by James Bee
They stepped out of the barracks and into a wave of icy rain, stealing away what little air he had left. As empty as the streets had been the night before, they were full now. Squinting down the road, Gerald could see that a mob had formed. They were standing near the far gate, the one that had been attacked the day before. Judging from the size of the crowd, it looked as though half of the town was there.
“Come on. Let’s go see what new disaster has happened,”Gerald grunted. A few steps down the street, his boot slipped on a wet rock and he would have fallen had Gaul’s arm not been there. Still, it stretched his shoulder and left him gasping in pain. Suddenly he was aware of how he must look. Shambling down the street, being half carried. It wouldn't do. I can’t let them all see me like this. Crippled and shivering in the wind. I’ll look so pathetic, they’ll send someone to finish me off out of pity.
As they approached the crowd, Gerald shrugged off Gaul’s arm, nearly falling on his arse in the process. The young soldier grunted with concern but was waved away. Two deep breaths later and Gerald was ready. Striding forward, he kept his back straight and chin up. The crowd parted for him, whispering. Undoubtedly the word of the attack on him had spread throughout the town. Most likely some of them thought he was dead — or hoped it was true.
Scared faces looked back at him, drawn and gaunt. He did his best to look confident, but all he could muster was a half-smile/half-grimace. People shied away, giving him plenty of space. All around voices were yelling, asking what had happened. Gossip was running wild through the assembly, and a dozen different tales were passed around. Up ahead, a ring of soldiers was pushing the crowd back. As he shuffled closer, Gerald could see that all their faces were pale, and a few looked on the verge of vomiting.
“Let me pass,”Gerald said as one held up a hand to stop him.
“Who are …oh, sorry, my lord. I didn’t recognize you right off. Go on by, some of the other lords are already there,”the soldier said, waving him through. Of course they’re already here. As soon as Gerald passed by their line, the smell hit him. His stomach plummeted, as though weighed down by stones. Passing through the gate, he already knew what would be waiting for him beyond.
Gerald looked for a moment before collapsing to his knees and retching noisily. All the composure he’d recovered fled from him. As his stomach roiled, his mind reeled. It was almost too much to process. Someone came over and helped him up, pressing a waterskin into his hand. Voices were speaking, but he wasn’t listening. The pain was gone, forgotten. All he could do was look. Look and try not to be sick again.
Bodies were scattered on the grass. How many? He couldn’t tell; their parts were mixed and matched. Arms, legs, torsos, and heads were all around, though they were bloodless. As far as he could see, there wasn’t one drop of blood on the grass. How could that be? There must be a half dozen bodies here, maybe more. Gerald tore his eyes away from the scene and looked around him. Half a dozen people stood, staring blankly down at the carnage. Blane, Kayl, and a few other men Gerald only half knew were present. Gerald opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He didn’t know what to do, what to say. The horror was pressing in on him, and the urge to run was overwhelming. Helplessly he looked to Kayl, but his friend looked just as lost as he was. Suddenly Gerald felt young, like a boy. A boy playing at being a man. There should be someone else here. Someone older, someone better. I can’t do this, he thought desperately, backing away slightly.
Suddenly a rough voice rang out, someone pushing through the throng of soldiers. Lucan’s head appeared, screaming something. After a moment, Gerald realized he was yelling at him.
“Let him through,”Gerald said, his tongue feeling thick and hot in his mouth. Lucan strode forward quickly but came to a sudden halt at the scene in front of him. His face twisted, not in horror or disgust but in anger. The more he looked, the angrier his face became.
Rounding on Blane, he screamed,“Were your men asleep on the walls? Could they not hear this happening?”
“I had five men on duty here. They heard nothing. The savages must have dumped the bodies and slunk off,”Blane said, looking taken aback.
“Dumped! Dumped you say! Have you fools no eyes! Can you not see what lies in front of you!”Lucan yelled shrilly. Gerald looked back at the bodies, a wave of nausea hitting him afresh. For a moment all he could see was gore and death. Then it crashed through him like a charging horse. How could I have missed it before!
