Fall of the Titan (The Desolate Empire Book 5)

by Christina Ochs

  “To the general. She’ll decide what to do with you.”

  Maryna

  Maryna found Duke Orland frightening, though she hoped it didn’t show. Old, tall and stern, he looked down a long nose at Maryna whenever they spoke. He’d always draw his eyebrows together as though disapproving of her, and Maryna got the strong impression he didn’t like her very much. That bothered her. Aside from the people who’d tried to kill her, Maryna was used to people liking her.

  But part of being a princess meant never showing when something bothered you, so Maryna sat across from the duke outside his tent, acting as though she made battle plans every day. A warm breeze rustled the leaves overhead, and tiny spots of sunlight dappled the map spread out on the table between them.

  “Scouts came in late last night,” the duke said, “and they say Lennart has lifted the siege of Heidenhof and taken Balduin prisoner.” He scowled at Maryna. “So you’re in charge now, at least for the time being. Your mother, brother and sister are also there.”

  She nodded at him graciously, though she wanted to shriek with happiness at the thought of seeing her family again soon. “Is it safe to go to Heidenhof then?’

  “Perhaps.” The duke frowned and looked back at the map. “I’ve heard other rumors with less good news. While Lennart holds Heidenhof, Birkenfels and the surrounding area, enemy forces are nearby.”

  “Mattila?” Hohenwart’s eyes widened. She always seemed to lose her usual composure whenever she or anyone else spoke the general’s name.

  Orland shook his head. “No, as far as we know, she’s still in Oltena. What I’ve heard is that Teodora herself is operating south of Heidenhof with a small force of Moraltan mercenaries. There aren’t enough of them to threaten Lennart, so she’s likely waiting for Mattila. Franca Dura is also in the area. I’m sure she’s been instructed to keep an eye on Lennart until Mattila gets there.”

  “So getting to Heidenhof might be difficult.” Anton stared at the map. “It’s important to get the princess there soon, but I won’t risk her safety.”

  “Of course not.” The duke’s voice was cool, though his eyes always warmed a little when he looked at Anton.

  Maryna thought it must be because Anton had been such great friends with the duke’s son, Arian Orland, even though he’d only been a boy at the time. She stole a glance at Anton, sitting to her left.

  Even though he was only seventeen, he didn’t look at all like a boy anymore, especially since she’d noticed the dark stubble shadowing his face. She wondered what it felt like, wanted to run her hand over it. She balled her fist in her skirt and tore her eyes away, forcing herself to pay attention.

  “I’ve also heard what are no doubt just superstitious rumors,” the duke was saying, “but they give us all the more reason to do everything we can to avoid Teodora.”

  “Rumors about Teodora?” Hohenwart asked.

  The duke nodded. “I have troops operating on the eastern slopes of these mountains and they’ve taken casualties.” He frowned again. “I’ve lost less than a hundred troops over there in skirmishes with the Moraltans, but the story is, those several dozen were all killed by Teodora, or some demonic version of herself.”

  Hohenwart snorted. “Typical soldier stories.”

  “I thought so too, and likely they are.” The duke looked at her. “Normally I’d dismiss the stories as soldier’s superstitions, but they came from a reliable source, not given to such things. I’m making further inquiries, but in the meantime, best we avoid the area. This is what I propose.” He pointed at the map. “We’ll march north from here, staying in the foothills.

  “The terrain will get rougher as we go, but we’re unlikely to run into the enemy, and anyone who might spy on us will be puzzled by the movement. About forty leagues from here …” He slid his finger along the mountains drawn on the map. “We’ll find a pass. It’s narrow, but in good weather, getting through will be easy enough. It will take us to the Velta River, some twenty leagues north of Birkenfels.”

  Maryna sighed happily, thinking of seeing her home again.

  The duke scowled at her, his brows drawing together again. “It might not be safe by the time we get there. So before leaving the shelter of the hills, I’ll send scouting parties all the way to Heidenhof. If there’s any threat of immediate battle, we’ll go north along the river, back to my estate, and wait to see what happens.”

