Sunlight poured in from the tent flap when a soldier opened it. "It's time, Zidaoz."
The Zidaoz stood and collected a few things and then left the tent. Men rushed in to dismantle the tent at once, and a servant draped a heavy cloth over him to keep him warm. All around him rang the sounds of men preparing for war. Soldiers ran in every direction preparing to move the mobile camp closer to the city of Taburdum.
The air was heavy with the acrid scent of campfires, but on that same wind was another smell. It was the pungent smell of rotting meat, but he knew it was not really meat he smelled. Over the hill in front of him he could see the heads of the enormous Thrahks. The creatures stunk, and there was just no way to avoid it.
He walked the path around the hill and the monsters came into full view. Even though they were rendered harmless by the Dirujen, the sight still struck fear into his heart. They were as tall as three men, and swayed gently as they stood. Their skin was a flat gray color, although there were black markings across their backs. Bones protruded from the skin down the spine and at all the joints. It served as armor plating and essentially made the animals impervious to attacks from sword or spear. Long, muscular arms were slung low, nearly long enough to touch the ground, and thick, heavy legs supported the massive frame. The head was set in front of the body instead of on top of the shoulders. The jaws were large and powerful, and the beasts snapped them open and shut over and over. Strings of saliva escaped from their mouths and rode the breeze slowly to the ground. Soulless white eyes were sunk deep into their skulls and shined with a glow that was both transfixing and terrifying.
The Dirujen Mekkal saw him and approached. "Zidaoz, we have good news. Everything has been prepared and the Thrahks are set to go. I have also received word that Lohken has arrived at the next encampment. He is with the men just outside of Taburdum, and we will meet up with him when we arrive there later today."
"Good. I would like to ask him where he has been all this time. We could have used his help around here."
"I am sure he agrees, Zidaoz. It seems that hunting down Vohlhemoneer Dirujen was more complicated than it seems. But given the circumstances, Lohken's mission was important enough to warrant his absence. We cannot have that malefactor causing us any more problems. It is difficult enough to kill humans without an immortal to aid them in their misdeeds."
The Zidaoz stroked his beard as he stared at the vile beasts towering over him. "Did he at least succeed in his mission? Has this rebel Dirujen been eradicated?"
"I do not know, Zidaoz. I have not received any information on his mission, only that he has arrived at the camp near Taburdum."
"I see. Well I have questions for him when we see him again. You said the Thrahks are ready now?"
"Yes Zidaoz. We will ride out ahead of the army on horseback and take the beasts with us. We will arrive hours before the rest of the army does."
"Good, get going then. I have grown tired of waiting for this battle. I want the soil of Medora red with blood."
Mekkal called out orders to the other Dirujen in a language that the Zidaoz could not understand. But all of the Dirujen walked out in front of the Thrahks and stared into their terrible eyes. The heads of the animals turned as if they were listening intently to very quiet commands, but no words were ever spoken to them. All of a sudden they stomped off toward Taburdum in unison, kicking up mud and melting snow.
Chapter 27
"So, my General arrives," Uritus said as he pushed some papers on his desk away from him.
Tannis scanned the entire room before entering or replying. He and Uritus had decided to form a truce while the enemy was in their land, but Tannis knew that a truce was sometimes put in place in order to force an enemy to lower their guard. It was a dirty trick, but one that worked. He knew that Uritus was not above that sort of deceit, so he was always careful.
He removed his hand from the unfamiliar sword at his waist. "I am here to bring reports. Are you feeling well, Emperor?"
"I feel fine, General. Why do you ask?"
Something was wrong. The information that was brought to Tannis had to be incorrect or greatly exaggerated. It was possible that Song was lying about the fight that he and Uritus had, and that he was never crushed by a statue. Then again, Song might not have seen what actually happened. There was no way to know for sure, but one thing Tannis did know was that Uritus looked as healthy as ever.
Tannis looked Uritus over once more before answering. "I had heard that you had your arm broken by some child or something. I guess I was wrong."
"Oh no, you are correct, General. My arm was mangled very badly. It could have killed me. I need to be more careful in the future."
"But your arm looks fine. Perhaps you exaggerate your injuries in order to appear more heroic?"
Uritus leaned back in his chair and smiled. "No, I was hurt very badly. I am just fortunate enough to be worshipping the proper god and he has gifted me with the ability to heal. But before you get any ideas, don't ask me for any favors. I don't want you coming to me asking to save any lives for you."
"I would never ask a favor of someone I would never do a favor for, Emperor. You have nothing to worry about."
Uritus rolled his eyes. "Oh you have no idea, Tannis. I have so many things to worry about. This entire Empire is crumbling. Vast numbers of people are either unable to find work or refuse to work at all. Our economy is spiraling downward and we have to make copper coins that we claim are worth the same as gold ones. I have two armies in my land on the verge of killing us all and they have already sacked a major city. My own army is split in two; some working for me and some working against me. I have your son and his friends trying to hunt me down and kill me. I have the Mages to run and Inshae to please. I have a lot of things to worry about, General.
