by Toni Cox
What she enjoyed the most during that time of waiting, was the time she spent with her brother. He not only practiced with her the finer art of fighting, but also taught her strategies and manoeuvres, stealth and ambushes, trapping and camouflage. They did not have the luxury of time on their side, but Maia was a fast learner and she learned a lot by the time the last of the warriors arrived.
“I am amazed about how many people have come,” Jaik whispered.
Maia nodded and glanced around at the assembled people in the Elder Hall. This meeting was just for clan leaders, those of them who had been able to join them, and the Commanders of the Guard, the Warrior Houses, the Dragon Battalions and the Cavalry from Braérn. The Elders and the Guard of Shadow Hall were also present, filling the hall to capacity.
“Did you see the warriors from Rathaés arrive this morning?”
Maia shook her head.
“I didn’t even know that they had promised to send any. Although fifty is certainly not a large number, they do look impressive. They have strange and unusual armour, made from black steel and forged in the fires of Smoketop Mountain. They say it is indestructible. It was a chance discovery and they only recently learned how to shape the metal. They are hoping to produce more to trade with. It is certainly something I would like to acquire for my Guard.”
Maia nodded indulgently at her brother. Although she was glad to have the extra fifty warriors join forces with them, and that they apparently had indestructible armour, her main concern right now was the meeting. With the hall so full, the air was getting thick. She hoped it would start soon. Then she spotted a Server walk down the steps and watched him as he took a long pole from behind one of the recesses in the far wall and she sighed with relief as he used the pole to push the tall windows open. Refreshingly cool air flowed through the hall.
Suddenly, the murmuring crowd fell silent and Maia turned to see why. Her father, dressed in full battle armour, stood in the doorway. He cut an impressive figure. His dark hair was combed back and his handsome face was stern and serious. His armour shone in the lantern light, highlighting his broad shoulders and height. He surveyed the people in the hall for a moment and then strode purposefully down the steps to take his place on the speaker’s platform.
“You all know why we are here today, so let’s come straight to the point.”
The crowd murmured agreement and Jagaer continued.
“We are faced with an assault by an enemy we know very little about. We know that the Vampyres are vicious and will eat their kills. There have been enough deaths lately to prove that. The Spy we sent to Naylera reports that they are planning a mass attack on our planet within the next Moon Cycle. Resources on Naylera are low and they are running out of food. We think that they are here not just to kill as many as they can, but to bring back captives to feed their nation.”
A commotion ran through the crowd and it was a moment before Jagaer spoke again.
“It is an assumption. We do not know this for sure. But we cannot see any other reason why they would attack us. Our Spy reports that, although they have a vast army, not many of them have mastered Travel. Somas estimates there to be approximately twenty thousand warriors that can achieve Travel, but he has warned that the information might be unreliable or incomplete. So we should prepare for a force much larger than ours. But they will still have to come through the Gate, which allows for only so many people to come through at a time. Silas, what is the exact number of simultaneous arrivals?”
Silas stood. “The most I have ever seen come through at a time is twenty-five, but the histories suggest that up to forty people can come through together. Arrival can take place within minutes of each other, so within an hour some five hundred could make it through.”
Another murmur rocked the crown. Maia heard worried whispers all around her.
“Thank you, Silas,” her father said and Silas took his seat once more.
“Undisturbed, their entire force could make it through within five to six hours. If we let that happen, then not only would their army be able to scatter and attack multiple towns at once, but it would also render us completely outnumbered.
”Couldn’t we go through instead and prevent them from coming through in the first place?”
“It is a good suggestion, Elder Shallowaters, but we simply do not have a force large enough to fight them on their home ground. If Somas’ estimates are correct, then their main army is about one hundred thousand strong, which does not even include their outlying forces or their armies at the other Gates. We would be hopelessly outnumbered. Our only option is to prevent them from escaping the vicinity of Greystone and to contain the fighting to that area. If we concentrate our warriors around the Gate, we can get to them as they come through. Jaik, will you please go over the strategy and confirm the numbers we have on hand?”
Jaik rose from his seat beside her. He looked nervous, but as he stepped onto the platform, his demeanour changed and she could see why he had been made Commander of the Guard. He cut a formidable form standing in his uniform, tall and handsome, broad shoulders squared and his head held high. His voice was strong when he spoke and Maia could see that everyone was ready to listen to what he had to say.
“Yes, indeed, we need to concentrate our efforts around the Gate. Our first line of defence will be just outside the outer ring of stones. We cannot fight within the Gate, as the disturbance from the arrivals will cause injuries. We will lie in wait for them as they emerge from the stones. The dragons will be stationed just outside the first ring to prevent them from escaping the Gate. Trapped in there, the arrival of their forces will injure, if not kill them, before they can even confront us. Behind the dragons will be our troops on foot, who will confront any who slip through the dragons’ claws. Lastly, we will have the mounted forces, which will be able to chase down any who escape. More Battle Dragons will be stationed behind the riders. They will also act as a back-up and for re-enforcements should they be needed.”
