The Longsword Chronicles: Book 01 - King of Ashes

by GJ Kelly

  "Well met indeed, by my sword. I've heard you dead so many times I can scarce believe it is you. But I embarrass myself," Brock beamed happily, and bowed low before Elayeen. "Honour to the Crown, my Lady, it does an old heart good to see such elven beauty in these plain surrounds. I heard it from a Captain in Willam's cavalry you had been sorely hurt. You are well, I hope?"

  "I am well, thank you." Elayeen smiled, and inclined her head to both Brock and Willam. "Honour to you both."

  "Truly you are recovered, my Lady?" Willam asked solicitously, eyeing the fresh bandage around Elayeen's leg. "Our healers are treating you well?"

  "Thank you, they have been kind."

  Willam, tall and gaunt, stared into Gawain's eyes. "Juria salutes you, Raheen," he said, his voice tinged with sadness and a little embarrassment. "And your Lady."

  "Honour to you, Juria. I am glad to see you recovered."

  "Well, are we to stand outside thus," Brock boomed, "Or haven't they finished building somewhere where hungry travellers might eat?"

  Willam smiled as the town commander flushed and stammered. "This way, your Majesties. All is prepared."

  As they walked towards a long hut at the side of the apartments, Brock suddenly asked:

  "What news of Threlland?"

  "He is expected within the next few days." Gawain announced. "General Bek sent fast riders north to warn of the Morloch raiders, and Threlland thus proceeds with haste."

  "And Elvendere, my Lady, does Thal-Hak join us?" Willam inquired politely.

  "I believe Elvendere will await the arrival of Threlland before leaving the forest."

  "Ah."

  Food and drink was laid out on a long table in the hall, and Gawain noticed that at the far end of the single room, six large chairs had been arranged in a semi-circle, awaiting kings in formal council.

  "Does the Lady Hellin not join us?" Elayeen inquired politely.

  "Ah," Willam exclaimed, "She has become somewhat preoccupied with military matters of late. Since my...illness, she has taken on certain duties which might at first seem inappropriate for a Lady."

  "What Juria means, my Lady," Brock whispered, an impossible feat given the normal volume of his resonant voice, "Is that the Lady Hellin has become somewhat preoccupied with a certain Major in the Guard, and given that dreadful business with the Ramoths, is keen to learn all she can in matters martial."

  Willam flushed, though whether from anger or embarrassment Gawain could not tell.

  "My husband has acquainted me with his adventures in your land, Juria." Elayeen said, her voice sweet and lilting, "You must be proud of your daughter, and her duty to the crown while you were disabled."

  "Yes," Willam admitted, his back straightening. "Yes, I am."

  "Will Jerryn be joining us also?" Gawain asked.

  "Doubtless." Brock sniffed, loading a plate with roast beef.

  "He is a capable officer." Willam said calmly.

  "And a good friend." Gawain asserted. "To all lands."

  Brock finished heaping food upon his plate, and then announced loudly as the door swung open:

  "By the Teeth, Allazar! You live! I thought your head long since fallen to Longsword's blade!"

  Allazar smiled, and bowed. "Your Majesties.” Then Allazar turned to Gawain. "Longsword, I have carried out your instructions. They are, as predicted, not best pleased."

  "Instructions? Who aren't pleased?" Brock demanded, confused.

  "I have given instructions that we are to remain undisturbed, for the time being." Gawain explained.

  "Undisturbed by whom?" Willam asked, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.

  "By wizards." Gawain said flatly. "I would speak with you without their interference. Much has happened."

  "This is most unusual." Willam muttered.

  "Well," Brock announced, as Jerryn and Hellin walked in, "I for one don't mind a jot. It's you I came to see, Longsword, not a bunch of robed chanters. But first let me eat, I'm starving and fed up with eating plains rabbit."

  "You had rabbit?" Allazar mumbled.

  "Of course, roasted on a spit." Brock said between mouthfuls, "Juria's plains are full of 'em. Didn't you notice?"

  Allazar sighed, and bowed, and mumbling to himself, strode across the bare floorboards to close the door.

  "Longsword." Jerryn acknowledged. "It is good to see you well. Honour to you, and to your Lady."

  "Well met, friend Jerryn."