Tannis faked a yawn. "I don't care about your problems, Uritus. Most of those are from your own doing. The only thing I care about as far as you and I are concerned is cooperation when it comes to this war. We need the entire army working together or we are doomed."
"We have an agreement, Tannis. I know you do not trust me, but we both know we need each other right now. I have not broken my accord with you—even though you allow a rebellion against me to grow in your Legions."
"I cannot control that, Uritus. These are free men who do not like the whiff of oppression you are cooking up. If I were to quash this rebellion they would put both of our heads on the same stake."
"We are all Medorans, General. We are in this together. Your men are in this with the rest of us whether they like it or not. It doesn’t matter to me if your band of rebels does not get what they want. I am the Emperor of Medora and I will decide what path this nation takes. The old ways you knew as a child are what led us here. Now it is time to implement the superior system of social equality."
Tannis rested his fists on the table. "Yes, our enemy marching towards Taburdum brings that same 'superior' system. It amazes me that there are still Medorans like you who refuse to see the abject failure of that social system no matter what evidence is presented. But, I did not come to argue politics. I have come to bring reports of the enemy armies. It seems we have a very serious problem."
"What problem is that? Are there more men than we expected?"
"Probably. But that is not my real concern. They have brought beasts with them. Those terrible things we saw at the battle at Burnhamheade."
Uritus let his jaw hang open a moment. "Thrahks. How many are there? The same as before?"
"There were only six or seven before. They have brought dozens with them this time. We will need some kind of protection from their magic. Can your Mages provide such protection?"
"I don't know. I have never really encountered their power. I can't say what I am capable of doing without capturing one and studying it."
"I don't see that happening, Uritus. Even if it was possible to capture one, there will be an army of a million men or more standing between the beasts and us. And if we did capture
one, only Vohl could control the thing. He was the one who turned the tide of the last battle and turned the Thrahks on the Bhoors."
"Well, I'm sure it would pain your immortal friend to assist the Mages, but surely he would help us in this endeavor."
Tannis nodded. "He would. But I'm telling you, it's not possible to capture one. Our scouts report that the Thrahks have already arrived and the army is marching right passed their position. They are probably going to remain at the rear of the army at least for the time being."
"Can we march around them and perhaps surprise them at their rear?"
"No. Not only will their scouts see us moving across the fields, but their strongest weapon will be right there at the rear. We have no protection from the Thrahks. We cannot risk sending soldiers up against them. There has to be something you and your Mages can do to help us without having to catch one of those things to study it."
Uritus ran his fingertips across his forehead as he thought. "I have to think about it. I don't know what they are capable of doing, and so I don't know what I am capable of doing."
Tannis stood tall and raised his chin. "Congratulations on finishing the first lesson in warfare."
Chapter 28
Vohl approached Rommus and laid a hand on his shoulder. "Master Rommus, they are ready for you."
"Who is ready for me? What are you talking about?"
"The men. Your army."
"Ah okay. Good. tell them we'll be leaving soon."
Vohl was amazed that Rommus didn't seem to understand something so simple. "No, Master Rommus, they are not just ready to go to war, they are ready for you. They wish to hear from their leader."
"Hear from their leader? You mean like some sort of speech?"
"Yes, Master Rommus. The time has come."
Rommus ran a nervous hand through his hair. "Vohl, I can't do that. I have never really spoken to a crowd before. The only time I remember doing it was telling people not to bow to me in the streets when we returned to see that Brinn was destroyed. I have never given any kind of a speech before. I wouldn't know what to say."
"Of course you know what to say. Just say what you have been saying all along. You do not need to dig very deep to uncover your own ideas and opinions on our current situation. All you need to do is bring thought to word."
"Vohl, I have been bringing thought to word for years and they fall to the ground long before they reach anyone's ears. I don't know how to do something like this. Most of those men out there are not even Legion Archenarius. No one is going to listen."
"They will listen, Master Rommus. That is what they are here to do."
"And what if they don't like what I have to say? What if they disagree? What if they have misunderstood me all along and they suddenly think I am a monster?"
Vohl shifted his weight and rested his palm on the pommel of his sword. "You cannot escape the peoples' judgment just because you do not like the idea of being judged. What we do as men matters, and how we are perceived matters; however we cannot pretend to be men we are not. Whether we like it or not, we are the standard-bearers of freedom and we must offer the people a light in the darkness; for all mankind will look to any light for reference when shadow and shade have blinded them."
Rommus sighed. "I'm just a man, Vohl. My solutions might not work. I may fail the people. They may turn on me before my ideas can even be implemented."
"Yes, that may be true, but it is your duty as their leader to assume those risks. This role is your calling in life and you are no longer blessed with the option of refusal. You have made it known that you are here to push back this coming tide of oppression, and you have no choice but to do so—or at least die trying."
