by Lee LaCroix
The clearing of the battlefield was not an easy task but a necessary one. Not because of the weight of the bodies but the weight of the soldier’s hearts. For every man or woman of the Crown Army that was slain, five Vandari lay dead around them. Still, this was too high a price to pay, for brother wept for brother and sister for sister—kin forged by bonds of blood and arms. There was a great deal of grieving, for a soldier would collapse to their knees and slap their hands to their own faces, spraying blood and mud upon their guise. The bereaved would pull and push at the faces of the fallen, wishing to coax the lively movements from their countenances once more but would ultimately fail, certainly and tragically. Each surviving victim wondered if this most heavy of sacrifices was worth the price of their freedom, which was both golden and elusive on the edge of the future and the sunrise of tomorrow and realized by those courageous few not in a tangible reality but in the inspiring verses from the man who led them here.
Chapter Nineteen
Even by the time that all the bodies had been separated and carried away, the blood had still stained the rocky earth. The sky reflected this spilling, and the setting sun burned the sky a dark red from the horizon to the retreating masses of cloud. The tinge of bloody light could be seen upon every surface still wet with the fallen rain, which of few were not. The Vandari were being thrown without regard into a deep ravine and burned, and the fallen Malquians were rested on the wagons that had arrived recently carrying the tenting supplies. The black smoke carried the filth of the Vandarian Order over the sea where it could be drowned in the oblivion of its depths and away from the tent city that began to rise in the heart of Boulderstone. Thin mats of straw were provided as the floor for every tent, and there was an assortment of coverings that were hoisted up that day. The largest tent was for feasting and drinking and featured three long tables along its length with a rotund barrel of mead on each end and a lengthy platter of breads, cheeses, fruits, and roast chicken along its middle. Here, some soldiers ate to regain their energy and others to sedation while some drank to regain their cheer and others to drown their woes.
The general mood was much more somber than the night before, which was all cheer and bravery. Even in victory, the Crown Aegis had seen the terrifying rigours of war and the flaming rain of death that had accompanied it, and they were aged and wizened by it. There was a second section of tents with a public area where soldiers could rest upon stretched cloth beds or have their wounds cleaned, treated, or looked over. There was a fire that burned close to every spirit chilled by death’s cold closeness. Berault and his stalwart men and women could be found at the officer’s tent resting, supping, and going over the plans for the next day.
“The latest roll call accounts that we suffered losses of over two hundred soldiers while the Blackwoods suffered close to seven hundred. Given the tactical advantage of our ranged division, the sturdy holding of our ranks, our decisive push on their siege location, and the following flanking maneuver on their main force, we were able to keep the number of our causalities to an absolute minimum given that we walked into an ambush,” Lord Cross dictated.
“An unfortunate loss for a necessary victory,” Berault stated. “The Blackwoods have a measure of our strength now and will be eager to test us further tomorrow. We must be ready. Have any of the scouts returned yet?”
“Only two, General. And they report that the pass through the Rauros is looking clear, and the outpost still in ruins,” Lord Cross explained.
Berault nodded in response and continued to look over the regional map.
“While daylight still reigns, I want any agile volunteers to go up into the southern face of the Rauros and search for alternative paths. Walking into another ambush could be devastating, especially now that they know our numbers,” Berault commanded.
“I will lead the group up there immediately,” Eyrn told him with a swift bow.
“Very well, see it done,” Berault responded with a salute.
Novas and Kayten entered the tent as Eyrn was leaving, and they each exchanged a nod.
“It is good to see that we have survived this. Walking us into this nightmare unaware, it would have pained me greatly to see any of us hurt or worse,” Berault explained as Kayten and Novas approached the table.
“No more than scrapes and bruises, I suppose. But there is a great deal of loss outside of our merry circle I’m afraid,” Kayten mused.
“The red sky sets in the west. We can see it all through the gloom even now as a reflection of all the blood spilled this day. In the morn, when the sun rises, I will remind the army not to focus on loss, but of vengeance. When they see those who have stolen from them, time and time again, they will shake off their woes and know once again why they are fighting. But tonight is for them to grieve, cheer, and pay their respects. They can do what they wish,” Berault explained.
“And the same goes for you. I am done for the night. It has been a long day, and I wish to retire. See you all at sunrise,” Berault told them as he took a seat in his chair, placing his elbows upon the rests and his fist against his chin, and looked over the materials on the desk.
With his other hand, he waved them out, and the rest made their way to the feasting tent for some refreshment. The officers were welcomed with a boisterous call, and room at the bench was made for all of them. Domminal, Behn, and Cern stayed around the table to bandy with the veterans and have their fill of booze and bread. Tamil went her own way back to her own tent, and Garreth and Ilsa left to retire on their own after a short salutation. Kayten and Novas filled a plate, grabbed a wine skein, and then made their way back to their tent, breaking into a jog to escape the cool wind that bit at their damp cloth after the sun had fallen completely.
