"It's a cool evening," interrupted a voice, and Gerald turned to see Beverly approaching.
"What are you doing up here?" asked Gerald.
"I could ask you the same question," retorted the knight. "Had enough of the celebrations?"
"It's a strange custom," he replied, "celebrating a man's life when he's dead."
"It's what they do," she exclaimed. "They don't mourn the same as us. Perhaps it's better this way, remembering people the way they were, not the way they died."
"They'll regret it in the morning," he predicted.
"The princess told me you'd be up here. Do you come up here a lot?"
"Lately, I do. It's quiet up here. I can organize my thoughts."
"Which are?" she pressed.
"Something's wrong here. I can feel it. Something big's about to happen, but I can't tell you what that is."
"Are you sure? Perhaps someone just had it out for the earl, a rival perhaps?"
"We only just met the earl, but he seemed like a nice enough person. Perhaps that's the problem. There are far too few people like him in the world; we can't afford to lose even one. It irks me."
"It irks you? You're beginning to sound like my father."
"I'll take that as a compliment," he said.
In the distance there was a call, and they turned their attention to the bluff that overlooked the city from the east bank of the river.
"Something's going on," observed Beverly.
"That's just the changing of the guard at the watchtower," explained Gerald. "You can make out the soldiers chatting."
"Why do they use spears up there?" Beverly asked. "I would have thought a sword easier to carry."
"If an enemy soldier is climbing a cliff, it's the perfect weapon; easier to stab down with a spear than a sword."
"I hadn't thought of that," she mused.
"See? I can still teach you a thing or two about fighting."
"I never doubted it, Gerald."
"Do you miss Bodden?" he asked.
"I miss my father, and Aldwin, but no. I've come to see this group as my family. I've found my purpose in life, and I'm quite happy."
"I'm glad to hear you say so," said Gerald. "I feel the same way, but if you tell anyone, I'll deny it."
Beverly laughed, "So be it, Gerald. You shall retain your reputation as the grumpy old man. Now, it's getting late, you should be to bed.
Gerald touched her forearm as she was about to leave. "Look," he said, pointing north.
All across the northern part of the city, tiny lights appeared, flickering, and then began rising into the air.
"They're little paper lanterns," explained Gerald. "I saw them preparing some earlier today. They put a candle in the bottom, and then float them up into the sky."
"It's breathtaking," observed Beverly. "What's their purpose?"
"To guide the spirit of a loved one to the Afterlife," he explained.
They watched the lights as they rose higher and began making their way inland. One by one the tiny flames flickered and died as they burned out or were snuffed out by the wind. The sky finally returned to its raven hue.
"It's a bad portend," said Gerald.
"How so?"
"Not one candle stayed lit. Something is coming, something that will snuff the life out of this city, I can smell it in the air."
"That's just the smell of the sea, Gerald."
"It smells different tonight, I can't explain it."
"Is there something we should do to prepare?"
"Like what? We can't prepare when we don't know what's coming. Perhaps in the morning I'll have a better idea."
They left the wall, but Beverly took precautions before turning in for the night, posting extra guards on the princess.
Thirty-Four
Trouble
Spring 961 MC
The early morning sun broke through the clouds, sending streaks of light down as if the Gods were watching them. Gerald was up early, Tempus in tow, walking the wall to give the great beast's legs a stretch. He noticed the morning guard on the bluffs, looking down over the city, their swords gleaming in the early morning light. He nodded to a garrison soldier as he passed, the man giving the mastiff a wide berth. Gerald leaned against the parapet, gazing over the sea. Tempus, intrigued by this action, rose up on his rear legs to join him.
"That's the sea, Tempus," he explained. "That's where you come from, across the water."
As if in agreement, Tempus barked.
Gerald laughed, patting the dog's head. It was beautiful up here, so peaceful; he was sad to think that they would have to leave. They must return to Merceria soon, he knew, for the princess was due back in Wincaster by the end of summer and there were many miles to traverse to get there.
Tempus barked again, and this time he heard a warning tone.
"What is it, boy? What is it you see?"
Gerald gazed over the water, cursing his eyes for not being as perceptive as they once were. "You there!" he yelled at a soldier.
The man turned at the shout.
"Come here, quickly," he called.
The soldier ran over, eager to please. "Yes, sir?"
"Look out there," he commanded. "What do you see?"
The soldier looked over the parapet, shading his eyes from the morning sun. "Sails!" he cried in surprise. "So many sails!"
"Sound the alarm," ordered Gerald. "We're under attack."
The soldier ran down the wall toward the nearest tower. It would likely be noon by the time the ships were in range, but Gerald wanted to make sure everything was in place. He was suddenly struck by his earlier observance of the guards on the bluff, and berated himself for not investigating further; they should have had spears not swords.
He looked to the cliff to see a streak of flame shoot through the sky, landing in the city. The soldiers were still there, watching the city, but someone had wheeled up catapults to the edge of the bluff and now missile after missile began to rain down on Riversend.
