by L. S. Gibson
Lord Girau was finalizing arrangements for them to set sail in the morning. It was decided only three ships would leave Buchern to take the fight to Rugarold. Jhond was going to need to hide the ships from Suvran's prying eyes for part of the journey, and Ninian had made it clear Jhond couldn't afford to waste energy.
"I can bolster your energy some, Jhond, but even with that, I don't recommend you should take on more than three vessels."
Girau had frowned. "But how do you know how much energy it will take? He's never done anything remotely like this before. You also keep saying he's still learning how to control his new powers."
"But that's the point," Ninian responded. "We don't know for sure. I admit there's a certain amount of guesswork in what I'm suggesting, but I'm basing it on what I know he was capable of before he truly became the Eynan and multiplying it by a factor of three. It's possible I'm underestimating his power, but better that than overestimating and leaving us open to attack from Suvran if Jhond overreaches."
"Don't concern yourself, Father," Jhond added. "We'll be able to carry enough soldiers on three ships to take on the men defending Rugarold. Your sources have made it clear the vast bulk of the empire's forces are north of Irobi."
"That's true, Jhond, but I thought you and Ninian understood all about your power by now. All the books in the library and those crystals you mentioned?" Girau looked pointedly at Ninian.
Ninian sighed. "I'd expected so, too, but it hasn't worked out like that. It looks as if some of the ancient books never did find their way into the Reeve library, that or they've been lost over time."
"Or the crystals," Jhond interposed.
"Yes, the crystals." When Girau frowned, Ninian added, "There were other crystals in the library on the Isle of Truth, which we were forced to leave behind when Suvran tracked us down there."
"Trust me. I will defeat Suvran." There was no doubt in Jhond's voice.
"And we'll take down Bardius," Patinus said.
It did Amired good to hear the belief in his prince's declaration.
The next morning dawned bright and clear. The soldiers had boarded their assigned vessels during the night, and Amired had welcomed Patinus and his lady aboard the Horologue along with Girau, Ninian and Jhond. The other two ships maneuvered closer, and with the Horologue in the lead, the small flotilla set out. They headed for Rugarold, which was along the coast, east from Irobi and almost directly opposite the location of the Temple of the Magi in Timendra on the other side of the Estan Sea.
When Amired declared they would shortly be in view of any lookouts posted on Rugarold's parapets, Jhond called on his talent and extended his personal shield so all three ships were covered by his concealment spell. Amired remembered how well the spell had worked on his own vessel when they had escaped from Suvran and he was convinced it would work as well this time.
* * * *
"You all right?" Ninian asked, walking up behind Jhond as he stood in the bow of the ship. "You certain you don't want to tap into my talent?"
"I'm fine. Stop worrying. Shielding these ships is not overtaxing me," Jhond replied.
"Sorry, I can't help my concern for you."
Jhond squeezed Ninian's shoulder. It seemed almost as if they had reversed roles over the last couple of days and it was Ninian who needed his reassurance. Jhond found he liked the feeling. "If it makes you feel better to help me, then I'd be glad of your support."
Ninian smiled, and almost at once Jhond felt the surge of energy.
"Amired said we should see the castle before too long."
"It can't come soon enough for me," Jhond said. "It seems all my life has been leading to this and I never even knew it until a short time ago." He met Ninian's gaze. "I don't think I ever really thanked you, Ninian."
"Thanked me? I have done no more than my duty. As much as you were meant to be here, so was I and"--he dipped his eyes for an instant before again meeting Jhond's steady gaze, "Let me add that I'm proud and grateful that I am the member of the House of Hartees to whom the honor fell."
"We're good together, aren't we?" Jhond smiled.
"None better. I know you are the one with the power here, but know that I will always stand at your back and protect you with my life."
Jhond's heart contracted at the thought of his friend not being there. "Ninian, I don't want you risking yourself for me. Understand? It is for me to protect you. I want you always at my side."
Jhond regarded his friend, knowing he had to explain how he felt. "Ninian, I have two brothers and, though I always felt we were close, we never had the kind of connection you and I have developed. I cannot explain it, but it is real."
Ninian's eyes widened and he made as if to say something, only to be cut off by a shout from the lookout high in the ship's stays. "I see it! Shrouded in the mist, forty-five degrees northeast. Watch as the mist clears."
Jhond stared. He didn't need to wait for the mists to clear; he could see the towering building rising above the rocks. It looked ancient but in good repair. Jhond could even see the guards patrolling the crenellations.
"You see the guards on the top, Ninian?" he asked.
"Yes, and if I'm not mistaken, they don't seem to be carrying out their duties with much diligence."
"I imagine they believe the stronghold is impenetrable and hardly need to even bother with guard duty." Ninian grinned at Jhond. "I think it's time someone taught them a lesson."
Jhond didn't feel very humorous just then. His mood was dark and determined. "Very soon we'll show them all the error of their ways."
Amired was standing at the rail, his spyglass trained on the rocky shore below the stronghold, when Girau walked onto the main deck. As soon as Girau saw Amired, he approached the captain, and it was clear to Jhond that his father had a lot to say. Jhond watched as Patinus and Gallia came on deck and headed directly for the rail as well.
