by David Wells
Alexander nodded his agreement. It still hurt and he knew it would be counterproductive to push himself. He was anxious to be on his way to the Pinnacles, but the fastest way to get on the road was to let his shoulder heal.
“I’d like to address the officers and a few of the men and then speak with the commanding officer before we return to the Keep,” Alexander said.
Captain Sava stood. “I’ll relay your orders to Commander Perry right away.”
“Thank you, Captain.”
Alexander tried to get up, but Isabel said, “Just relax for a few minutes and have some breakfast.”
“Breakfast?” Lucky said with an unabashed smile.
They ate hot porridge with nuts, dried berries, cream and honey. It was hearty and filling, and Alexander felt much better for having taken the time to eat.
When Alexander was ready, Captain Sava led him through a throng of soldiers to a wagon in the middle of the crowd. He carefully climbed up onto the wagon, and the murmuring of the soldiers died quickly as all eyes turned toward him. He looked around and appraised the men for a long moment before he drew the Thinblade and held it aloft for all to see. There was a moment of silence, then the soldiers erupted with a thunderous cheer.
He sheathed his sword and motioned for quiet. “Soldiers of Ruatha, yesterday we lost three of our own to the enemy. They died protecting me. I ask that you remember them and their families in your prayers.”
The soldiers fell deadly silent and all heads bowed in respect for their fallen. Alexander waited a moment before he continued.
“Headwater is mustering an army to attack New Ruatha as we speak. This will be the first battle of the Reishi War fought on Ruathan soil in two millennia. It will be our first test, and we will prevail because we must. Blackstone Keep is secure and well defended. Some of you will be assigned to garrison the Keep, while others will be assigned to patrol the surrounding area and guard the netherworld beast that Wizard Jahoda has trapped like a bug in a jar. The rest will return to New Ruatha with me to bolster the troops defending the Glittering City.
“Headwater outnumbers our forces by double, but they do not have the strength of the Wizards Guild behind them nor do they have the support of the Rangers of Glen Morillian. Ten thousand light cavalry are on the march from the Forest Warden to add to our forces, with many thousands more being trained and equipped to join us soon.
“Remember the Old Law in the challenging days to come. It is the core of our purpose and we must remain faithful to it. Most of all, remember those that fall for our cause. They have given everything so that we might have a chance at a future worth living.”
Alexander stepped down from the wagon, and Captain Sava led him to a tent quickly filling up with officers awaiting his orders.
“Lord Alexander, I am Commander Perry. It is an honor to meet you.”
Commander Perry was a tall man with an impeccable uniform. His hair was close-cropped blond and his face was gaunt with deep-set, dark-blue eyes. Alexander looked at his colors and saw a man of discipline and structure who wanted nothing more than to know his place in an ordered world.
“Commander, you have a disciplined and well-ordered force,” Alexander said. “Forgive my haste, but time is of the essence. I need you to select two thousand men to garrison the Keep and assist the wizards with its exploration and defense. Next, I need a force of five hundred to set up a fortified encampment at the base of the Keep to control access to the road. Wizard Jahoda will be walling in the scourgling, and once he’s finished, I want a hundred good men assigned to guard its prison. Finally, the remainder of your force will be returning to New Ruatha with me to face the army of Headwater. We’ll be leaving tomorrow morning; I’ll need a hundred men on horse to serve as my advance party and escort.”
Commander Perry smiled almost serenely. He was a man with clear orders and the capability to carry them out. “By your command, My Lord.”
“I’m heading back up to the Keep. You may begin sending men up on my heels.”
The commander nodded curtly, turned to his officers and began issuing orders. He didn’t seem very friendly but he was sure of his place and carried himself with the confidence of a leader.
Captain Sava followed Alexander out of the tent. Alexander noted a dozen men fanned out around him, watching the other soldiers. When he headed for the horse pickets, they all moved with him. Clearly, Sava had taken his assignment to heart. Alexander carefully scrutinized the colors of each man in his new guard force and saw that they were all honorable soldiers who were proud of being entrusted with the safety of their King.