"I should have known," he cursed out loud. "We have to get to the manor, they need to know."
He ran toward the tower, Tempus in hot pursuit.
* * *
The manor was a beehive of activity by the time Gerald arrived. He found Anna in the great hall, along with Alric and his advisors. They had a map spread out on a table and were making defensive plans.
"They've taken the bluffs," announced Gerald as he entered.
"So we've gathered," said Alric. "They've set fire to a good portion of the city."
Gerald made a quick scan of the map. "What's been done so far?" he asked.
"We've ordered the evacuation of the docks," said Alric. "Once everyone is through, we'll close the gates."
"Then what?" asked Gerald.
Alric looked at the seasoned veteran, "We were just discussing that. I was hoping you might have some suggestions."
Gerald looked to Anna, who nodded.
"Let me see," he muttered, more to himself. "Those catapults will cause havoc. Any idea how they got there?"
"They must have climbed the cliffs," suggested Anna.
"Impossible," exclaimed Alric. "The guards would have seen them."
"Not if the guards were in on it," said Anna.
Alric looked at her with a stunned expression.
"It only makes sense, Alric. And the timing is too coincidental. The earl dies, and one day later a fleet arrives? They've caught you at your most vulnerable."
"The walls should hold them," he announced.
"They won't," said Gerald. "If they were smart enough to take the bluffs, they'll have a plan to get in."
"I've sent Hayley to spy out the fleet," added Anna. "Perhaps she can provide more information."
"You've been in a siege before, Gerald," said Alric. "What can we expect."
"Nothing nice, Your Highness. The bombardment alone will play havoc with the city. It'll also make it tough to move troops around."
"But we don't know who we c
an trust!" exclaimed Alric. "If treachery was involved, we could be putting ourselves further at risk."
"We can't let that paralyze us, Alric," said Anna. "You must use the people you trust."
Alric looked around the room, taking the measure of those assembled.
"What shall we do, Highness?" asked a noble.
Alric stared at the map for a moment before answering. "Gerald, I'm putting you in charge of the defenses. You've seen this type of thing before, I trust your judgement."
"Yes, Highness," he agreed.
"Anna, I need a word in private." The prince continued, "Please come with me."
They stepped into the hallway and Alric looked around to make sure they were alone.
"Someone here has betrayed the crown," he said at last, "but I still need somebody to look into it. You have people you can trust to carry this out?"
"Of course, Alric. What shall I do if I find them?"
"Do whatever you feel is best, I'll support your decision. This is war, we have no time for courts."
"Understood," she acknowledged. "I'll get people on it right away. What will you do?"
"I'll see what Gerald thinks is best. If nothing else, I can command my own guard."
"Be careful, Alric, your life is important to me."
"As yours is to me," he said.
* * *
Gerald was pointing at the map. "The trouble is here," he said, pointing to the cliffs. "If we can't dislodge them from the bluffs, they'll burn this city to the ground."
"I can take the knights and sweep them clear," offered Beverly. "We will exit by the north gate and climb the slope from across the river."
"I like the idea," confirmed Gerald, "but I'm going to need you here, Beverly, there'll be lots of work once they break the gate."
"What makes you think they'll break the gate?" asked Captain Fraser.
"They wouldn't have sailed all this way without a plan, Captain. I don't know how they'll do it, but they'll break the gate and then flood into the city."
He turned his attention back to the redheaded knight. "Who's best qualified to lead the knights, after you, Beverly?"
"Dame Hayley," she responded.
"Send her with the rest of the knights."
"So few?" said Arnim.
"They've likely never faced heavily armoured riders before," explained Gerald. "The knights should have a tremendous advantage."
"I'll go with them," offered Revi, "I might be of some use?"
"Very well," ordered Gerald, "but Aubrey stays here, we'll need to set up a place for wounded."
"Yes, Commander," responded the young apprentice.
"The main roads all run from the three gates toward the manor. Beverly, I want you to gather the troops. You'll build barricades here, here and here." He stabbed down with his finger to indicate their positions.
"You can't do that," complained Captain Fraser. "We need the men for the wall. How else will we repel invaders?"
"The invaders are coming in ships," Gerald said. "It would require very tall ladders to scale those walls. I doubt such things would be easy to carry aboard ship."
"Then we can use the walls to fire down on them," the captain declared.
"Unfortunately, that won't work. Whoever designed this city did a bad job of building these gates. The walls don't provide flanking fire, they're too straight, so it leaves the gates vulnerable. They'd also be easy to pick off from the bluffs, or had you forgotten they're in the hands of the enemy?"
The captain fell silent.
"Beverly, as soon as Hayley gets back from the wall have her gather the knights and get to the cliffs, we must stop those catapults."
"What can I do?" asked Alric.
"I need you to assemble whatever cavalry you have here. We'll hold them in reserve, they'll form the counter-attack."
"When will that be?" he asked.
"We won't know for sure until we see the attacking force in more detail."