  "And honour to the Crown," Hellin added, with a graceful curtsey to Elayeen.

  "Yes yes, we're all very important people." Brock protested, "Now can we sit at table like civilised ones and eat?"

  "It is small wonder," Willam sighed, following Brock's cue and taking a seat, "That my grandfather and yours were constantly at each other's throats. Have you no consideration for protocol?"

  "No. That is wizards' business, and Longsword has kindly rid us of them for a while. Besides, I heard it was jealousy over the daughter of a wealthy Jurian trader in rare furs, but I might be mistaken." Brock grunted, "History never was my strongest subject. Now, Longsword, what's all this about war, and what are these 'Morlochmen' I've had garbled messages about from Threlland?"

  Gawain sighed, and when Elayeen and Hellin had taken their seats, he drew out a chair, unslung the longsword, and sat.

  "There are two armies in the northlands. One to the east of Threlland, one to the west of Elvendere. Some twelve hundred men in all."

  "By the Teeth..." Brock mumbled.

  "Beyond the Teeth," Gawain said, "Are thousands more."

  "If they're beyond the Teeth, then they matter not, surely." Willam opined.

  "They do not intend to remain there much longer."

  "Threlland and Elvendere can deal with a bunch of Ramoth mercenaries left over from those dark days, I would have thought." Brock said, and took a swig from a goblet of mulled wine.

  "Doubtless." Gawain agreed. "But these are not mercenaries. These are Morlochmen, as Eryk of Threlland has dubbed them."

  "The Captain who rode out to us told of a battle nearby, between these warriors you describe, yourselves, and elves." Jerryn said, frowning. "I knew not what to make of it."

  "Nor I." Willam agreed. "For Elvendere to trespass onto the plains is remarkable."

  "You seek reparation, your Majesty?" Elayeen asked innocently, and Willam blanched.

  "By the Teeth, no, my Lady!" he protested, genuinely shocked.

  "My father is simply surprised, my Lady," Hellin said gently, "That elves would leave the forest for any reason. For many years, your people have been welcome to travel abroad on the plains, yet never have. There is no question of reparation, and we are ashamed that you were so attacked on our soil."

  Elayeen tilted her head apologetically. "Forgive me. I am unused to matters of court outside my land, and I meant no offence."

  "That you were attacked so on Jurian soil is shameful to us, my Lady," Willam announced, "But that you were attacked so close to this town is worse."

  "Aye." Jerryn scowled. "I have already sent for more patrols to range far and wide. The prospect of our friends from Threlland and the eastern lands falling to such a vile ambush is a terrifying one. It would forestall any attempts at Council."

  "Which is why the attacks were made." Gawain said. "To prevent the Council. Morloch dreads the southlands becoming a united force. More, he dreads the prospect of Elvendere and Threlland becoming allies."

  "Why so?" Brock inquired, sitting back with a contented sigh, his plate already empty.

  "The attack from the north will sweep down onto the Jurian plains. An alliance between Elvendere and Threlland could prevent that, in part. Elven archers could hold the enemy at bay, and prevent their mustering.”

  "With respect, Raheen," Willam said softly, "There is little that we can do at this juncture. I understand why you wish the wizards to remain without while you talk of these things, but I am loath to commit Juria to any kind of action without their considered opinion."

&nbs
p; Gawain frowned. "So I have been told, by my good friend Rak of Tarn."

  "He is a good man, and a worthy diplomat." Willam enthused. "He speaks wisely. Believe me, I would gladly send all my forces north on your word alone, but alas it is not as simple as that."

  "It will become as simple as that, soon." Gawain said firmly. "Already the enemy have ventured far from their strongholds. They have trespassed Juria, and offended not only Raheen, but Elvendere and Callodon as well."

  "Callodon?" Brock looked surprised. "How so?"

  "Is not the wizard Allazar yours, Brock? Are you not offended by the cowardly attack upon him?"

  "Hmmm." Brock mumbled, non-committal.

  "And if Arrun, or Mornland, or Threlland are intercepted by these dark forces, my lords," Jerryn added ominously, "What then of protocol and politics? It is Jurian soil that will be stained by their blood, and the shame of it will be ours for generations."

  "Aye." Willam agreed, "But..."