Not twenty minutes later, they were riding up the road that wound around Blackstone Keep, across the spur road, and then up to the top of the bridge platform. Alexander set a moderate pace to protect his shoulder. He could still feel the dull ache and stiffness and didn’t want to cause any further delay by pushing himself and injuring it again. Without breaking stride, he brought the invisible bridge back into this world with a flick of his mind. His guard followed behind him in a single file across the long, narrow bridge.
There was a crowd in the paddock waiting for his return. He dismounted and called everyone within earshot to come closer. Once they had gathered, he stepped up on a small mound that used to be the corner post of a corral.
“Within the hour, a force of two thousand soldiers will be coming up that road. They will help in the defense and exploration of the Keep. Welcome them and help them find quarters,” Alexander said and then motioned to Erik as he stepped down.
“It’s good to see you in one piece, Alexander,” Erik said. “I was terrified when that thing jumped off the bridge platform. I never imagined it would do that.”
“I have to admit, I didn’t expect it either,” Alexander said as he guided Erik away from the milling crowd. “Erik, I need you to take command of the Keep garrison. Your primary responsibility will be the security of Blackstone Keep. Defer to the wizards in all things magical and help them explore this place and make it ready to take in more people—possibly a lot more. I hope it won’t come to it, but if need be, this Keep will be a refuge for the people of Ruatha against Phane and his minions.”
“I understand. Do you really think we’ll have to hole up here?” Erik asked.
“I hope not, but I want to be ready just in case,” Alexander said. “I know this isn’t the kind of battle you had in mind, but it’s important.”
“Alexander, I’ve learned a lot in the past few weeks. I saw a lot of good people die, and my fantasies of glory in war died with them. I’ll fight if need be, but I understand that the Keep might be the only safe place for our people to go. It’ll be ready.”
“Good man. Rely on the counsel of the wizards. This is a place of magic first and foremost.”
Alexander spent the rest of the day posted at the arch where the bridge met the paddock, welcoming soldiers into Blackstone Keep. He scrutinized the colors of every person to enter and he was glad he did. Over the course of the afternoon, he discovered and detained three spies who were dishonest and evasive when questioned.
During the entire process of vetting each and every person who entered the Keep, there was always a wizard nearby. Captain Sava and his squad were fanned out all around to provide security. Sava didn’t ask permission or seek approval for his actions but simply deployed his men as he saw fit to ensure that Alexander was well protected.
Erik and his Rangers choreographed a complicated process of moving soldiers into barracks and assigning quarters and duties. Erik was precise and organized. His Rangers were equally disciplined. The soldiers understood their orders and responded with efficient obedience. By nightfall, all two thousand were in the Keep, the bridge was secure, and the place was bustling with activity.
***
Alexander rubbed healing ointment on his shoulder before going to bed and woke the next morning with anticipation and excitement. He came to the breakfast table wearing his riding gear and carrying his pack, his
bow, and a quiver of arrows.
It wasn’t long before the table was full. Breakfast was porridge with honey and dried fruit. Once everyone had eaten their fill, Alexander cleared his throat like he’d seen Jack do so many times before. The table fell silent and all eyes turned to him.
“We’re going to New Ruatha first. I want to ensure that we have a suitable general to lead the battle with Headwater, and I need to talk to Regent Cery and Wizard Sark for a few minutes. After that, we’re going to the Pinnacles. No one outside this room is aware of our real destination and no one must find out. Jack has prepared a rumor that we’re headed for some ruins in the highlands near Kai’Gorn to find the third Bloodvault, which we believe contains the secret of Wizard’s Dust. Hopefully, that will distract the enemy enough to give us safe passage.”