The bodies were arranged in a half-moon shape. The two ends curved toward the town walls. Gerald’s disgust was replaced by a morbid curiosity. How could they have done this, in the dark no less? A shiver went down his spine as he pictured himself standing guard on the wall, with unseen clansmen mere few feet away.
“I don’t understand. How could this have happened without my men knowing? They aren’t green lads, neither. All have hunted in the woods, seen movement where there was little. It’s impossible!”Blane uttered, almost to himself.
“Your men have grown soft and afraid. No doubt they spent the night cowering safely under the walls,”Lucan said, contempt dripping from his voice. Blane rounded on him, fists balled.
“My men are keeping this town safe! Perhaps you would like to volunteer for tonight’s watch? Think that stick of yours will do much good against a full-blooded Sanish warrior?”Blane retorted.
“Boast all you wish, but your men failed Redstone tonight. What will the people say? Yesterday the barbarians come through our gates unmolested and stole our people. Today they return them to us and leave unchallenged. Some guardians,”Lucan scoffed. Blane took a threatening step toward them, but Gerald held up a hand.
“My lords, please. The day is dark enough without the two of your at each other’s throats,”he said, trying to mask his irritation. Both men nodded, but the anger stayed on their faces. “Lucan, have you seen anything like this before?”
The priest nodded, his jaw set.“Aye, it’s a warning of sorts. More like a promise, I suppose. A taste of what’s to come.” Suddenly the air seemed colder, despite the rising sun.
“What do you mean, a promise?”Kayl croaked, his voice sounding raw. Lucan gestured back at Redstone, sweeping his arms across it.
“A promise of what is going to happen to all of us.”Gerald reeled, thinking of all the people in Redstone sprawled across the field. People who were depending on him to protect them. All them, men, women, children.
Gerald bent over and was sick again. And again. Until his mouth burned and nothing came up but bile. Eyes streaming, he took some water but coughed most of it up. A pounding in his ears was making his head split. Pounding that was deafening, making it impossible to think. Pounding that was …vibrating in the ground?
Gerald straightened sharply, reigniting the fire in his shoulder. Pain that again went forgotten as the sound washed over him. Drums, or something near it, sounding deep in the forest. Far off, Gerald could see birds scattering into the air, disturbed by something. Dread started to build, rising up to choke him. Behind him the sounds reached the crowds, causing cries of dismay to ring out.
“They come,”Lucan said simply, turning to head back into the protection of Redstone’s walls.
26
Chapter 26
"Where are they?”Gerald asked, peering over the wall. “It’s been hours of racket, and we haven’t yet seen so much as a hair.”
“They won’t come this way for some time yet, I reckon,”Blane answered, standing still beside him. The garrison commander hadn’t said much since the drumming had begun. He’d just stood, staring, as the day grew long and passed into a growing darkness. Suppose there isn’t much left to do but wait. Wait and watch. Staring deep into the distant trees, Gerald fancied that he could see shapes moving, weaving in and out of trunks. Any amount of warriors could be hiding behind their dusky limbs.
“How many are out there, you think?”Gerald asked, turning to look at Blane. The older man shook his head and took some time before answering.
; “Sanish are a large clan, as they go. Might be well over a thousand of them, a third of that fighters. Men and women. They’d have to leave some behind to guard their lands. So maybe two hundred, fifty more if they were feeling risky.”Gerald’s spirits sank a little lower.
“We have about a hundred between us. Plus the guild’s men,”Gerald said. Outnumbered two to one. Could be worse.
“The guild won’t fight for us. Rolan and his ilk hate Redstone. Hate what it represents. They’d rather they be alone up here to control the whole bloody forest. If Redstone is attacked they won’t come,”Blane said, shaking his head.
“They have to! We made a deal. We’ve half their gold here! If Redstone falls, the Sanish will seize it,”Gerald protested hotly. He’d made the deal. They had to uphold it — they had to. If not, he’d look worse than a fool.