"Come on," Ninian said. "Looks like an impromptu council meeting down there."
They arrived in time to hear Amired say, "And now I see it in person, I'm sure I chose the correct spot to drop anchor."
"Is everyone ready?" Jhond asked as he approached the group.
Patinus was checking his weapons, one very sharp sword and two knives, one of them a long-bladed stiletto, which he tossed in the air and caught before giving Jhond a rather predatory smile.
"As we'll ever be," Girau said, glancing around as the others nodded their agreement.
* * * *
Jhond concentrated on extending his protective shield to the shore below the stronghold. This was one of the reasons it was important not to overtax the use of his energy. It was necessary to get the soldiers on shore without warning the enemy in Rugarold that a landing was taking place and allowing them to prepare for the attack. Once all the soldiers were landed, Girau, Patinus and Gallia would go ashore. Jhond also expected Amired and a few of his sailors would wish to join them. Jhond would still need to hide the ships and men on shore until the attack was underway, then it wouldn't matter if the ships were sighted and he could draw that energy back into the center of his being. The ships would withdraw a few miles, out of range of any possible enemy cannon fire from the land, and only come back in when they were needed.
While Ninian kept an eye on what was happening with the attack, Jhond used the strands to see where Suvran was located. He had already checked on Bardius' location for Girau before they left in the longboat and, as usual at this time of day, he was in his throne room located part way up the largest tower. Jhond had half-expected to find Suvran with the emperor, but the mage was not in sight. On further investigation, Jhond found Suvran was in a room toward the top of another of the towers. He was meeting with someone and there were a couple of guards present.
"He's made it easier than I anticipated," Jhond told Ninian, who momentarily took his eye from the spyglass.
"Not in the throne room then?"
"No, just with one other man and a couple of guards."
Ninia
n returned his attention to watching and reported, "It shouldn't be long now; they've reached the main gate."
Jhond hurried over to join Ninian at the cabin window, where Ninian moved aside to let him look through Amired's spyglass. He watched as Patinus laid his palm on the heavy lock in the middle of the gate. Jhond mouthed the words Ninian had spoken earlier as the mage had drawn sigils over a small disc of soft metal. Jhond didn't need to see clearly to know what would happen next as the heat from Patinus' hand activated the device. Almost before the prince had clambered to safety with Gallia and Girau, there was a sharp crack accompanied by a booming noise as the gate and a large portion of the wall above it disappeared in a cloud of dust.
Jhond needed all his power at hand and he withdrew the protection circle now it was no longer necessary. He'd felt the withdrawal of the energy Ninian had leant to him to support the circle, his friend now needing it at his own fingertips. Jhond was sure his own energy would be more than enough to defeat Suvran, but it was good to know Ninian was there to back him up if it should prove necessary.
* * * *
As soon as Girau hit the shore, he signaled Colonel Culier, the senior officer in charge of the attack, that he was ready to proceed. Culier issued orders and his men took up their positions. Girau and the others walked toward the head of the main column and kept close to the colonel. With a wave of Colonel Culier's arm, the soldiers moved on up, some of them clambering over rocks, while the main column stuck to the well-worn path leading to the entrance to Rugarold.
Girau was very impressed by the way Colonel Culier deployed his force following their incursion inside the stronghold and was more than happy to leave him in control of the courtyard and lower levels, while Girau led the way to the upper level of the main tower. Besides Patinus and Gallia, Amired and three of his sailors, Culier had assigned a dozen soldiers to assist in the assault on the throne room.
According to what Jhond saw before they left the ship, there were seven supplicants before the emperor; two ministers in full regalia; the usual sprinkling of half-naked females lounging around the room; two male servants distributing food and drink; the steward; an attendant by the throne; and eight imperial guardsmen posted at regular intervals. Even if all the males present in the throne room joined the guards in defending their emperor, which Girau very much doubted, their numbers were still fairly evenly balanced. Though, it was possible there were a few more guards in the room now following the unavoidable noise they'd made invading the stronghold.
Girau wasn't sure when his son and Ninian would appear in the throne room; the timing would be entirely up to Jhond.
As Girau turned a bend on the twisting stone staircase only his swift reaction saved him from being decapitated. He felt the breath of air as the blade whooshed over his ducked head. It missed him by a literal hair's breadth. He landed roughly on the stairs, but had the presence of mind to swing his sword, satisfied as he felt the blade bite into his attacker's leg. The man screamed. A second scream sounded like an echo as Patinus thrust his knife into the guard's eye, straight through to his brain. Girau nodded his thanks to Patinus, who was wiping his blade on the dead man's sleeve.
At Girau's signal, the soldiers moved on ahead up the stairs. Girau gave the lieutenant in charge of the section an apologetic nod; the officer had suggested his men should lead the way, but Girau had demurred, a mistake he now acknowledged, and the lieutenant pushed on ahead.