Jaik paused a moment while the assembled Commanders and Elders discussed the strategy. Maia heard murmurs of agreement coming from the people around her. After another few moments, Jaik continued.
“After the arrival of the warriors from Rathaés today, we now have our final numbers. Lord Swiftfisher of Braérn has provided us with two thousand five hundred men, as well as eight hundred horses. Lord Plainspar of Alea Yll has also contributed two thousand men and five hundred horses. Lord Hazelwatch of Thala Yll has agreed to two thousand men as well, one hundred of which will be on battle dragons. Lord Tallson of Tarron Heights has brought one thousand five hundred soldiers and Lord Fyr of Rathaés has sent fifty of his most decorated warriors. Shadow Hall will be providing one thousand nine hundred men and woman, as well as one thousand horses. And, as most of you know, we also have a Soul Dragon fighting on our side, which will be ridden by my sister, Princess Maia. She will be with us throughout the battle and also see to any of our injured.”
Maia blushed as the entire hall turned towards her, shouting approval, clapping and someone even patted her on the back. She disliked the attention, but she realised how important it was for the moral of everyone that she was there. She smiled for their benefit, but was relieved when Jaik carried on speaking.
“Stoneloft and Dragonfort have not yet responded to our pleas for help, although we are not sure why this is so. We are still awaiting messengers to arrive with news, but we hold little hope that even if they were to send their troops, they would arrive in time. We are not counting on it, so that leaves us with a tally of six thousand five hundred foot soldiers, two thousand three hundred mounted warriors and one hundred Battle Dragons, plus our Soul Dragon.”
The crowd grew louder again as they realised what that meant. They were outnumbered at least two to one. It made it clear to everyone, how important that first line of defence really was. The Vampyres had to be stopped at the Gate, before too many came through and overpowered them. Maia shivered, although it was hot and stuffy
in the hall. She angrily pushed down the despair that was trying to surface within her and concentrated on Jaik’s next words.
“Undeór and the Builders have been working on making additional weapons. So far, we have an additional two hundred spears, one hundred swords and fifty shields, as well as over a hundred bows. Our stock of arrows now numbers close to fifteen thousand, but we could use anyone who has a talent for helping us make more. We could use them. We will distribute these to anyone who needs them. Both Braérn and Tarron Heights have also brought additional weapons and armour.”
Maia nodded. She had spent many days fletching arrows, and still had the blisters to prove it, but she knew how important it was not to run out of ammunition. She had already devised additional saddlebags for Midnight’s saddle to carry additional arrows, as well as her medicine bag, plus bandages, splints, transfusion lines and anything else she could think of that she could use.
“Thank you,” Jaik said, indicating he was finished with his report. “If anyone has any questions, please raise them now.”
When Jaik took his seat next to Maia again as Jagaer stepped onto the platform. Her father brushed his hand through his dark hair, the worry now clear to see on his face. Nevertheless, he stood tall and straight and Maia knew he would never give up, no matter the odds.
Jagaer nodded to the Elder Dictennia Hollowberg, who had raised her hand to speak.
“We could destroy the Gate completely. Then they would not be able to come through in the first place.”
A few people voiced consent, others concern.
“Yes, we thought of that. But that would cut us off from Karakrr and Earth as well. And Naylera can still connect to the other Gates around the globe. So we think it is better to confront the enemy now, than to delay and run the risk of their numbers increasing.”
“Has the signal to the other countries gone out? Have they acknowledged the threat?” Commander Arkenbay asked.
“Yes, indeed, the signal has been relayed and we’ve had confirmation that it has been received. We believe that they are monitoring their Gates, but have not had any incidents so far.” Jagaer answered, then motioned for Riker, Jaik’s second in command, to speak, as he had raised his hand to be heard.
“We know the area around Greystone well, which will give us an advantage. The Vampyres are not expecting us to be there when they arrive, so will not be prepared for it. We have planned to be there three to four days before they plan to come through, so that we are rested and prepared. If everything goes well, we should be able to stop the war before it even starts, which will, hopefully, dissuade them from trying to attack the other Gates.”
“Yes, that is the plan,” Jagaer confirmed. “But there are many unknown factors. We know very little about what types of weapons the Vampyres possess, nor do we know their fighting styles or capabilities. Somas has reported that they have Werewolf fur and bone armour, but we are unsure of their quality or durability. They do, however, match us in speed and agility and we assume they are very good fighters, especially given their nature. We are trying to plan for any eventuality, but it is hard to guess with so little information. The best we can do is to prepare for everything. We have a rotation of guards stationed at the Gate at all times, for in case they send any more Scouts through.”
