When the next one reached the top of the wall, Gerald struck out, slamming his blade into the man's foot to hear bone breaking. Then another Norlander leaped, somehow clearing the barricade to land to Gerald's left. The old warrior pivoted, slamming his shield into the soldier's face. As his foe backed up, stunned and confused, Gerald struck again, this time sending the edge of his shield into the man's stomach.
A yell to his right captured the marshal's attention, and he pivoted, swinging his sword instinctively to catch an attacker in the arm, sliding it along the mail but still hurting, nonetheless.
His target dropped his weapon, and this was his undoing for one of the Mercerians, a young guard named Reese, stepped forward, driving his sword into the man's throat. But it was a short-lived victory, for no sooner had the guardsman pulled back his blade for a second thrust, then a sword swept down, striking his head, collapsing his helmet. The Mercerian warrior fell, blood oozing from beneath his coif.
Gerald backed up, overwhelmed by the ferocity of this attack. He saw Adams, who took a wound to the arm, drop his shield. The Mercerian stepped back, parrying another blow, then attacked with a vengeance. His opponent fell to the floor with a crash, and Adams struck again, reaching out to hit the next man in line.
More shouts erupted from the Norland line. Reinforcements had arrived to bolster their assault!
A calmness settled over Gerald. He would not survive the day, this much he knew with utter certainty, but he would take as many with him to the Afterlife as he could.
He roared a challenge and then surged forward, intent only on causing mayhem. He struck with his shield, pushing someone back even as his blade dug deep into another. Adrenaline coursed through him as he kept moving. Over the barricade he went, taking the fight to the enemy. Swords reached out, spears were tossed, but he kept advancing. It all became a blur. His arms ached, his muscles overworked, but still, he hacked and thrust with his sword, over and over again, desperate to make his death a costly one.
Gerald pulled his sword free of someone's neck, and then suddenly, there were no more opponents. His eyes sought out enemies that no longer existed as his mind finally took stock of the situation. He was behind the Norland debris now, the enemy dead or fled. Glancing back at his own lines, he saw Adams, helping another man to his feet.
"Go!" he shouted, then watched as they fled to safety.
He waited, forcing himself to slowly count to twenty. He took a deep breath, glancing farther down the corridor, expecting more to appear, but all was quiet.
Gerald wiped his blade, then rammed it back into its scabbard. Pushing aside a chair that blocked his way, he wondered briefly how he came to be amongst the enemy dead? As he went back across the gap, he listened for any sign of activity behind him. He had just climbed over a table, safely returning to his own lines when the enemy returned.
Ducking low, he concentrated on the sounds that drifted towards him. There was surprise at all the bodies, and fear, fear he knew he could exploit.
"Who's next?" he called out. "Who's ready to feel the bite of Mercerian steel?"
No one answered his challenge. Instead, they began dragging away their dead. Now was the time for him to leave. He rose to a crouch and quietly moved south, towards the waiting safety of the caves.
Twenty-Four
The Queen Returns
Fall 964 MC
* * *
Bodies lay strewn about the courtyard, and Gorath made his way among them, checking pulses in a search for survivors.
"This one's alive," he said, waiting as a fellow Orc moved closer to lift the injured man and bear him away. "Such carnage," he remarked.
"We had little choice," called out Hayley. "And I might remind you that all these men are considered traitors. Their attack was treason, there's no denying it."
"Still, the same could be said of your queen at the start of the civil war."
The ranger paused, considering her aide's words. "You have a point there, Gorath. I suppose we could show them a little more charity. What would you propose we do?"
"For a start, we can punish their leaders, rather than these men," the Orc replied. "They were simply following orders."
"These men knew what they were up to," countered Hayley. "I'd hardly call them innocent."
"Still," insisted Gorath, "we can't arrest them all, we haven't the space to hold them."
"That's true. I suppose we'll have to give some of them parole."
"At least those that can still walk. The wounded alone are going to overwhelm us. It might be a little different if we had more Life Mages."
"Kraloch is doing the best he can," said Hayley, "but even he has his limitations. He can't cure everyone, he simply hasn't the power."
She knelt, feeling for a pulse. "This one's dead," she said. Two porters rushed forward to carry off the body.
"I think you're right," she continued. "We need to separate the officers from the men. Put the leaders into the Palace dungeons, sergeants too, come to think of it. Those that aren't wounded, that is."
"And the rest?" asked Gorath.
"Send word to the city watch. See if they have any room left in their jails."
"There's also the debtor's prison," suggested the Orc.
Hayley stood, stretching her back. It had been a long day, and her muscles were complaining. She looked skyward at the darkening sky.
"Very well," she said at last, "see what you can arrange."
"Yes, High Ranger."
"What did I tell you about calling me that?" asked Hayley.
"I have to call you something, Mistress."
"Don't call me mistress either, you make me sound old."
"Then what do I call you? I can't just call you Hayley, it's not proper."
"Oh? Since when did you learn the ways of the Mercerian court?"
"I am your aide, after all," said Gorath.
"Very well, then call me Ranger Hayley, or Dame Hayley if you must. Come to think of it, you can call me Lady Hayley. I am a baroness, after all."