After they were enclosed in the thick fabric of their sturdy tent, Kayten and Novas began to undress, removing their soggy garments and wanting to get under the fur blankets in a hurry. They were nearly nude, both clawing at their clingy pants, when their eyes met. Struck by a sudden passion, they fell into each other’s arms and down onto the fleecy mat. The embrace of their lips did not cease even as they threw the covering over themselves. Their limbs and bodies began to intertwine, generating a much needed source of heat that night. All the woes, the fear and the pain lifted shortly after they came together. To have met the overwhelming terror of that battle together and to survive alongside their friends and family… for that they were truly happy. Novas and Kayten found a shelter within each other that no food or drink, home or kingdom, or coin or person could ever offer. Kayten believed she could do anything with Novas’ help, and Novas believed that nothing was impossible with Kayten beside him.
Novas rested Kayten’s head on his shoulder, and she draped her arm across his chest longingly. As they both began to nibble on the platter, a sudden hunger came over them not of the carnal variety. When they were finished, Novas placed the scraps and the plate outside for the birds and wrapped up the tent again, hurrying back into the warmth underneath the covers. They supped at the wine, looked into each other’s eyes and said little, unwilling to break the fierce afterglow that radiated between them. Novas’ stared into Kayten’s shining green eyes, as deep and verdant as a summer meadow, until she closed them for the rest of the night, and Novas fell into a resting sleep soon after.
Chapter Twenty
The dull noise of stamping boots and rustling mail awoke Kayten and Novas the next morning. Stripes of light cut through the dimness of the tent, and the two groaned as they donned their spare set of linens, completely dry and fragrant with spice. Kayten gasped and held her arm to her eyes as Novas threw open the tent side, letting the brightness of the rising sun fill its interior. They continued to sit around in the tent for a time while they helped each other with the straps of their armour, making sure everything was tightened to security. They sat up into their boots as they left the tent and continued to strap on their leggings once they had gotten to their feet. The soldiers stood around their tents nearby, stretching, ya
wning, and slapping the sleep from their faces and wandered over to the meeting ground near the northern entrance of town. When Kayten and Novas arrived, Berault sat upon his horse. His figure was a silhouette in the rising sun, and Behn, Domminal, and Garreth flanked his sides. There was the dull murmur of conversation amongst the troops, and it appeared that the general was waiting for the rally to reach maximum attendance. The noise of activity was unmistakable now, and even the most incapacitated of drunks was awoken by the clanging of pans that were carried by a group of soldiers making their way through the tent city.
“Soldiers! Men and women! Of the Crown Aegis! Of the Army! Of Amatharsus! Of Malquia!” Berault began when he deduced that the majority of the warriors had arrived.
“Yesterday was a victory but not one without cost. We all did suffer through the bruising of bone, to the cutting of skin, and the letting of blood. Some of us paid the ultimate price, their lives, to see that battle won. It was right to mourn the loss of our brothers and sisters last night, for they will be sorely missed from that day on. But let not their sacrifice be a burden to our hearts but a reminder of what we fight for and what they died for. That over that mountain, there are men that still exist who wish to take from you all that you hold dear and everything that you have worked for your entire lives. The Blackwoods have taken something from us all in the past like our homes, our possessions, and our loved ones, just as they had stolen from us yesterday. But I tell you now, this day can be the last of it, the very end of their tyranny and their oppression. Join me today in this final battle, so that all that have suffered under their grip may be avenged, and we may see this land to be safe and free once more!” Berault announced before he reared his horse up into the air and raised his sword.
While his men and women rose this day tired and uneasy, Berault reminded them that this could be that unburdening end. It showed on their faces and how loud and bold they cheered and how strong and swift their weapons were raised. Berault whipped his horse into motion and led the troops out of the north end of town and to the plains not far down the Great North Road.
In the shadow of the Rauros, Berault ordered Behn, Garreth, and Domminal to split the army into three ranks, archers, shieldsmen and the other warriors. Domminal took up a sword and a shield and joined the shieldsmen at the front ranks of the army, once again taking up his position as Berault’s aide. Garreth led the archers in behind the shieldsmen, and Behn kept the rest of the soldiers at a distance behind, protecting the general as the majority of the army moved into the mountain pass. Novas looked towards that wide crack in the Rauros and recalled the Blackwoods they had slain there; he did not believe for one moment that the Army would pass without conflict, especially after yesterday. Kayten clasped Novas’ hand and looked him in eyes.
“I have to go join the ranks. Be safe until I see you again,” Kayten asked.
“You be safe. I’ll be right behind you,” Novas chided.
Kayten sprinted off to join the shieldbearers that were making their way up the slope of the divide, and Novas paced off to his father’s division and fell into ranks beside him.
“You will be okay without her?” Garreth inquired with a grin.
“Am I ever not?” Novas retorted and shrugged his shoulders.
Novas watched as the shield division paced into the roadway valley, making their way past the burning remnants of the blockade that once stood. It appeared the Blackwoods had attempted no further construction or had even bothered to clean the area up at all. Blackwoods corpses still sat around its perimeter, most picked clean to bone. Even above the sound of soldiers marching in rhythm, Novas noted the churning of gravel along the edge of the peaks, sliding down into the valley. He brought his vision upwards to study its origin and saw nothing but those rolling stones. But as the shield division moved into the valley, Novas could swear he could see fleeting shadows just like he had one that first journey to Boulderstone. Initially, he disregarded it, faulting the rising of the sun on the illusion. It was not until the distinctive outlines of longbows appeared at the peak that Novas chose to speak.