“Aye. It’ll make the Sanish the richest clan in the mountains. With it they can buy all the steel-forged weapons and horses they need to conquer the other clans. If Redstone falls, they will rise from our ashes the most powerful tribe in decades. They’ll be nearly impossible to beat back. No one is going to be fool enough to march an army into these woods,”Blane said dully.
“Not with the kingdom’s forces stretched as they are. If they take the mine, too, they’ll be even more powerful. The Crown needs that forged steel. Badly. They would have to barter with the Sanish for it.”Gerald’s head was spinning. If Redstone fell, it could be a disaster for the whole realm. The blame for which would fall squarely on his head. The bastard Gerald, killed in the mountains by some backward savages. The shame of it would be immense. Although I won’t be around to suffer it.
“Aye. No hope that the queen will send more men then?”Blane asked, grimacing as though he already knew the answer.
Gerald shook his head sadly.“Not much. Honestly, I’m surprised that they sent as many as they did. Might be that they knew there might be some trouble.”
“Damn. I suppose we should we grateful with what we got. Though I’d feel much better if another company of men came out of the trees right about now,”Blane said.
“Kayl’s men are among the best in the army. Well trained, seasoned, brave. They’ll be more than a match for any woodsman.”Gerald tried to raise his own confidence with bluster.
“Aye. They seem like they know their business. Honestly, it’s my own men that I’m worried about.”The words came slowly, as though each one caused him pain. “Most haven’t seen any combat, and the ones that have are many years past their prime. Haven’t had the gold to outfit them properly either. They’ll fight like demons to protect their families, but it might not be enough.”Gerald glanced sharply at the old soldier.
“Why hasn’t the guild supplied you with weapons?”he asked. Blane spat, as angry a spit as Gerald had ever seen.
“Excuses and promises. That’s all that Rolan has given us. He says the Crown buys up all the steel. That there’s none left over for us.”
“Arsehole! Well-made weapons might make all the difference!”Gerald said.
“Maybe. Maybe. Hope and morale will be much more valuable, I think. Folks are already scared half to death. They’re poised on a knife’s edge, ready to panic. I’m going to go do some walking about, try to calm them as much as I can.”Gerald nodded. Blane patted him on the shoulder as he walked away, making him wince in pain. Shocked, Gerald watched him leave. I guess the threat of impending death makes someone reconsider who their enemies are.
Lights in the distance caught his attention. Orange balls, bobbing up and down in the woods. As he watched, more and more appeared, spreading rapidly. Farther and farther the torches went, until the forest was awash with them. Then they began to wave back and forth. Mystified, Gerald stared out at them. What are they doing?
“That’s a pretty sight.”Orland appeared at his side, gazing out into the flickering darkness.
“Aye. How nice of them to put of a show for us,”Kayl said, standing on his other side.
“Probably some ritual or another. Lucan is sure to be frothing at the mouth somewhere,”Gerald replied. He felt braver for his friends’ presence; they made the situation seem less dire.
“Our churches could do with a little torch-waving. Might lighten them up a bit,”Orland said thoughtfully. Gerald snorted, shaking his head.
“I’ll suggest it next time I see the high priest. Where were you two? Figured you at least would be passed out drunk somewhere, eh Orland,”Gerald asked.
“Can’t risk it. Might be an attack at any point, and Redstone needs my leadership,”Orland said, puffing out his chest.
“We checked the defences and did an inventory of all weapons,”Kayl said, his tone dark.
“That bad? If we have any blades to spare, send them to Blane. The garrison needs them something desperate,”Gerald said.
Kayl nodded tersely. “No doubt we’ll have more swords than people to wield them before the end. From what I hear, these clansmen aren’t going to go away easy,”the big knight said.
“I bet they didn't expect to find fifty of the king’s finest waiting for them,”Orland said, waving his hand at the lights.
“No. I’d wager my life that they know everything that is going on in Redstone,”Gerald said quietly. “They have people within our walls. Spreading fear, attacking the guards, digging up corpses. The mayor dies just before they arrive. A man who was a bitter enemy of the clans. It can’t be a coincidence that the cult pops up just before the Sanish attack. They’re trying to intimidate the people of Redstone, drive them away.”