"Very well, Lady Hayley."
Hayley winced at the name. "We'll work on it," she said. "Now be off with you, there's still plenty of work to do, and we're losing the light."
The Orc left, issuing orders in Orcish as he went.
"I hear you had some trouble," came a familiar voice.
Hayley spun around to see the queen standing at the back door of the Palace with Aubrey at her side, the carnage of battle arraigned before her.
"Your Majesty," said Hayley, "you surprised me."
"I'd heard there was an uprising," said the queen, "but it seems you have it under control."
"Yes, we do," agreed the ranger, "but it was led by Valmar."
"Valmar?" said the queen. "I trust you have him in custody?"
"I'm afraid not," said Hayley. "He's dead, killed by the very mob he tried to incite."
"I shall lose no sleep over his death," admitted Anna, "but I fear it leaves us in a difficult situation. Tell me, how many of our soldiers supported him?"
"Quite a few, I'm afraid. Three whole companies of foot went over to him, four if you include the cavalry. That's almost half of our current garrison."
"I take it you've secured them?"
"I have," said Hayley, "or rather, we're in the middle of it. We have a lot of wounded to deal with."
"I can help," said Aubrey, "though I won't have much energy until morning."
"Anything you can do would be most appreciated," said Hayley. "Where's Gerald?"
"He's still in Norland, along with Beverly and the rest of our delegation, struggling to get home. We must do what we can to help them. I'm afraid things didn't go well there, but I'll fill you in on it later. In the meantime, I need you to send as many warriors to Hawksburg as we can spare."
"That's not very many, I'm afraid. We still have to guard all these prisoners."
"This attack has come at the worst possible time," said the queen. "The Norlanders have crossed our border
in force."
"An invasion? This can't be a coincidence."
"So it would seem. I need to call an emergency meeting of the Nobles Council."
"I'll send word immediately," said Hayley. "When would you like to see them?"
"As soon as can be arranged," said the queen. "In the meantime, I must make a visit to some old allies and pray to Saxnor that they can help."
* * *
Herdwin Steelarm stood, bowing deeply as Queen Anna entered the room.
"Your Majesty," he said, "I bring greetings from King Khazad of Stonecastle."
"Have you news for me, Herdwin?"
"I do, Majesty, though it comes with conditions."
"I thought as much," she replied. "I take it the Elves feel the same?"
"They do," the Dwarf admitted. "They will only assist if they are given seats on the Nobles Council."
"And if I can arrange it, how long will it take for the troops to arrive?"
"They are already on the way, Your Majesty. I told them you could be counted on to support our cause."
"I hope you will not think me too impertinent if I were to ask how many?"
"King Khazad is sending two hundred, half of which are arbalesters."
"And the other half?" the queen asked.
"His finest heavy foot. What you would call axemen, though, of course, they're Dwarves."
"I can't thank you enough, Herdwin. You have been of great assistance to us in our time of need."
"We still need that seat, Majesty. I am under orders not to march past Wincaster until our seat is secured."
"You shall have your seat, I promise you," said the queen. "You have spoken with Telethial?"
"I have," said Herdwin, "and she will match our numbers, though they have not yet left the Darkwood. Will it be enough?"
"I've recalled the Trolls from their position at the mouth of the river, but they have some distance to travel."
"There is another option," said Herdwin, smiling slightly. "Lily has returned."
"Lily is here?" said Anna. "Why didn't anyone tell me?"
"She has only just arrived from Uxley, Your Majesty. She has returned as the Saurian representative."
"I have to see her," said Anna. "I've missed her so much."
"She has changed," warned Herdwin. "She is no longer the inquisitive young Saurian that you found in the grotto."
"What does that mean?"
"She has been learning about the heritage of her people, and is much more self-assured now, and perhaps more demanding."
"Meaning that she wants the same thing you do," said Anna.
"The elder races have decided to act in concert in this," warned the Dwarf, "though it took some persuasion."
Anna nodded. "And whose idea was that I wonder?"
Herdwin blushed. "I only wanted what's best for my people," he said.
"As do I. Fear not, Herdwin, I will do what I can."
"Can you not just demand it?"
"I'm afraid not," replied the queen. "The composition of the Nobles Council is laid down in our laws. It would take a two-thirds majority of the members to change it."
"So you think it unlikely?"
"At this exact time, yes," the queen admitted, "but as the enemy gets closer, the nobles will see the wisdom in it."
"Let us hope so," said Herdwin, "or I shall be forced to watch as your kingdom falls. I cannot commit to helping you without a seat. To do so would be a betrayal of my king."
"I understand, Herdwin. Though I suppose I must now address you as Lord Herdwin."
The Dwarf blushed. "Please, Majesty," he said, "we are in private. You must address me as Herdwin."
"I shall not forget the aid you have given us in the past, my friend. Without your help, we would have been recaptured by my brother, King Henry."
"I did as my conscience dictated," said Herdwin, "but you have done no less as queen."
"I thank you for the kind words," said Anna, "but now I must leave you, the Nobles Council awaits."
"Good luck, Majesty, and may Saxnor see fit to grant you strength this day."
