Kendryk said, though he hated to think of that awful time. “I was impressed by my uncle, and grateful that he kept your lot away from Birkenfels just a little longer. Though it turned out to be Gwynneth’s plan, and she forced him to carry it out.” His cousin Balduin still sat in the dungeon here, but Kendryk hoped he might be used for leverage against Evard; he just hadn’t figured out how.

  “So if the enemy reaches it ahead of us, we might not get through?” Faris asked.

  “If they can get in, and position muskets on top of the stone outcroppings on both sides of the road, I doubt anyone can get through,” Braeden said.

  “We must get there first then,” Faris said. They’d spent nearly ten days here after taking the castle back, scouting out the area, trying to learn which way the bulk of Ensden’s force was headed. “In fact, if we can get there soon, we can position our muskets as Evard did, then head for Helvundala and get Lennart. It will be the fastest way for him to get into Terragand.”

  “That sounds like an excellent plan,” Kendryk said. “I’ll send a message to Lennart, telling him we’re on our way, and that we’ll hold the gap for him.”

  After the group broke up, Kendryk made his way up the winding stone staircase to Edric’s study. Edric sat at his desk as usual, but it was large enough that Kendryk used the other side for his correspondence. He might have chosen a room of his own, but he enjoyed spending time with Edric. It didn’t make up for the years apart, but it was nice to be together now.

  “We’ll leave for Helvundala tomorrow,” Kendryk said, sliding into his chair. “Will you be ready?”

  “Certainly.” Edric shuffled papers around.

  “What are you working on?” Kendryk asked.

  “Nothing right now.” Edric had changed a great deal since Kendryk had first met him. His blond hair had turned mostly gray, he’d grown thin and gaunt, the bones of his face appearing skeletal in dim light. His pale eyes had lost none of their fire, but they looked sometimes tired and always sad. “I’ve finished all the letters to the temples that remain, but I can’t think of what to do next.” He looked up at Kendryk and attempted a smile. “That’s never happened before. I used to fear I would die before I finished all the work I needed to. I haven’t finished it all, but I’m questioning if there’s any point to it.”

  Kendryk stared at him, stunned. He’d never known Edric to express any doubt at all. He said, “Surely, you are tired. And the last months have been difficult. Perhaps you should take time off from your work until we’ve met with Lennart. Once we reconquer Terragand, you’ll have much to do in the temples.”

  “That’s the problem. I was sure that by now, our faith would prevail to where the enemy couldn’t defeat it through force of arms. I’d hoped the people would stand firm no matter what happened on the battlefield.” He buried his head in his hands.

  Kendryk swallowed hard. He was not accustomed to being the one to comfort Edric, since it was usually the other way around. Still, if he needed comfort, Kendryk would try to provide it. “Many stood firm,” Kendryk said finally. “And I’m sure many still do, just not in the temples.” Aside from a sliver on the eastern edge of Terragand, and in the near vicinity of Birkenfels, all temples were under the control of the League of Aeternos.

  Edric looked up. “True, many stood firm, and most of those died. Those who remain are not as brave, not as convinced. Will they hold to their beliefs under the relentless pressure of the League?”

  “You told me once we are all at different levels of faith. Those who were strongest are now dead. But perhaps the less strong will become so in time, and take their places.”

  Edric’s eyes were sad. “Will there be time for that before the enemy roots them out and kills them too, or forces them to falter in their faith?”

  “There will.” Kendryk smiled, and didn’t have to force himself to do so. “Soon we’ll meet with Lennart, and whether or not my cousin cooperates, we’ll bring an army here, and make Terragand safe for the true believers once more.”

  Edric wasn’t able to manage a smile, but a light flickered in his eyes. “I hope you’re right, and I thank the gods every day for your steadfastness.”

  Elektra

  After settling into her suite in the palace’s guest wing—much nicer than her own room, she had to admit—Elektra washed, changed her clothes, and went in search of Aksel. She told herself she put on her prettiest gown because she’d be dining with her mother and the court later, but deep down she knew it was only Aksel’s opinion she cared about.

  The children’s wing of the castle was silent and deserted. The last time Elektra had been here, it resonated with Zofya’s lively chatter and Rudofo’s boisterous shouts. She hadn’t thought about her siblings often in the past few years, but now she was here, she missed their presence. She would be sure to pay them both a visit at the temple school. The nursery made a good spot for a laboratory, so Elektra went there first. She found Aksel perched on a high stool behind a table, staring at the wall.

  “Hello,” she said, walking into the room.

