Jericho felt a pang at each death. These were likely family men, yet the fate of the world was at stake, and they would receive their reward in the heavens. Quindil charged forward, a shield strapped to his stump and sword drawn. His men flanked him either side, and Reena took the rear with a second wave of soldiers. The small troop of soldiers looked pitiful in comparison to double their number that was guarding the exit.
Behind protective barriers made from sharpened stakes, guards stood ready with long spears, and behind them, a row of soldiers provided a wall of steel. Jericho had spotted a weakness in their tactics, and he would capitalise on this. The King had not covered the exit with archers, and that meant Jericho’s men could get in close and fight hand to hand without fear of death from above.
A clash of steel and roars of men in battle reached the ears of Coinin and the others hidden behind the wall. Coinin stuck his head above the top of the wall and, to his horror, he saw that a new unit of the King’s men had skirted the fallen statues and was advancing stealthily on Jericho and his men. A giant of a man in full battle armour headed the group, and he looked terrifying.
Coinin dropped down and beckoned to Hur’al, Aniol, and Draken. ‘We have to do something; there’s more soldiers sneaking up behind Jericho. They’re sitting ducks out there.’
‘I don’t know what we can do; we’re not soldiers. Well, Aniol is, but she’s a girl,’ Draken responded, ignoring Aniol’s glare.
Axl crept up to them and dug into his bag. ‘I might have just the thing in here somewhere,’ he said and pulled out a spherical object made from brass. ‘Ah yes, this is it.’
‘What is it?’ Coinin asked puzzled, and a little worried that they might be wasting time.
‘This is a device of my own design. It should give General Jericho advance warning of the attackers from the rear and buy him some time.’ Even in the dim light, the glint in Axl’s eye was evident.
‘We don’t have time for your toys, boy,’ Draken snapped.
‘It is not a toy. Watch!’ With that, Axl stood up in full view of the approaching soldiers. With a click, he twisted and pulled the device apart with his hands. An almost invisible seam that ran the circumference opened and elongated the device. He aimed and tossed the contraption in front of the soldiers who stalled at the sight of it as it came to rest with a clatter before them. Within seconds, a choking mass of black smoke erupted from it with great force and created an almost impenetrable barrier that stretched from one side of the street to the other.
The soldiers were reduced to coughing and spluttering, many falling to their knees with eyes that streamed tears as the thick, acrid smoke blinded them.
‘We can’t stay here, we have to move,’ Coinin announced, aware that the smoke was headed their way, borne along by a light breeze. ‘We have to reach Jericho.’
Hur’al and Noxin hopped over the wall, assisting Archmage Menin. Next were Coinin, Axl and Draken. Aniol took up the rear and drew her sword. The small group raced to Jericho’s position just as the hulking giant of a soldier emerged from the black smoke cloud.
He gave a defiant cry and thundered towards Aniol with speed, despite the fact that he wore thick steel armour. He was armed to the teeth and had his sights set firmly on her.
‘General, help!’ Aniol cried, not taking her eyes from the approaching mass.
Jericho swung to face the new threat and couldn’t contain his own thoughts. ‘Dear God!’ he said, awed by the sheer size of the giant attempting to slice Aniol with his sword.
Aniol ducked and dived; thankfully she was quicker than her attacker. Jericho wasted no time and ordered his archers to provide assistance. They had released a dozen arrows before one struck home. It hit the gigantic assailant through his visor’s eye slit. A howl issued forth from the helmet, and he wrenched the steel dome from his head. A greenish, brown face with large canine teeth snarled at them. He reached up and snapped off the arrow that had embedded itself in his left eye. Done, he looked for the one who had blinded him.
An Orc that explains a lot, Jericho thought.
The Orc sideswiped Aniol, and she landed heavily on the cobbled street. He was no longer interested in the small female and stormed forward to punish the archer who had claimed his eye. With his sword, he batted away further incoming arrows with frightening precision.