They spent the next two days in the saddle. Alexander got to know Commander Perry a bit better and came to respect the man. He had a precise and ordered mind. He’d been a soldier for his entire adult life and clearly intended to pursue his chosen calling for as long as he could ride.
Once they reached the northern outskirts of New Ruatha, Alexander pointed out a small hill to the northeast of the city. “Commander, I think it would be best if you build a fortified camp there for your forces. The battle lines are probably going to be drawn in the valley to the south and that position will force them to defend their flank while they attempt to advance. Make your camp big; I’ll be sending you some more men to bring your regiment back up to strength, and I’ll see if Wizard Sark can send you some magical assistance as well.”
“Very good, Lord Alexander,” Perry said with a crisp salute.
He took a dozen men with him back toward his main force and sent the rest of the advance force to scout the hill. Alexander and his companions continued on into New Ruatha with a dozen men under Captain Sava’s command.
Regent Cery met Alexander at the gate to the palace. “Lord Alexander, it’s good to see you. The beacons of Blackstone Keep have given the people of New Ruatha hope and our enemies pause.” He gestured to the black granite mountain on the northern horizon and the beacon lights that Alexander had activated. Even at this distance, they shined brightly.
Alexander dismounted and shook Regent Cery’s hand. “What news of Headwater?”
“They’re on the march. Half their force is headed our way while the rest are still being recalled from the outer reaches of the territory. My scouts tell me they will be assembled in time to serve as reserve forces. I recommend we retire to the war room. My generals have maps with enemy positions and strengths. Your father is there as well; he arrived at the head of a column of ten thousand Rangers from Glen Morillian just this afternoon.”
Alexander and Abigail shared a look. “By all means, please lead the way.”
As they walked through the palace, Alexander was struck by the art, color, and lavish furnishings of the place after spending so much time in the austere and utilitarian halls of Blackstone Keep.
He was happy to see that his father and mother were both in the war room along with Wizard Sark and half a dozen officers, including General Markos. There was a large table with a giant map of the entire territory of New Ruatha and the areas on the periphery.
Bella looked up and smiled with relief and happiness as she rushed to embrace her children. “You’re safe,” she said, hugging them both tightly at the same time. “I’ve been so worried, especially since we heard about the scourgling.”
Alexander flexed his shoulder a bit at the mention of the netherworld monster. It still hurt but only a little and his range of motion had returned almost completely. “With the help of Wizard Jahoda, we were able to trap the beast in a magical circle. With any luck, it’ll stay there until Phane is killed and then it will return to the netherworld.”
Duncan approached with a broad smile. “I see you’ve found your sword, Son. I’m proud of you, proud of you both.” He hugged Alexander and Abigail in turn.
“You must be hungry,” Bella said. “Come and have something to eat before we get down to business. You’ll make better decisions on a full stomach.”
Alexander smiled and nodded. His mother had a way of reassuring him like nothing else. He always felt safe and cared for in her presence. They ate a meal and talked of little things. It was a brief respite from the more pressing matters that had been weighing on Alexander for so many days. He took the time to simply enjoy the company of his family and allowed himself the indulgence of forgetting his duty for a few minutes.
Chapter 10
All too soon, the meal was over and everyone found a place around the big map table to listen to General Markos brief Alexander on the position and strength of the enemy forces and the friendly forces.
General Markos spoke with precision and care in his presentation. His officers filled in details here and there. In broad terms, a force of fifty thousand enemy soldiers was less than a week away from the outskirts of New Ruatha. Their forces were mostly infantry, with only a couple thousand cavalry and few archers. New Ruatha had thirty thousand infantry, ten thousand archers with ample arrows and well-made longbows and another ten thousand heavy cavalry in addition to the ten thousand Rangers that had just arrived. General Markos expressed confidence in their superiority given the current enemy forces but also expressed concern about the rest of Headwater’s army that was being assembled. Once they joined the battle, New Ruatha would be outnumbered nearly two to one.