"Captain Fraser, I want you down at the Traders Gate. Hold it for as long as you can, but pull back at the first indication of a breach. I don't want you being swamped. You'll pull back to this barricade."
"I must object," said the captain, turning to Prince Alric.
"You have your orders, Captain. I placed Commander Matheson in charge, I expect you to follow his orders as if I gave them myself."
The captain closed his mouth, stunned by the response.
"Be about your business, Captain," said Alric. "We all have our parts to play."
Captain Fraser stormed from the room.
Gerald spotted Anna; she had called over Arnim and was talking to him in hushed tones. He waited until the guard captain left, and then wandered over while others examined the map in more detail.
"Where's Lily?" he asked.
"She's in her room," said Anna. "Do you think you'll need her?"
"Not yet, but she may prove useful. Do you remember the battle at Colbridge?"
"Of course, I remember everything."
"If things get desperate, we might need her ability to mask our retreat."
"Are things that bad?" she asked, worry lines furrowing her brow.
"No, not yet, but I suspect the invaders will have a trick or two up their sleeves. We must plan for all eventualities. I'm afraid we're going to need your household guard to man the barricades."
"I'll order them to report to Beverly, but I've got Arnim busy with something else."
"I noticed," he confirmed. "I assume he's looking into the betrayal?"
"He is, though I'd rather not go into details here, there are too many people present."
"Fair enough," he responded, "but let me know if you find anything."
"What can I do, Gerald? I feel so useless right now."
He put his hands on her shoulders, "I need you to help Aubrey. No one here really knows her, and we need a station for the wounded. You're a royal, people will listen to you. Take Tempus with you and pick a spot out of the reach of those catapults, if you can."
"Aye, Commander," she replied.
Gerald returned to the map, wondering if he was doing all he could?
Arnim quietly closed the door behind him, leaving the rest to plot the defense of the city. To him had fallen the task of identifying the traitor who had allowed this invasion plan to proceed. But where to begin?
"Arnim?"
Recognizing the voice, he turned to see Lady Nicole.
"What is it?" he asked in irritation.
"Where are you going?" she queried.
"I don't have time to explain, I've important work to do."
"Let me come with you," she begged. "You know I can be useful."
He paused for a moment, trying to read her face.
"Come on, Arnim, let me help. The princess has no use for me anymore. I don't fit in with the servants, and I'm not trusted by the rest of her party. You know I have skills you can use."
"Very well," he said at last. "Come with me."
Turning, he set off at a fast pace, Lady Nicole struggling to catch up.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"Someone around here is working against the Weldwyn Crown. It's time we had a look at them in more detail."
"How do we do that?"
"We're going to look in their quarters, wherever those may be."
"Isn't that dangerous?" she asked.
"Not at the moment, they're all busy with the siege, but we have to investigate as quickly as possible.
Dame Hayley Chambers looked out from the tower atop of the Traders Gate. The enemy fleet was much clearer now, and she estimated over one hundred ships would soon be within range. She looked on in fascination as one of the largest ships came into view; it was a gigantic barge pulled by the largest creature the ranger had ever seen. Its long neck extended out of the water far higher than the ship's deck. There were chains fashioned to a ring about its neck which ran back to the barge where a man in coloured robes stood upon the forecastle, gesticulating,
no doubt controlling the beast.
Behind him, Hayley saw the flat deck holding a number of large catapults. Even as she watched, the barge surged forward, only to begin a wide turn, presenting its side to the city. Without warning, flames erupted from torches evenly spaced along the vessel, and then the missiles in the catapults were lit on fire. Even from this distance she could hear the sound as the catapults fired, the fiery globes hurtling toward the shore, leaving a sooty trail of smoke as they crashed against the wall, shaking it down to the foundations. She knew it would take a few ranging shots to get their aim adjusted, and so she waited, taking in as much detail as she could in the time she had.
Another barge appeared, following the path of the first and once again a strange massive creature towed the payload. She watched as a plethora of smaller vessels, shallow draft boats with ranks of oars and their decks packed with men, rowed forward, quickly outdistancing their slower cousins.
One more shot hit the wall, and then Hayley was gone, rushing down the tower to make her way back to the command centre.
Hayley rode up to the manor, pushing her mount as much as she could. She recognized Dame Beverly out front along with half a dozen knights formed up. She pulled up short, halting just before the redheaded knight.
"They've brought siege weapons. I have a full listing here," she said, pulling forth a folded paper.
"You're to take the knights out the north gate," said Beverly, taking the note from her hand, "and push the enemy from the bluffs, they're doing a tremendous amount of damage to the city."
"Shouldn't you be doing that?" she asked.
"I have other pressing business to attend to," Beverly replied. "Gerald is in charge, and he wants you to go. Also, Revi will be joining you."
"Revi?" questioned Hayley. "What's he going to do? He's a healer."
"You might be surprised," responded Beverly. "Now get going, you've a long ride ahead of you, and we need that cliff cleared as soon as possible."
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