Jericho stepped between the Orc and his men and prepared to take on the giant. Their swords clashed sending sparks flying. Each blow was unlike anything Jericho had encountered before. It was as if several men had swung at him to meet his swipes simultaneously, and he buckled to his knees.
Coinin had seen enough. Jericho was no use to him dead. He knelt and touched the wet cobbles, feeling their cold, and prepared to soak up the energy that the ground gave out. He didn’t have much time—he would utilise what energy he could to stop this monster killing his General.
Menin had taught him a simple to execute spell among many, easy enough for him to accomplish on his own. It had been inspired by the winter that shrouded them, and he would use the cold to his advantage.
Jericho, to his surprise, was joined by Draken and was now fending off blows from the Orc until his staff broke and he fell to the floor with a grunt.
The ground under Coinin’s hand began to glow a light blue that grew in intensity with every passing second. Just a few more moments, he silently pleaded.
Jericho’s energy was spent, and his sword dropped with a clatter to the ground just as the Orc raised his to strike.
Aniol, sufficiently recovered, limped up behind the Orc and struck at his flesh with her sword, slicing the back of his knee. He roared in pain and swung to meet his attacker.
Again he raised his sword, though Aniol was too quick for him, and she dived between his legs.
‘Enough!’ Coinin yelled. He was aglow with a blue aura, and everyone in the vicinity looked on in wonder.
The Orc turned and cocked his head at the boy before him. He let out a great laugh and pointed his sword at Coinin. ‘You die first.’
Coinin prayed to Rindor that his spell would work; he had never turned blue before and hoped he had not performed the first part incorrectly.
The giant limped towards him with a determined look in his eye. Coinin stood resolute, waiting. After another few steps, Coinin once more dropped to his knee and placed his hand on the ground. He uttered aloud the spell Menin had painstakingly taught him, ‘phanask aquanoh,’ and with a rush of air, a stream of water snaked its way from Coinin’s hand and surrounded the giant. Almost instantly, the water began to freeze, and as it rose up the legs of the Orc, it immobilised him. Within seconds, thick ice was up to his neck. At that point Coinin ceased casting the magic and collapsed in a heap, his energy diminished
Aniol helped Coinin to his feet, and together they trudged towards the exit gate. Curses and threats from the frozen Orc followed them.
‘We need to move quickly; the spell won’t last,’ Coinin gasped.
Aniol hastened, and soon Axl joined her. Together they assisted Coinin to the exit. To their surprise, The Order’s soldiers had defeated the King’s guards, of which a few had surrendered and sat tied to each other outside of their guardhouse.
Jericho looked exhausted and brightened slightly as he saw the victory his men had acquired. He trailed his sword on the ground behind him, and it bumped on the cobbles as he went. Menin and Zaruun took this as the opportunity to move from their hiding spot.
Lieutenant Lifor raced up to Jericho. She looked horrific, with blood spattering her breastplate, arms and face.
‘Is any of that yours?’ Jericho asked, alarmed.
‘No, thankfully I’m too quick. Although I could sleep for a week. The King’s men are well trained,’ Reena puffed.
‘We will rest when we are free from the clutches of this city. Reena, get that gate open,’ Jericho ordered. ‘Have the men cut the counterweight ropes once we are free of the city and tell them to make their escape over the wall.’
She saluted and bolted away, calling her subordinates to her.
Jericho joined Coinin. ‘That was a fantastic show you put on there, Curator. Can I ask, where did that smoke come from?’
‘The smoke was Axl’s stroke of genius,’ Coinin praised. ‘One of his inventions.’
Jericho looked at Axl with pride and clapped him on the back. ‘And here I thought your inventing was stuff and nonsense. You and I must talk about what other inventions you might have that could help us win this war.’
Axl beamed at the older man and glanced at Aniol who nodded approvingly. ‘Thank you, General, it would be my pleasure,’ he smiled.
‘Good. Oh, I see Reena has the gate open for us. Let’s go, Laliala,’ Jericho gestured.