  Aksel’s face lit up. “Your Grace!” He jumped off the stool and hurried over to her.

  She extended her hand. He took it, bowed over it, then kissed it. He didn’t linger the way General Barela always had, but it was still much nicer than the usual way courtiers minced and slobbered over it.

  “I’m so glad you’re safe,” he said. “I was worried when I heard of your kidnapping.”

/>   That made her happy. She smiled at him. “Do you have time to talk?”

  “Of course.” He led her to a bench pushed up against the wall. Elektra recognized it as old nursery furniture. Once they sat side-by-side, he said, “You must tell me everything that happened. Zofya said you had an incredible adventure.”

  “I did.” Elektra told him the real tale, the one she hadn’t told her mother. She’d hoped Teodora would be more impressed if she’d escaped Braeden right away, and then made her own way across war-torn Kronland. In truth, she knew she never would have survived without Braeden. Much as she hated him, she had to give him that.

  She loved talking to Aksel, because he always listened so carefully, and with such interest. He asked few questions, but she saw he paid close attention. She’d been ashamed of her broken vow to Vica, but told him about that too, hoping he wouldn’t judge her too harshly.

  When she finished, there was a long moment of silence. Aksel looked thoughtful, and Elektra held her breath, praying he didn’t find her too horrible.

  Then he said, “How brave you were, and how very clever, too.”

  Elektra’s insides warmed.

  “A bit wicked too, I must say.” He turned to her with a grin, showing he didn’t mean it. “But I understand why you did that. And of course, I hold to the Quadrene creed, so any vow made on Vica alone shouldn’t be taken too seriously. Everyone knows you must swear on the Holy Family if you really mean it.”

  Something heavy dropped in Elektra’s middle. “You’re a Quadrene? A heretic?” A flush rose over her face, and this time she didn’t try to make it go away.

  Aksel smiled again. “According to my priests, you’re the heretic, although I’m in favor of finding a way to meet in the middle. Just don’t tell my sister.”

  “I …” Elektra wanted to blurt out he must realize how wrong he was, and that he must go to the temple at once, confess his heresy, and receive instruction from a League priestess. “I think you’re wrong,” she said at last.

  “I know,” Aksel said.

  She couldn’t understand how it didn’t bother him. “But can’t you see why you are?” she asked.

  He shook his head. “I wonder that you can’t see your way is wrong.”

  Elektra wanted to be angry, but she was far more sad. She liked Aksel so much, and worried he would be cursed and condemned forever. She forced a smile. “I hope you come to find the truth. I will pray for you.”

  “Thank you.” He seemed most sincere. “And I will pray for you.”

  Elektra worried that a heretic’s prayers might bring something awful down upon her, but hoped she could save him before things went much further. She’d have to consult Livilla.

  She changed the subject, asking Aksel to show her around the laboratory.

  “Your sister and I were working on this,” he said, showing Elektra a peculiar device made of several layers of glass lenses mounted on a thin wooden frame, with an eyepiece at the top.

  “Zofya?” she asked, feeling a surge of jealousy, even though she supposed her sister was far too young to interest Aksel.

  “Yes,” he said, looking sad. “But your mother decided she didn’t want us spending time together.”

  That was even worse. “I wonder why?” Elektra asked as innocently as she could.

  Aksel hesitated, then said, “She was convinced Zofya had developed a crush on me, though I’m sure she was wrong.”

  “Hm,” Elektra said, certain her mother was right. At least she’d stopped it, hopefully before anything happened. “And did you like her too?”

  His laugh reassured her. “Zofya was a good friend, and has an excellent mind. She had such a good idea when I was struggling to put this device together. She remembered a book in the temple library, written by a scientist in Cesiano, which has made all the difference. I’m close to having something I can use. But that’s all it was. I had no intentions toward your sister, and fortunately your mother believed me when I said so. It was bad enough she threw me in the Arnfels when she was having trouble with my brother.”

  Elektra had already heard about that from her maid, and said, “She’s so horrible; I’m sorry she put you through that,” while she tried concealing her annoyance at his admiration for Zofya’s intelligence. She’d always been quick, with an academic bent Elektra didn’t have. She gave Aksel her brightest smile. “You must explain it all to me. I’m sure it’s brilliant. But I must see my mother now. She wants to talk for a while before dinner; no doubt to grill me all about General Mattila’s activities. Will you join us later?”

  “If you’re here, certainly,” Aksel said. “Most of the time I have a tray sent up so I can keep working, but I’d love to help celebrate your return.”