“But why? Why would anyone here help them?”Kayl asked. Gerald shook his head, wishing he had more answers.
“I had Fletcher ask around, looking into anything suspicious, but he found little. Only enough to lead me to the empty grave,”Gerald said.
“I still don’t understand why you keep him around. A man threatens me, and I don’t take him on as an advisor,”Kayl said. His critical tone made Gerald flush.
“He was just being protective of Wylliam. Most likely he’s used to having to defend him. Fletcher’s given me nothing but good advice and stood up for me against Blane. I don’t have enough friends to go around refusing any,”Gerald said, struggling to keep his tone from being defensive.
“I just don’t like it is all. He’s trying to use you. He must be. Or trying to get something from you. All these bastards have been trying to shove you out or push you around since you got here. Why would he take your side? If not to gain some sort of advantage against the others,”Kayl said.
“My foe’s enemy is my ally. Like it or not, but I need Fletcher. I need someone who can advise me, someone who knows this place,”Gerald said.
“Aye. I just don’t trust him is all,”Kayl said simply.
“What do you think, Orland?”Gerald asked, glancing sideways at his friend. Orland looked uncharacteristically sombre.
“I agree with Kayl. Fletcher would put a knife in your back if he thought he could get away with it. I don’t trust him, and you shouldn’t either. Send him back to babysit the brat. That’s my advice,”the young nobleman answered. Gerald felt annoyance flash red hot in him. He wanted to scream at them, scream that he was the mayor, he was in charge. Why must everyone question me! Even my friends don’t trust my judgement! Swallowing his anger, Gerald took a few breaths before replying.
“I’ll keep an eye on him. Until he gives me a reason to doubt him, I won’t send him away,”Gerald said. His friends nodded, but it was easy to tell they had more to say. Gerald was thankful for their silence; his temper was growing harder and harder to control these days. Sooner or later it would strike out and draw blood.
“How’s your shoulder?”Kayl asked.
“It hurts, but I feel much better than I did this morning. Nearly passed out just walking down the street,”Gerald replied. Truth be told, his shoulder was burning, a stinging pain that flared anytime he bumped it.
“You must be growing soft, too used to town life. To let someone get the jump
on you like that,”Orland said, raising his hand to punch Gerald in the arm but thankfully thinking better of it.
“Spent too much time with you. It’s dulled my senses to the point of no return. Any luck figuring out who sent him?”Gerald asked. Kayl shook his head, fists clenched.
“Nothing for certain. Only a hunch,”the big knight replied. When he didn’t elaborate, Gerald raised his eyebrows at him.
“Lucan was attacked too. Or one of his priests was, though I think Lucan was the real target. Man was waiting in his chambers, same as you. Only he didn’t know Lucan doesn't sleep in his chambers. The maniac sleeps on a mat in the church. Poor bastard snuck in to his room so he could sleep on the soft bed. Got his throat cut instead.”Gerald’s mind reeled as he came to the obvious conclusion.
“The cult! It would have to be connected. We’re both attacked the day I decide to hunt down its members! Was there anything in the man’s pockets to give us any clues?”Gerald asked.
Again Kayl shook his head.“Nothing but a sack of gold in his pocket. No one seemed to know who he was. Or they’re saying they don’t.”
“How can that be! Redstone isn’t that big! It’s not like he could have walked in from another town!”Orland protested.
“Could have been from the mine, or a hunter who just arrived from the wilds. Lots of people would take that kind of gold just to swing an axe at someone,”Kayl answered.
“He wasn’t very good. If he’d had even a little training, you’d be burying me next to the priest,”Gerald mused. Given the day’s events, he hadn’t given much thought to what had happened the night before. Been pushing it from his mind, more like. Who sent the man? Is Kayl right? Could the cult be after me?
“Surrounded on the outside, plenty of enemies on the inside. We’re lying on the anvil, about ready to be hammered,”Kayl said, looking out at the wavering display of torches.