  Maryna swallowed and stared back at the duke. “It sounds like a marvelous plan, but if there’s a battle near Heidenhof, it’s my duty to be there, whatever happens.”

  “You can’t fight.” The duke’s voice was harsh.

  “I know.” Maryna lifted her chin. “But at least, I need to be present, so my people can see I’m not afraid.”

  Something like a smile appeared at the corner of the duke’s mouth, but soon vanished. “You should be afraid.”

  “Perhaps.” Maryna held his gaze. “But I must still do my duty. Don’t you agree?”

  The duke’s cold eyes were unblinking, but he looked away. “You’re right. Now is the time to show initiative. I will do everything I can to get you to Heidenhof, even if the situation is dangerous.”

  “The princess is not alone,” Emilya Hohenwart said. “Combined with your forces, we number over ten thousand. That ought to be enough to get around any obstacle, aside from perhaps the bulk of Mattila’s army.”

  Maryna shot her a grateful glance. The duke was right, she was afraid at the thought of a battle. But the battle was for her kingdom and she couldn’t hide somewhere while people were fighting and dying to protect her throne.

  “Very true.” The duke shook his head as he rolled up the map. “I fear I’ve been on the defensive too long. If there ever was a time to take the fight to the enemy, it’s now, with Lennart here in Terragand. Let’s prepare to move out this afternoon. The faster we can get to the river, the sooner we can decide what our next move will be.”

  “Thank you,” Maryna said, rising from her seat, and smiling at the duke until he smiled back. It was just a tiny one, but Maryna still felt a thrill of triumph. She realized she was young, inexperienced and not a fighter, but she needed her allies to respect her courage, if nothing else.

  Trystan

  Trystan tried to relax against the ship’s rail. Leading his little fleet, Sabre was a fine frigate, packed with Galladian soldiers. Shortly before leaving Allaux, King Gauvain had received word that Lennart’s forces were massing around Heidenhof, preparing to fight Brynhild Mattila.

  The king had showered Trystan with money, honors, and even a small army he hadn’t asked for but was happy to receive. “I don’t want you showing up in Terragand empty-handed,” the king said. “Lennart had to leave part of his army behind to hold Richenbruck and he’ll need all the help he can get. Besides, I don’t know how I can repay what you’ve done for us.” Gauvain’s eyes rested on Joslyn, playing in the corner of his dressing room. He’d scarcely let her out of his sight since Trystan had brought her back.

  The duke and his sister were due for beheading in a few days, but Trystan doubted he’d be around for that.

  “Thank you,” Trystan said, surprised and pleased. “I hope I can get them there in time.”

  “I recommend taking them by sea, with the weather so fine. Otherwise it’ll take weeks to march infantry across Kronland. Don’t worry; I’ll provide the ships,” Gauvain said with a smile.

  After that, Trystan couldn’t spare a moment. That was a shame, since he would have loved spending more time in Allaux, letting Natalya show him how grateful she was for her daughter’s rescue.

  For the time being, Joslyn would stay in the palace with the king. Queen Zofya had insisted on it. “She must spend time with her father after such an ordeal,” she said, her eyes bright and her head held high.

  Trystan was full of admiration for the young queen. It could not have been easy to watch the king treat his daughter with another woman with such affection, while the queen had yet to give him an
heir. He had to admit, he didn’t much like it himself. Joslyn was all right, as children went, but she served as a constant reminder of the king’s former relationship with Natalya.

  “Don’t be jealous.” Natalya had smiled at Trystan, shaking her head. They were alone together in her suite in the Maxima’s palace. “The king and I haven’t been together in a long time.”

  “I know. I just don’t like to think you ever were.” He shivered a little as a cool evening breeze touched his bare skin.

  “Then don’t think about it.” Natalya threw on a wrap and crossed the room to close the window.

  After an evening spent with the king and their daughter, Natalya had retrieved Trystan the next morning. “Why don’t you stay with me for a few days?’ she’d said, her eyes full of promise. After just a little time with Joslyn, Natalya seemed happy to get back to work.