"To die trying has always been a fear of mine. Not the dying part; the trying part. If I die before I can fix anything, then I have failed."
"Heroes sometimes die, Master Rommus. It does not make their attempts any less valorous. In fact, in death a hero may even be elevated to a far greater status. No man can say for sure how his death will affect the world he leaves behind. All man can do is aim for the highest levels and hope we can reach them. If he should fall before he does, then at least his life can serve as an inspiration to others who come after him.
"Now, Master Rommus, it is time for you to end this stalling and address your men."
——————
There was no ornate marble balcony to speak from. There were no beautiful banners hanging from giant windows turning gently in the breeze. There was nothing but an endless sea of silent faces staring at him. All of them had removed their helmets, which humanized the Medoran war machine. What stood before him was not an army; but an assembly of men bonded together with ideals and intent.
He stood above them on a small hill so that they could hear his words and see him as he spoke. He could have chosen a higher location, but he refused because he did not want to look down upon them. It was important that he remained on the same level as his men; even if it was just simple symbolism.
Cold wind whipped across the hill and caressed his cape. He stood still and tall as he met the eyes of his men, and they all stood with the same proud stature. It was clear that his fears of addressing these men were unfounded, and that they held him in great esteem. These men were not only proud to be there; they were excited. Whether or not they viewed Rommus as a hero was unknown, but they knew they were in the presence of an important, influential man. The level of respect Rommus felt emanating from them was a bit of a surprise, and the discovery put him at ease.
Rommus closed his eyes briefly and let the words in his heart find their way to his tongue. "Fellow Medorans, I stand before you today not because I wish to rule you or even lead you. I stand here because I am afraid. I am afraid that the darkness has finally come to snuff out the light. Oppression has crept in under cover of cloud and shadow, and in has changed the very soul of Medora.
"There is not much fight left within us. Our brothers beside us have fallen. Our muscles grow tired and our bones have broken. Arrow, spear and sword have pierced us and bled out our resolve. Our enemy has been relentless for generations, and we have watched our nation slowly decay; rotting out in open sunlight for all to see. Stone by stone and block by block, Medora has been systematically dismantled. And though many buildings still stand on this soil, we have lost sight of what we, the people, stand for.
"I do not speak of those horrible hordes on the plains waiting to bring swords down upon us. I speak of the more terrible enemy that has been here all along. He has watched us as we slept. He has smiled at us in the streets. He has even held out a hand when we have fallen. He is your neighbor, your friend or even your family. He is woven into the fabric of our society, and his threads grow stronger every day.
"You see, Medora was split long ago. Many, like me, refused to see it happening. It made no sense that there were Medorans among us who wished to fundamentally transform this great nation and reshape it into the opposite of what it was founded to be. While the enemy attacked with sharpened steel from outside our borders, there were dangerous men next door with sharp tongues convincing us that our ways were unjust and unfair. They told us our nation was corrupt, and that the only wealth we ever had was stolen from everyone else.
"I am here to tell you that I do not care about Medora and I do not care about wealth. At least, that is, when these things are defined by the physical objects which they are. True wealth is not silver, gold or marble blocks. It is not fine clothing or jewels or priceless paintings or statues. The only wealth that matters here is freedom. Medora itself is nothing but the soil at our feet, but from that soil grows the orchard of liberty. We have plucked the ripe fruits from that orchard for centuries, but now those fruits have turned bitter.
"The foolish will tell you that freedom itself has caused these problems, but reason tells us that cannot be true. Our system has allowed for more prosperity, health and happiness than any other system before it. Fools like Uritus intentionally corrupt this syst
em emulating the flawed system of the Vindyri, and then claim that we have sunk this ship ourselves. It is they who have corrupted us. They are the ones who have put holes in this ship.
"So I call on all of you to abandon Medora. Medora is only a word. Do not raise your swords high and fight for a word. Raise them even higher and fight for the worthiest of causes. Fight for freedom, for it is not just a word—freedom is everything.
"For if we allow the flame of freedom to die out, there will be no chance for that fire to spring up again. The legends of our heroes will be forgotten, and those men of law and reason will never again inspire us. But an even darker day to come is when the very legend of reason itself is gone. When no man thinks for himself, what chance is there for mankind? Reason and freedom are brothers; and one cannot live without the other.
"The young among us have been taught to disregard any view other than what they have learned in their indoctrinations. The truly corrupt villains in this nation have understood that in order to destroy freedom, they must overpower the young. Our children soak up what they hear and it eventually becomes truth to them. They are not taught to think about the consequences of their actions or inactions. They are taught to think that they are entitled to things that they did not earn themselves. They believe that their foolish system is superior to the one that has worked here for centuries. It saddens me that they do not have the capacity to look around them and see the political system they admire so much failing everywhere throughout history. They cannot see that the integration of this corrupt system into our own is why Medora is failing now.
Soul Under the Mountain (Legend of Reason Series) Page 16