  “Knowing my mother, it won’t be much of a celebration,” Elektra said, all while knowing that having Aksel at her side would be more than enough.

  Braeden

  They made it to the gap ahead of Ensden’s troops, but barely. Trystan had taken care to send scouts in all directions, and they soon heard what the enemy was doing. The gap was less than a day’s march from Birkenfels, but by now they had nearly six thousand soldiers to get through the narrow defile before imperial troops caught up to them.

  Braeden and Trystan hurried ahead to make plans before the rest of the force arrived.

  “Look familiar?” Trystan asked, as they came to a halt at the base of the hill, the road ahead of them disappearing into the dark trees.

  Braeden nodded. “This end looks much like the other. Most likely, the outcroppings go all the way through on both sides of the road, so we can position soldiers along them.”

  “How far to the other side?” They were riding into the forest now, a hundred cavalry troopers at their backs.

  “I don’t know,” Braeden admitted. “We didn’t get in very far before we decided it was best to find another way.”

  Trystan chuckled. “I can’t picture your lot retreating.”

  Braeden hated being reminded of it, though he knew Novitny had made the right decision. And Janna had fallen all over him upon his safe return, which made the whole expedition worthwhile, as far as he was concerned. In fact, that had been the day he became certain they’d spend the rest of their lives together.

  “You all right?” Trystan turned toward him.

  “I’m fine.” Braeden shook his head, banishing that memory. He turned his attention to the rocks rising straight up from the sides of the road. He guessed they stood about twenty feet tall, with plenty of trees and brush growing on top.

  “Perfect for an ambush,” Trystan said. “They can try to shoot back, but they won’t hit much. We’ll do what we can to keep our lot well-hidden. Just because our numbers have increased doesn’t mean I want to lose any more soldiers.”

  “I agree,” Braeden said. They rode in silence until they reached the other side, the road opening out onto flatter land.

  “We can make good time from here,” Trystan said. “Kendryk sent Lennart another message, and with any luck he’ll get here in a few days. Can we hold it that long?”

  “We will,” Braeden said. “We have to.”

  By the time they returned to the western side, the rest of the force had arrived. So had a scout, with worrisome news. “They’re coming down the road along the river, only two leagues from Birkenfels,” she said, her eyes wide. She and her horse were spattered with mud. A gentle rain had fallen for two days, and she’d ridden hard.

  Trystan’s eyes hardened. “How many?”

  Braeden always admired his calm and the steel under it. Those two qualities came together rarely, but when they did, and combined with a keen intelligence, the result was usually a brilliant commander. He hoped Lennart would detect Trystan’s quality, and give him the responsibilities he deserved.

  “Two, three thousand, as far as I could see, though there might be more. They came down the road eight abreast, and I could only see the end of the column from the top of the castle. Those are a lot of stairs
when you’re taking them fast. I’m almost as tired as my horse,” the scout said, dismounting. “Would someone please rub down this poor creature? He’s the only one I’ve got.”

  Trystan waved his hand, and a groom came running to take the horse. He turned to Kendryk. “Will they try for the castle?”

  “We’d be lucky if they did,” Kendryk said. “But I’m sure they’re coming for us instead. They’ve failed so often to take the castle, they’d rather trap us in the open.”

  “They would.” Trystan folded his arms across his chest and scowled. Braeden recognized the posture; he was thinking.

  “We need to move now,” Braeden said. “Send everyone through the gap, Prince Kendryk and Edric Maximus first. No matter what happens, they can’t be caught.”

  Kendryk opened his mouth to protest, but Trystan stopped him. “Commander Terris is right. The two of you must get through to Lennart at all costs. We’ll be right behind you.”

  Kendryk still looked unhappy, but Edric Maximus came up beside him. “Please, Your Grace, the duke is right. Lennart’s success depends on his alliances in Kronland, and they won’t happen without you.”

  Once Kendryk and much of the infantry had disappeared into the gap, Trystan turned to his officers. “I want all pike going in now. And most of the muskets. We won’t need more than six companies, don’t you think?” He turned back to Braeden.

  “That should do it,” Braeden said, though his heart sank as Karil sprang forward.

  “Please, Your Grace,” Karil said to Trystan. “Please let my platoon take the forward position.”

  Braeden opened his mouth to protest, but Karil shot him a pleading look before he spoke. Much as he hated having Karil in harm’s way yet again, he understood. He’d been the same way at that age, when there was nothing worse than the prospect of missing out on the hottest action.

  Trystan grinned. “As long as your captain says it’s all right.” He turned to Captain Rieser, a man Braeden knew held Karil in high regard.