  Trystan had never packed so fast in his life. He was a little disappointed when a snobbish footman led him to what was clearly a guest room, though he hoped that was only for appearances.

  Not too much later, Natalya sent for him, as he’d hoped she would. He was led to a little study, beautifully appointed, though somewhat austere for Galladium.

  Natalaya waited there for him. “It’s time we discussed your reward,” she said.

  Trystan settled into a chair across from her. “There’s not much discussion required.” He raised his eyebrows.

  Natalya smiled at him. “Not for everything perhaps. But you will soon return to Kronland and we need to talk about what you’ll do there.”

  “Join Lennart to fight Mattila, I hope.”

  “That’s what I hope too. But I want insurance in the event Lennart doesn’t work out as hoped.”

  “What is the problem?” Since their long-ago discussion in the mountains, they hadn’t discussed Lennart in any detail.

  “I’m not sure there is one yet.” Natalya leaned back in her chair, looking beautiful in her snowy new Maxima’s robes. “But I want to be prepared. I have letters from Princess Gwynneth and she’s concerned over Terragand’s independence. If Lennart defeats Mattila, she’s worried he’ll tie Gwynneth up in a treaty she has little control over. With Maryna still so young, she may well not be able to assert herself properly.”

  Trystan nodded, remembering what a disappointment Maryna had been. It was a good thing Gwynneth would be in charge, or a personality like Lennart’s would walk all over the little princess. “Do you think Lennart wants Kronland?” That was a concern for him personally. “Most people seem worried he wants to be emperor.”

  “I'm sure most people are wrong about that.” Natalya looked thoughtful. “But it’s possible he’ll want greater influence over the kingdoms bordering the Northern Sea, so he can secure his trade routes.”

  “Makes sense.” Trystan chewed on his lip, pondering. “Do you object to that?” He didn’t mind so much, as long as whatever territory he ended up with remained independent.

  “Yes, I do.” Natalya looked at him intently. “I do not want one big power dominating that route. Bad enough Galladium is constantly tussling with Norovaea over customs rights. Lennart won’t tussle; he’ll just take what he wants.”

  “What can we do about it?” Trystan loved saying we while discussing such important matters with someone like Natalya.

  “I need a counterbalance in Kronland,” she said. “I wish Gauvain could give you more troops, but perhaps we can send some later. I want you and Gwynneth to form an alliance in favor of Kronland’s independence.”

  “Sounds nice, except I have no political influence there.”

  “You will.” Natalya smiled. “If Lennart defeats Teodora, then her allies must be punished. It makes sense to have a loyal ruler put in the place of say, Princess Zelenka. Don’t you agree?”

  Trystan’s breath caught. Ruling a kingdom of the size and wealth of Arcius was beyond his wildest dreams. “I agree.” He smiled back at her. “What do you need me to do?”

  “First, just help Lennart succeed.” Natalya took a deep breath. “But in the event he doesn’t, I’ll need you to step in.”

  “I’m sure he’ll succeed.”

  “Very possibly. But accidents happen, and Lennart is careless of his safety. If anything happens to him, I want you in charge as a strong ally of Galladium. If nothing else, you’ll still be valuable as a force for an independent Kronland.”

  “I understand.” Trystan licked his lips, wondering if all of his dreams were about to come true.

  It seemed they were. “Enough business.” Natalya stood, and took him by the hand, pushing open a door into another room, this one decadently luxurious, and the perfect setting for what came next.

  Gwynneth

  “Can we talk?” Gwynneth poked her head into Edric’s study. It was late, and Gwynneth had tracked him down when he left the rest of the group after supper.

  “Certainly.” Edric pushed a stack of papers aside.

  Gwynneth sat down. “I hate to keep you from your work. I’m sure having such a crowd in your home is distracting.”

  Edric smiled. “A little. But I’m enjoying it. Both you and the king are good company, and the children make the place livelier.”

  “I wish I had them all here.” Gwynneth had already told him about the two left behind in Galladium. “After the battle, I hope things settle down enough I can send for them.”