Jaik stood up again. “We have very little time left before we march for the Gate. The training camps have worked well and I believe many have learned something new, but I should warn you not to overdo the training. We do not want our warriors spent before they even go into battle. Take your time honing your skills, but refrain from exhausting activities during the last Quarter before we leave. Make sure the horses, and dragons, are well rested and fed. We will have another few meetings during the next two Quarters to iron out any problems we can think of. Please, if anyone has any ideas that might help us, you are welcome to talk to me or my father at any time.”
There was a general murmur of agreement in the crowd and small conversations sprung up here and there. The main meeting was over and slowly people started to leave.
Maia waited for the hall to clear. Her father, along with Jaik and some others of the Guard, were still standing by the bottom tier, discussing the arrangements for Night Watch tonight. After a short while the Guard also left, leaving Maia alone with her father. He looked surprised to see her still sitting there as he too, climbed the stairs to exit the hall.
“I have been meaning to speak with you, Father,” Maia said as she stood and moved to meet him on the steps.
“That sounds serious. Is everything all right?” Jagaer asked with concern.
Maia fidgeted, knowing her father would not approve of what she wanted to do. She noticed a small knot in the wood on the floor in front of her; it reminded her of the amulet she wore around her neck and it gave her the courage to speak.
“I would like to fight alongside you and Jaik.”
Jagaer looked at her, confused. “But you will be. Jaik has allotted you your position amongst the Battle Dragons on the outer ring.”
“Yes, he has,” she acknowledged, “but you and Jaik, as well as the Commanders, will be at the forefront of the battle. I will not be able to sit in the rear, watching, unable to help when I need to. There are enough other dragons to chase down any Vampyres that might escape. I need to be with you and Jaik, where I can be of real help.”
“Maia, no, you …”
“No, Father, it is my duty to my people to protect them. I need to do more than just lend moral support from the back row. You know Jaik has been training with me and I am competent with my bow, with a sword and with the Twin Blades.”
“No-one doubts your abilities, Maia. I just don’t want anything to happen to you. You know the people will be fighting as much for you, as they are fighting for themselves. Your mere presence at the battle will give them strength.”
Maia’s eyes started to tear up. She was getting angry with herself for not being able to express what she wanted to say. She took a deep, steadying breath and started again.
“Father, I feel that I need to be with them. With them all, right there. I can fight beside them, lend them strength and heal them at the same time. I can almost sense that something will go wrong and that I will be needed. I cannot define the feeling, and I am not sure it even has anything to do with the omen either, but I feel it with a certainty that I cannot shake and I owe it to the people. I cannot send them into battle, expect them to put their lives on the line, without any reassurance that they will be looked after if something should go wrong. That is why I am here, to heal my people, to give them life. It is my duty.”
Maia lifted her chin defiantly, but when Jagaer just took her in his arms, she sagged against him thankfully.
“Are you really sure you want to do this?” he whispered into her hair.
“Yes, Father, I have to.”
“Very well, I will be glad to have you by my side.” He kissed her on top of her head and as he stepped away from her, he had a mischievous smile on his face. “But you have to be the one to tell your mother. She is not going to like it.”
It was only by the next morning, that Maia had a chance to tell her brother. He was equally unhappy with her decision as her father had been, but somewhat more forceful in expressing his displeasure.
“I was teaching you only so you would know how to defend yourself in an emergency, not so you could storm into the middle of the fighting and get yourself killed,” he shouted.
He paced to and fro in front of her, listing one hundred and one reasons why she should not be fighting. The more he talked, the more agitated he became. Maia understood her brother’s need to protect her, but his fussing was starting to irritate her. She felt her blood pressure rising with every reason he gave her, her fingers started to tingle and she was filled with a nervous energy that she struggled to control. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths, but to no avail.
“Aarghh!” Jaik screamed as the ground around him exploded, shower
ing him in dirt. He ducked as branches from the tree above rained down upon him, trailing tendrils of smoke. He beat furiously at his jerkin, which had started to smoulder.
“My decision has been made,” Maia hissed between her teeth, the feeling of her spent magic still tingling through her veins..
Jaik had only a moment to stare into her eyes that seemed to glow a luminous green, before she turned and fled back down the path toward the city.
Telling her mother had gone marginally better. She had spent the rest of the day riding through the fields on Fire, Midnight keeping watch overhead and had only returned to Shadow Hall as the sun touched the snow-covered tips of the mountains. She was calm by then and trusted herself with the safety of her mother. She had startled herself. She had never lost control quite like that before. It made her wonder if the Mother had chosen wisely when she had deemed her worthy to bestow the gift of Life on her. She had all this power to inflict damage and death within her, it frightened her.
“The Mother always knows what is right and you need to trust in that,” Malyn had said. “And if you need to fight in order to preserve life, then that, too, is the Mother’s plan.”
Her mother had then closed the subject and passed no further comment on her wanting to join the main fight. It was a little unsettling that the one person she had expected to veto her decision the most, could accept it so easily. She climbed into bed later that night feeling that things were not right with the world. That night she did not dream about Death, but of unsettling images of shadows lurking around corners and strange beasts standing in bright sunlight, challenging her right to exist.