  "Not for generations." Gawain interrupted. "For if the Council does not unite in common purpose against this enemy, we are the last of the races of Man to walk free south of the Teeth."

  "My friend," Brock announced, his tone firm and serious, "You cannot keep the wizards from Council. And for as much as I am indebted to you and your blade for ridding us of the Ramoth and the threat of Morloch's Breath, I urge caution when you speak thus from those chairs yonder."

  "I speak truth, Brock. I have seen across the Teeth. I have seen the enemy, and but a few days past I and my Lady and this wizard met them in battle on a field not far from those chairs. The threat is real, and comes not only from the north."

  "Not only?" Willam exclaimed. "From where else then?"

  "From within. From the wizards in whom you set so much stock. Threlland's own betrayed us, and that is why the enemy are on your soil, Juria."

  "In truth," Allazar admitted darkly. "Joyen of the First Order, first brethren of Threlland, was Morloch's own."

  "We shall take the necessary precautions." Hellin soothed.

  "It may not be enough, my Lady." Gawain sighed. "They have sat behind chairs like that for hundreds of years. Who knows what plans they make?"

  Brock scowled at Allazar. "Plans, Allazar?"

  "I do not know. I am not privy to the First Order. Yet I too urge caution. Longsword speaks truth. I have learned too late the threat we face, from within and from without. I believe as Longsword does; when the Council meets, all must take great care what is said, and to whom."

  Willam sighed, and frowned. "The messages received from Threlland spoke of imminent war, and were conveyed with great urgency. Yet, I have received advice from the wizards of Juria that the threat is but local."

  "Local indeed," Jerryn scowled, "Since the enemy are on our soil."

  "Soft, Major." Hellin whispered, but Jerryn remained passionate:

  "I am charged with a duty, my Lady, to protect the Crown. Once I almost failed in that duty when another enemy invaded our lands. Were it not for Longsword, I would be derelict and dishonoured. I will not fail in my duty again, and sit idly by at the behest of wizards, while the Crowns not only of Juria are threatened, but all our honoured guests."

  "Well said." Brock grunted, and reached for a bunch of Mornland redfruits.

  "Yet I am uncomfortable." Willam announced firmly. "In matters of protocol, we are on the thinnest of ice. It may reasonably be claimed that we are guilty of collusion before Council has formally met. You may be sure that if the wizards are offended by their exclusion here today, they will make this meeting known to their brethren when they arrive."

  Brock grunted. "A good point."

  "What then do you suggest?" Gawain asked, frustrated.

  "I think we shall retire to the baths. Our journey was a long one, and all the more hasty for the news of the attack upon you, Raheen. It would be well to limit our talk to pleasantries, and await the arrival of our other guests before pursuing this solemn business."

  "Perhaps that is wise." Elayeen offered, and smiled disarmingly. "You must be tired. I know we were when we arrived."

  Brock nearly choked on a redfruit as Willam flushed. Elayeen smiled again, and made much of grimacing when she stood. Brock and the others hastily scrambled to their feet, and nodded politely as Elayeen took Gawain's arm.

  Outside in the sunshine, Gawain stared at her curiously. "Does your leg pain you anew? Shall I send for the healers?"

  "There is no need. It heals well. But I believe my point was well made, do you not agree, Allazar?"

  "I would swear, my Lady, that you have wizard's blood in your veins, were it not likely to cause the spontaneous separation of my head from my shoulders."

  "And I would swear," Gawain muttered quietly, "That you are a sly and devious vixen, miheth, were it not likely to cause a spontaneous sharp pain where I would have none."

  Elayeen smiled happily. "If nothing else, my performance will serve to remind them that the threat is real enough, and that Juria has been invaded at least once already."

  "Look yonder." Allazar said quietly, but with urgency.

  Gawain and Elayeen glanced across the courtyard to a series of small huts. Gathered outside of them, robed figures, talking animatedly, casting glowering looks in their direction.

  "A mumble of wizards." Gawain sighed. "Or should that be a chant of wizards?"

  "In this case," Allazar muttered grimly, "I believe it is a conspiracy of wizards. Have a care, Longsword. There are two D'ith Sek in their number. One is Juria's, and I know him not. The other is Callodon's, and I know him only too well. I fear it is they you will have to persuade to arms, not crowns."