  “I’m praying for that,” Edric said. “Might I ask what your plans are, once Lennart has defeated Mattila?”

  “I want Maryna crowned as ruler. Hopefully she’ll have arrived by then. If not, it must be Devyn until she gets here.” She’d prefer to have Devyn crowned at once, but it seemed impossible to make time for the proper ceremony in the midst of battle preparations.

  “What about Lennart?”

  Gwynneth took a deep breath. “It depends on the scope of his victory. If he destroys Mattila’s army, Teodora will be in a terrible position and no doubt forced to make terms. I intend to be involved in every step of that process so the resulting treaty guarantees Terragand’s security and the Quadrene faith for all of Kronland. And then, I want Lennart to go home.”

  “Will he?” Edric’s eyes were grave.

  “I hope so. Please understand, I’m grateful for all he’s doing for us, and I consider both him and the queen friends. But he’s creating a great deal of confusion here. I went riding in the city a few days ago, and everywhere folk were already speaking of him as if he were our king. I heard hardly any mention of Devyn.”

  Edric frowned. “We can remedy that once Lennart is gone.”

  “But what if people don’t want him to leave?” Gwynneth was still on shaky ground, with her children too young and she being a foreigner. If she ever forgot that fact, someone else always reminded her.

  “That doesn’t matter, since they’ll have no say in it. They can wish for Lennart all they want, but if you and I make it clear who rules the kingdom, I doubt you’ll see much open protest, if any.”

  “I hope you’re right. This war has gone on so long, I can’t even picture normalcy. And of course, it will never be the way it used to be, with our home destroyed and Kendryk dead.” In her worst moments, Gwynneth sometimes wondered why she bothered making any plans at all. Her life was over. Her only role now was to protect her children and try to create a peaceful home for them.

  “No, it will never be the same, but that’s the way of things.” Edric’s eyes were sad, his voice full of sympathy.

  Gwynneth forced a smile. “I didn’t come here to complain. It’s occurred to me that the people would be less enamored of Lennart if they didn’t believe him to be the prince of the prophecy. Are you certain of that?”

  “Quite.” Edric shuffled some papers. “But now hardly seems to be the time to preach a sermon on the matter.”

  “What if you approached it differently? What if, instead of saying Lennart isn’t the one, you say you’re certain Maryna is?”

  “The problem with that is, I’m not certa
in. Not at all. I’m sorry I can’t give you more hope, but the prophecy was clear in saying that the chosen one would be a prince, not a princess.”

  “If I recall correctly, the scrolls are dated from a time when women ruling the Kronland kingdoms was uncommon. They were written long before the inheritance laws changed five hundred years ago. It makes sense they’d only mention princes before that.”

  Edric stared at her. “I believe you’re right. How could I not have seen that?”

  “You were so certain of Kendryk.” Gwynneth smiled. “I never was, so I always wondered about that.”

  “All right then, Your Grace,” Edric said. “I’ll return to my study of the scrolls, bearing in mind that a princess is a possibility.”

  “That’s all I ask,” Gwynneth said. “I wish for Lennart’s success, but once he’s won here, he needs to return to his home. I’m sure his own people miss him a great deal.”

  After leaving Edric, she felt better. She hadn’t been sure if he would accept her explanation, so it was encouraging he had. She didn’t see how Maryna fit the prophecy any less than her father. Gwynneth also wasn’t sure if she believed in it any more than she had before, but now she saw its usefulness.

  Teodora

  Teodora wished she could change and clean up before being taken into the presence of a general. But she supposed her grubbiness gave more credence to the story she’d conjured up. She’d say General Kalstrom had ordered her to lead a force out of the city to face Franca Dura, who’d captured her. She hoped Havel Kolar was dead, but either way, she’d have to explain a Moraltan officer.

  Most likely, at least some folk knew Teodora was in Terragand with her Moraltan mercenaries, so she could claim they’d fought beside Dura. Perhaps the Moraltans were taking her to Brynhild Mattila to be held for an exchange.