‘Just as well; look.’ Draken pointed to the remainder of the soldiers who had been delayed by the smoke attack. They had beaten back the barrier and now raced towards them, looking puzzled and worried as each passed their frozen leader.
The battered and beaten group made their way under the daunting city gatehouse, bypassing the portcullis that had been raised just enough to allow them to escape. On orders from Reena, the gate weights were cut, and they crashed into the ground, sending the portcullis thudding into its recesses with a crunch of dirt.
Safe behind it, they sighed in relief. It took no time at all to unbolt the main gate and slip outside. Above them, two men made their escape from the gate tower using a long rope thrown over the wall.
Hur’al gave a low whistle, and they heard a response in return. Seconds later, two dark carriages drew up and Hur’al urged them inside. ‘Quickly now, there may be troops making their way here from the other city gates.’
It was crowded inside the carriages, though it was a relief to be heading away from the city and its tyrant King.
THE ICE BREAKER
The escapees were holed up in a barn on the outskirts of a farm belonging to a friend of Hur’al’s. It was still dark and the first hint of morning breached the horizon. They had eaten a meagre meal of rations they had brought with them; key provisions were already on route to Hur’al’s ship.
‘Let me assure you, gentlemen, that you are safe here. My men will guard you while you sleep,’ Hur’al reassured.
Jericho shook his head. ‘I’m sorry Hur’al—I cannot entrust the safety of everyone here to a pirate.’
Hur’al looked hurt. ‘You seriously think I would risk the safety of my sister?’
Jericho opened his mouth to retort and prompted Coinin to step between the men.
‘Of course, he doesn’t, Hur’al. We would be grateful for any and all assistance you can offer.’
‘I must object, Curator.’
‘Object if you must General. You will rest alongside your soldiers while Hur’al’s men stand guard. That is an order,’ Coinin finished. ‘Besides, the Archmage has Zaruun to watch over her.’
Jericho was silenced, and Coinin could see he was not happy about the decision. He did, however, salute and retreat into the darkness of the barn where Coinin was confident that he would remain vigilant to danger.
‘Thank you, Hur’al,’ Coinin smiled.
‘It’s my pleasure. If there is nothing else, I suggest you get some rest.’
Coinin watched the pirate leave the barn and then he curled up safe and warm in a bed made from straw. Aniol was laid next to him, propped up on her elbow and watching him curiously.
‘That’s the first time you’ve exercised your authority to Jericho. He didn’t look too pleased about it,’ Aniol observed.
‘He’ll get over it. He just needs a good night’s sleep. How is Axl coping?’
Aniol took a glance at the sleeping Axl. ‘He’s fine, he’s talked non-stop about his inventions since we got here, but at least the General was listening.’
Coinin yawned loudly. ‘Well, see you in the morning.’
‘Night,’ replied Aniol, yawning herself.
❖
Marrok had been led outside into the sunshine and was permitted a little freedom for the first time in months. He was guarded from a distance, though content to walk and contemplate his future. He had a choice: freely join Lordich in his campaign to conquer The Brotherhood or remain a prisoner for the remainder of his life.
The choice was clear. He needed to fool Lordich into thinking he was working for him and plot an escape. Lordich had already tried unsuccessfully over the past months to control his mind with magic. Knowing of the difficulty, he pondered how he could convince Lordich that he was ready to do his bidding.
A mighty roar broke his peace, and a great green dragon smashed its way through the roof of its stable, clawed its way through the debris and took flight. A hapless figure dangled helplessly from the dragon’s harness, caught in a loop of leather around his ankle. After the dragon had gained height, the man’s foot slipped from the loop, and he fell. A sickening thud ended his life as he hit rocks far below.
‘That’s the second dragon we’ve lost this week,’ said Lordich with a sigh.
Marrok had not heard the wizard approach and jumped slightly. He noted Lordich’s lack of concern for the dead man.
‘We’ve lost our dragon wrangler you see, and finding good help is so hard to come by,’ Lordich continued.