  "Then the task is a simple one, after all."

  "How so?"

  "My sly and devious vixen will distract them all by clutching her thigh and staggering, while I sneak up behind them and cut them in half longways."

  "A sound plan." Allazar agreed darkly, "I will keep watch."

  oOo

  45. Council

  Days and nights passed slowly, and Gawain's frustration rose with each minute that dragged by. Beyond meal-time pleasantries, Brock and Willam studiously avoided any discussion with him or Elayeen. Wizards scowled darkly, and where ever Gawain went in public, dark gazes followed his every move.

  Elayeen spent a great deal of time with the Lady Hellin, and both seemed to enjoy each other's company, each learning from the other the differences in court protocol between Elvendere and Juria. Allazar was frequently conspicuous by his absence too, and Gawain had no idea where the wizard went or what he was about. Were it not for Jerryn, Gawain might have felt himself abandoned.

  Ambassadors from Arrun and Mornland arrived, in company with the seemingly obligatory wizards, and a token force of mounted honour-guards. Their passage to Ferdan had gone unhindered and without incident, and apart from a polite bow to Gawain, the diplomats immediately retired to their rooms and awaited formal Council.

  A day later, Jerryn found Gawain pacing the decking outside his apartments.

  "Longsword." The officer smiled, "The artisans worry that this planking will have to be replaced before the paint on the walls is truly dry."

  "They do?"

  Jerryn grinned. "Your pacing."

  "Ah. What news?"

  "Threlland's party arrives imminently. A rider has been sent in advance to prepare for their arrival."

  "They have crossed the plains without incident?"

  "It would seem so."

  "Yet I remain concerned, my friend. I find it hard to believe that the force I and my Lady met were intended solely for us. It makes no sense."

  "I share your concern. The fortifications this town provides are better than none, but fall far short of a castle town. That Ferdan should play host to so many royal crowns, and with the enemy clearly able to penetrate the plains undetected..."

  Gawain nodded. "I trust you've made suitable arrangements."

  Jerryn nodded. "I have set two patrols, one far ranging, the other closer, r
inging the town. If the enemy approach in force, we shall have good notice."

  "I only hope Elvendere notes Threlland's arrival, and in turn arrives in the numbers my Lady predicts. Their bows are formidable."

  "Look yonder, they are opening the gates."

  "Aye. Eryk approaches."

  "Yet still something troubles you greatly, my friend."

  "In truth." Gawain admitted, and his gaze shifted from the Threlland vanguard approaching the gates, to linger on the small group of wizards outside their huts.

  "Ah." Jerryn noted the direction of Gawain's stare. "I have given my men orders, Longsword. No wizard shall enter Council without first being examined as Allazar has described."

  "Yet I am still uneasy, Jerryn. You must tell the honour-guards in the council room to watch the wizards closely. I do not trust them. Joyen of Threlland had no need of strange writings on his body to hide his true loyalty. Watch them always, and watch them well."

  "As they watch you."

  "Aye."

  Horses clopped across the courtyard, and Gawain watched as Eryk, flanked by Sarek and Rak, rode into Ferdan. Rak and Sarek nodded a greeting, which Gawain returned, but Eryk's gaze was fixed on Willam and Brock, striding across the cobbles to greet him.

  "Elvendere approaches in numbers!" a look-out cried from the walls, and all heads swung towards the gates.

  Gawain sighed, and smiled grimly.

  "At least that is one worry less from your shoulders, Longsword." Jerryn smiled.

  "Aye. As long as it's Thal-Hak himself."

  There was a sudden flurry of activity as Threlland horses were hurriedly led from the courtyard to make way for the imminent arrival of elves. Honour-guards of all the lands present rushed to take up positions on the parapet to observe the elves' approach, and there was a sudden rising of tension within the walls.

  "Nigh on a hundred!" a voice called down from the walls.

  "Our friends seem worried." Jerryn said softly.

  "My Lady has advised the crowns already that Elvendere would be so heavily escorted." Gawain replied.

  "No, Longsword, I didn't mean the guards."

  Gawain looked at his friend, who nodded towards the wizards. It was true. The wizards did indeed seem suddenly nervous.