“Watch out! Above!” he yelled, pointing to the cliffs.
Garreth put his hand on Novas’ shoulder to calm him as the first volley of arrows dove into the ravine. The shieldbearers had their barricades up in time, and they formed up in a half circle with their shields to the sky, deflecting the falling arrows.
“Keep in cover and move in slowly,” Garreth commanded as his archers sped into motion.
The troop of archers moved up along the craggy sides of the valley, hiding behind walls and boulders as they made their way north to the immobile shell of the shield division. Arrows continued to rain down upon them frequently from both sides. Novas did not have time to send out a second arrow before a Blackwoods archer fell from the cliff above with a startling scream. Two more fell shortly after. The deadly trickle of arrows from the Blackwoods archers seemed to quit completely, and a commotion broke out upon the tops of the cliffs. The shield division broke ranks and began to confirm the deaths of those fallen bowyers, ensuring the Blackwoods did not rise once they had fallen. The immediate tension of the surprise attack left Novas as he spotted the telltale red of the Crown Aegis insignia on the clifftops where their soldiers were engaging the Blackwood’s ranged division. Waving with his sword from above, Eyrn showed himself to the passing army. Before long, each warrior stood atop of the ridge like a flag— a line of banners covered the edge of each peak. Berault brought the rest of the warriors up from the back flanks now that it was safe to continue, and the Crown Aegis on the clifftop continued their way north along the edge to rout out any more ambushes.
The army continued with one eye to the sky and the other cast around every corner. To their luck, the journey through the mountain pass was fairly uneventful after the ambush. Eyrn’s division tread across the cliffs where the occasional soldier lost his footing on the gravel and was caught in the nick of time by his fellows before plunging to a rough fall below. They followed the rest of the army out of the north slopes of the Rauros, scaling the stony steppes of the rocky walls and falling in with the rest of the ranks as they rallied in the nearby forest.
The Crown Army marched north together to the edge of the forest and the beginning of the desolation. The area was pockmarked by blackened, rotting tree stumps and strips of violently overturned dirt and grass caused by horse-drawn collection wagons filled to a hindering capacity. Many soldiers stood appalled at the indecent perversion of nature that stood before them; harvesting of lumber was essential to many acts of construction in their time, but to do so with such recklessness and irresponsibility was repugnant to them.
Berault stood at the front of the army with his officers beside him, overseeing their route of approach and putting the final plan of their assault into action. The dark gray masts of the ships were just visible in the inlet of the bay, and the thorough deterrence were only small strips of wood from that distance. The black smoke of the refinery churned into the air and left a dark smear on an otherwise clouded sky of white. None of them could be completely sure, but they assumed the blinking effect of white and silver, like a metallic stream along the borders of the camp, could only be the reflection of the Vandarian army that stood on patrol. The Vandari coiled around Deepshine with every section shimmering like the scales of a snake, moving as one lethal entity. There was no safe way to approach Deepshine with as many men as they had, for the siege placements and the trenches wound their way around the south and east faces entirely, and they knew they could not attack from the north without being flanked in their preparations. Berault knew, and his officers knew, and he was sure that the troops knew that there was nothing safe about this battle at all and there wasno safety to be found in this war. They only had their arms, their fellow soldiers, and their courage to protect them here.
When the plans were set, Garreth took his unit of soldiers, a mixed group of archers and swordsmen, and led them west towards the sea with Novas, Kay
ten, and Ilsa in tow. Garreth ordered his troops onto the shore, below the ridge of the desolate plain, and moved them north towards Deepshine Bay quick and quiet. The Crown Army marched towards Deepshine in their layered ranks. Each rhythmic footstep that echoed over the land signalled their intention and their taciturn martial skill. The steely viper of Vandarian forces came to a stop along the southern front of the camp and filled the trenches to maximum capacity. Their numbers spilled out into the land beside them and shrouded the siege weaponry in bodies. The legion of Malquians held their position a ways from Deepshine where they had estimated the reach of the siege weaponry to be, and they waited in plain sight of their enemies.
Pushing through the ranks of Vandari, a tall banner rose out from between them and made its way south, falling low as it made its way through the trenches, and then regained its full height as it made its way onto the plain. The banner man strode out at a walking pace towards the Crown Army flanked by four guards, one on each of his corners. Berault rode forward slowly with Behn, Domminal, and Eyrn at his side, and they all met midfield between the two forces.
“We know your numbers, we know your strength, and we know you cannot defeat us. You have had a mere taste of our power, but you have been reckless enough to unleash your strongest barrage upon us. We have horrors in store for you that will break your troops, their weapons, and their wills before the day is done. I pray you return to your homes and your pathetic city and prepare your coffers for your tribute. The Vandari have come, the Blackwoods have been reborn, and there will be no prisoners taken this time,” the Blackwoods captain growled.