Marrok had a sneaking suspicion that things were unravelling for Lordich, and that left him open to manipulation.
‘Perhaps I could help with the dragons. They are fascinating creatures,’ Marrok offered, in the hope, Lordich would take the bait.
Lordich cocked his head and held Marrok in a probing stare. He remained silent for a minute, his gaze unmoving.
Marrok started to feel uncomfortable, yet he held the eye contact. ‘I see now that there is no use resisting you, so why make things difficult for myself,’ he felt compelled to add.
Lordich laughed and patted Marrok on the back. ‘Then we shall call it a test. You may care for the dragons. However, you will remain under guard at all times. Do not make me regret my decision.’
❖
Coinin woke, bleary eyed and tousle-haired. He yawned and sat up with a stretch. Around him, soldiers slept. He did not blame them, they had earned the rest. Jericho, he saw, was alert as ever. He sat in the doorway of the barn and polished his sword.
He turned to see Aniol awake and hunting for food in their ration sacks. He stood and walked over to her.
She turned at his approach and gave him a wide smile, and held a side of salted pork aloft. ‘Grub’s up,’ she said.
‘I could eat that whole thing myself,’ Coinin confessed.
‘Sadly this has to stretch amongst us all. At least until we reach Hur’al’s ship.’
‘Does the farmer not have provisions we can use?’
‘Hur’al says the farmer is destitute and has barely enough to feed his own family.’
‘Then the temple shall recompense him for our stay. Who holds the purse strings?’
‘Technically it should be you. But since you were incapacitated, I took the liberty of holding onto the gold for you.’ Aniol patted her waist bag.
‘Can you see to it that the farmer is paid fairly?’ Coinin asked.
‘Right away.’
As Aniol hastened to leave, Coinin placed a hand on her arm. ‘After breakfast will be sufficient.’
She relaxed and reached into the sacks holding the provisions they had brought with them and extracted several ripe melons. ‘At least we have something to compensate for the salted pork. I detest the stuff.’
‘It’s all I lived on for years,’ Coinin said, patting his stomach. ‘I’m used to it. But I do have to say that the temple has spoiled me a little, and my waistline is growing by the day.’
‘I should hope so. What a skinny little thing you were when I first saw you,’ Aniol grinned.
‘As were you, I recall. If memory serves me correctly, your armour was far too big for you.’
They both laughed raucously and attracted the attention of several men who were attempting to slee
p. Their faces were a picture of annoyance, and that just made the giggles worse.
❖
Night had drawn in and with it a cold wind. Hur’al addressed all that had assembled in the barn. Lanterns that lit up the interior swayed in a chill breeze that forced everyone to wrap up warm.
‘We’ve probably picked the worst night to make this journey. This damned winter isn’t letting up. The ground is as hard as a rock, and when it's like that, I’ve learnt that the coves around here are often frozen solid. That poses a problem in that my ship isn’t going anywhere anytime soon,’ Hur’al said apologetically.
Coinin kicked a straw bale near him in frustration and immediately regretted his action. His ankle seared with pain and he had to sit down. He rubbed it and avoided Aniol’s eye. She pursed her lips and shook her head at him in disapproval.
Axl, although shy, boldly stepped forward and raised a hand in the air. Hur’al beckoned that he should join him, and Axl did so. He kicked at the dust underfoot and did not look at those gathered. He whispered something to Hur’al who then looked at him strangely.
‘Are you certain?’ he asked.
Axl nodded and swiftly retreated into the obscurity of the gathered.
‘Well, it seems that your brother Axl is keen to try a new contraption he has devised. It will help break up the ice. While I find out more, I suggest everyone get ready for departure.’
Hur’al stepped away from the crowd and looked for Axl. He spotted him leaning against a wooden beam that held up the barn, and he went to join him.
‘Axl, would you please tell me more about this contraption of yours?’
The Aduramis Chronicles: Volumes 1-3: The Definitive Collection Page 51