“Thank you, General,” Alexander said. “I believe I can add a small piece to your map. I’ve ordered Commander Perry to take the hillock here.” He pointed to the little hill northeast of New Ruatha that had a commanding view of the valley where the battle was likely to take place. “I’ve assigned half of his original force to garrison Blackstone Keep, so he’ll need additional troops to bring his regiment back up to strength. Please see to it that twenty-five hundred soldiers are dispatched to his command tomorrow morning. Wizard Sark, do you have a wizard you can spare to assist Commander Perry?”
“Of course, I have just the man for the job. He’ll depart with the soldiers in the morning,” Wizard Sark said.
General Markos nodded. “That’s a good position. If we draw our battle lines here in this valley,” he pointed at a space just south of the hillock and due east of New Ruatha, “the enemy will have to defend against our front and protect their flank from Commander Perry on the north. The further they advance, the more exposed their flank will become.”
“That’s my hope. Prepare the valley for battle. Deploy the infantry to form a shield line here, supported by pikes.” Alexander traced a line north to south on the map between the Ruatha River and the hill that Commander Perry was busy fortifying. “Assemble the archers and wizards behind the shield line. Deploy half of the heavy cavalry to the north of the hill so we can use it as a flanking force. Their target is the command leadership, any wizards they can find, and the enemy food and water supplies. Hold the remaining heavy cavalry in reserve to serve as a rapid-reaction force and use them to respond to any unexpected enemy movements.”
“Where would you like my light cavalry?” Duncan asked.
Alexander appraised his father for a long moment. “I’ve been giving that some thought. Gentlemen, have any of you commanded men in a large-scale battle before?”
He already knew the answer. The last real war fought anywhere on Ruatha was the border war between Highlands Reach and Southport on one side and Kai’Gorn on the other. Aside from that there had only been minor skirmishes.
The officers all shook their heads—all except Duncan.
“Father, you commanded a regiment in the border wars. I need that experience now. I’m assigning you as Commanding General of the Ruathan Army. All territorial forces will report to you.” Alexander paused for a moment to give his father an opportunity to respond.
Duncan nodded thoughtfully. “Duane is my Second. He’s a bit headstrong, but more than capable of leading the legion of cavalry I brought from Gl
en Morillian.” He looked at Alexander a bit suspiciously. “If you want me to command your army, that must mean you have other plans.”
Alexander smiled at his insight. He had never been able to hide anything from his father. “I do. I have a vitally important task that can’t wait. This battle will be fought without me.”
Several of the officers looked at each other a bit nervously.
“I understand that the soldiers are expecting me to lead them, but I must attend to another matter. However, now that I see the lay of the land, I believe I can do a bit of both. Tomorrow we’ll go to Duane’s position and take his force around to the north and flank the entire enemy army. We’ll divide into a hundred war parties and make lightning raids on every weak spot we can find. Hit and run until all of the territories in Headwater are afraid of the mere mention of the Rangers of Glen Morillian. From there, the six of us will leave on our errand, but not before the men see me lead them into battle.”
“Lord Alexander,” Regent Cery said, “Your presence here will greatly galvanize the soldiers, and I fear that your absence will unravel their resolve. Would it be possible to postpone your errand until this battle is won?”
“No. What I have to do simply can’t wait. I’m confident in our forces. We have a sound plan and my father has far more experience than I do at fighting a war.”
Alexander looked around the room at each of the faces. “One last thing. Wars are won by attack. If you have the chance to hurt the enemy, take it. Be aggressive and be bold. Let it be known that any who side with Phane will never know a moment of peace from this day forward.
“Regent Cery, please assemble the delegates from the nine territories. I need to speak with them, and then I’d like a secure suite of quarters where I can spend some time with my family and get a good night’s sleep.”
“Your quarters are already prepared and the delegates await,” Regent Cery said with a smile. “I made preparations for your arrival the moment I heard you were on your way.”