* * *
Lord Alexander Stanton shifted in his seat.
"Something wrong?" asked Lady Aubrey.
"He's nervous," suggested Lord Spencer. "He's afraid he'll be blamed for the uprising."
"I had nothing to do with it," declared Stanton, his face turning red. He looked at Baron Fitzwilliam, pleading in his eyes.
"Don't look at me for support," said Fitz. "You have a history of opposing the queen's will."
"This was all Valmar's doing," said Stanton.
"Oh, yes," said Lord Chesterton, "he's an old friend of yours, isn't he?" He paused briefly, "Don't bother denying it, we all know it's true." He turned his attention back to Aubrey. "Are we expecting the queen?"
"She should be here any moment," the Life Mage replied.
The door opened, admitting Lady Hayley, who took a seat beside Aubrey.
"Is this it?" asked Chesterton.
"I'm afraid so," replied Hayley. "Lord Somerset and Lord Anglesley are too far away to summon on such short notice."
"We need more magic circles," suggested Aubrey.
"Agreed," said Hayley, "but other things keep cropping up that need our attention."
"Like Revi?" asked Aubrey. "I heard you found him. How is he?"
"Not well, to tell you the truth," replied the ranger. "His body's on the mend, but his mind is gone."
"Kraloch couldn't help?"
"He consulted his Ancestors, but little came of it."
"They knew nothing?" asked Aubrey.
"Not quite," said Hayley, "they did indicate that you might have the answer. You were, after all, his apprentice."
"Revi never taught me how to heal madness."
"The Ancestors said you'd have to seek that which is buried. Does that mean anything to you?"
"Maybe it refers to my great grandmother's casting room, back in Hawksburg."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning that there are more secrets there to unlock?"
"Great," said Hayley, "now all we need is a day free from all these other problems. It wouldn't be so bad if we didn't have a war on our hands."
"War?" piped up Stanton. "Why wasn't I told?"
"I suspect that's the reason the queen called this meeting," said Fitz. "You must have suspected something?"
"No," said Stanton, "I thought she called it because of the uprising."
The door opened to reveal Queen Anna, wearing a rather stern expression. All those in attendance rose to their feet as she made her way across the room.
"Please sit," the queen said, taking her own seat. "I'm afraid we meet under dire circumstances, for a state of war now exists with Norland."
"Are you sure?" asked Stanton. "Couldn't this all be a misunderstanding?"
"There can be no doubt," said the queen. "They tried to blame us for the death of King Halfan. I now believe they had been planning it for some time, for we have received word that a massive army has crossed the border.
"Surely not!" said Stanton.
"It seems you doubt my word," said the queen. "Perhaps Lady Aubrey can convince you. She was by my side when things went awry."
"It's true," offered the mage. "We had already prevented a poisoning attempt, but it seems they were determined to finish the job. We were ambushed as we discovered the body of King Halfan.
"What of Beverly?" asked Fitz.
"She was alive when we left," said the queen, "though she, like the others, is now trapped behind enemy lines."
"This is disastrous," said Stanton. "What are we to do?"
"I'm afraid it gets worse," said Anna. "With the recent uprising, we can no longer count on the loyalty of our troops, save for a few companies, and that will be scarce enough to hold back an invasion."
"We need help," asserted Stanton. "Can we not call on Weldwyn? They are our allies now, aren't they?"
"We can," the queen replied, "and Prince Alric
has already sent word, but they will not be able to get here in sufficient numbers for some time."
"Then we are doomed," pronounced Lord Spencer.
"We still have the Orcs," offered Hayley.
"Yes," agreed the queen, "and possibly more."
"More?" said Stanton. "What's this, now?"
"We have other allies that may be able to assist us," said the queen, "but they come at a price."
"What price?" Stanton demanded.
"Representation on the Nobles Council," said the queen.
"Impossible!" roared Stanton. "Only those of Mercerian birth can hold those seats."
"Nevertheless," continued the queen, "if we are to count them among our forces, we must give them a seat at the table."
"I think it too early to consider this," suggested Lord Spencer. "After all, our own border forces may be able to repel Norland. That's what they're there for, aren't they?"
"They are," said the queen, "but we haven't much time. In the meanwhile, I have sent word summoning the other nobles to Wincaster. Hopefully, we shall have a better idea of our enemy's intentions once they arrive. However, our army is crippled, at least here, in the capital."
"How many companies rebelled?" asked Fitz.
"Four," offered Hayley, "as far as we know."
"What does that mean?" asked Lord Spencer.
"We have yet to receive word from the other cities of the realm. There's a very real chance that the uprising was one of several aimed at seizing power across the kingdom."
"We know Hawksburg is secure," said Aubrey. "We stopped off there on the way back here."
"And I can assure you Bodden is safe," said Fitz. "Albreda brought me from there this very evening. Can you make the same claim of Tewsbury, Lord Stanton?"
"I wish I could," the earl replied, "but as you know, I have been in Wincaster for the past few months."
"Where else might we expect trouble?" asked Aubrey.
"Shrewesdale comes to mind," said Fitz. "They've been unhappy ever since we executed Lord Montrose for treason."
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