Following behind the obvious sounds of fighting up ahead, they gradually reached the landing, passing numerous bodies on the way. Though most wore the Illurian uniform, there was a Timendran soldier among the fallen and, if Girau wasn't mistaken, he thought perhaps he'd also seen one of Amired's sailors. Opposite the head of the staircase, across the wide landing, were the double doors to the throne room. Girau knew from what Patinus had said that the doors were usually open, tended by the emperor's steward. Apparently, the guards had retreated inside, and the lieutenant and his men were waiting for the others to arrive before charging the closed door. Girau felt like laughing. As if closing the doors would keep them out!
The urge to laugh vanished a minute later when the lieutenant thrust open the door, counting down to three in unison with Patinus. The officer moved high and to the right as Patinus kept low and to the left. The lieutenant died immediately, caught with a blade thrust into his heart, his life's blood pumping out over his killer's sword. Patinus snarled as he finished off the guard who had taken down the lieutenant, throwing his knife into the guard's throat with his right hand, all the while swinging his sword with his left hand to keep the defenders back.
Girau and the others surged past taking on the guards who had been attempting to blockade the door. The imperial guards fell back quickly; they were not prepared for such a determined, sustained attack. Gallia cut through a couple of guards with a few swift, accurate strokes. Amired and Mathias were fighting two guards off to one side. The guards couldn't hide their fear at the sailors' use of the more vicious machetes. One man was felled as Mathias sliced his arm from shoulder to wrist, opening at least one artery as the man's blood poured out. Amired brought his weapon down on the shoulder of the other guard and the man was almost sliced in two, his blood adding to the growing pool on the floor.
Girau saw Patinus was trying to force his way through to the center of the room where a group of men and women were huddled on the floor in front of the throne. The cries of the women could be heard as the people scattered, attempting to get out of the way of the furious prince. Girau had only one chance to look around quickly and was surprised not to see Suvran.
He had no more time to give the mage a thought as some of the men, clearly not imperial guards, but presumably supplicants who had been there begging favors from the emperor, jumped to their feet and joined in the fight. One of the men proved to be a good swordsman and charged at Patinus. Girau strode forward to give his assistance. However, it was clear Patinus needed no help. With a few deft flicks of his wrist, he bested his opponent, knocking the sword from his hand and using the hilt of his weapon to knock the man to the floor, where he lay still.
Girau was distracted then as another guard appeared from nowhere and Girau was forced to defend himself. Backing away, he blocked the determined attack, until angrily stamping his foot, he drove the man back. Still, he heard Patinus yell, "Where are you, you coward? Bardius, show yourself!"
* * * *
Patinus was frustrated. He knew damn well Bardius was somewhere in this room, but he couldn't get close enough to the throne. Either there had been more guards present than expected or there was another way into the throne room, for with as many guards as they dispatched, there was always a replacement. Knowing he couldn't allow his anger to shatter his self-control and interfere with his fighting skills, he struggled to regain his equilibrium.
He turned and was confronted by a sword swinging directly for his head. He attempted to turn away, panicked that he wasn't going to make it. Suddenly, there was the clash of a second blade blocking the first one and turning it aside. Patinus was angry he hadn't been prepared. He should never have allowed himself to get caught out like that, and if it hadn't been for Gallia's skill... He watched as his wife drove her sword through the body of his attacker, ignoring the spray of blood coating her hand as a snarl of satisfaction accompanied the blow. Gallia held Patinus' gaze for a second before she smiled, turned away and waded back into the battle. It was peculiar for Patinus to think he owed his marriage to this remarkable woman to a man he hated.
A tiny movement at the edge of the throne caught Patinus' eye. At last, he caught sight of Bardius pulling aside the tapestry that formed a backdrop to the throne. He must've been cowering behind his overly ornate throne. Now Patinus was getting close, the coward was trying to make a run for it through the narrow door Patinus could now see was hidden behind the tapestry. Furious at the idea of the bastard getting away, Patinus slid his sword back in its scabbard and pulled out his long-bladed stiletto.
Patinus pulled the man--he refused to think of him as the emperor any longer--in front of what had been his throne. Bardius struggled every step of the way, screaming and cursing as he slid in the blood his guards had spilled to try to protect him. Patinus slapped him hard across the face, and Bardius' mouth dropped open in shock.
"You will be silent!" Patinus commanded, his voice low and threatening. Then he swung Bardius around. Yanked him close so his back was against Patinus' chest. Wrapping one arm around him, with the other hand Patinus held his stiletto against Bardius' throat.
"Lay down your weapons!" Patinus shouted his demand over the noise of the fighting. Then, as one or two defenders continued to fight, he added in a softer but no less menacing tone, "Or I will happily slit the ex-emperor's throat."
* * * *
Suvran paced his tower room, glancing at the two guards still standing by the window. He had dismissed Lentulus as soon as it became clear the stronghold was under attack. He knew the only way the three ships out in the bay could have got so close undetected was by the use of magic. Strong magic. The only mages he had encountered who had that much power were Ninian and Jhond Reeve. He had considered and dismissed the idea that one of those two was the cause of the rumors spreading like wildfire through the empire that the Eynan had emerged, but now he was having second thoughts. Even Suvran didn't have sufficient power to hide three ships and a force of soldiers large enough to attack Rugarold. Was it possible? He hadn't been able to find Jhond Reeve since the day he had escaped the Isle of Truth.