At Stiger’s question, Lepidus and Spatz turned their gazes through the gate, clearly thinking on it before voicing an answer. No one could be seen in the area beyond. The street past the gate was empty. Open snow-covered gardens could be seen to either side, as could several large buildings, the first of which was located to the right side of the gate. Stiger knew that structure to be a stable for the emperor’s horses. The barracks for the Praetorian Guard were set farther back and in plain view. It was an ostentatious, multi-storied building and almost as large as the palace. It was enough to house more than five thousand men.
Neither Lepidus nor Spatz immediately answered. Stiger glanced over at them and raised an eyebrow.
“Gentlemen, I’d have your thoughts,” Stiger said.
“I think this is the perfect spot for an ambush,” the captain of the Tenth said, “especially with that large building right by the gate.”
“I agree,” Therik said. “It is too quiet. And there is no one about. Everyone out in the city has fled the area.”
“If I knew we were coming,” Spatz added, “I’d try to stop us at the gate.”
Stiger pointed. “That building just to the right is a stable. The emperor keeps his horses there, as do the officers of the Praetorian Guard. If an ambush is planned, the stable could be holding a company-sized group of men, more if they pack themselves in closely enough and move the horses out.”
“That building is only twenty yards inside the gate,” Marcus said, “which creates a perfect chokepoint or funnel. We have to be careful as we move through the gate and assume they are watching us even now.”
Stiger gave a nod. There was no doubt in his mind that they were being watched.
“There also could be men hidden just on the other side of the wall,” Spatz said, “though that would give any larger ambush away, especially if we sent scouts forward.”
“If there are men on the other side of the wall,” Marcus said, “it wouldn’t be a wise move on their part. All it would take would be one pair of eyes to sound the alarm and the element of surprise would be lost.”
“There are ambushes, and then there are ambushes,” Eli said.
Marcus scowled as he shot Eli a look.
“We will be sending scouts forward,” Stiger said, ignoring Eli. “We won’t be walking in there blindly.”
“That wall’s not all that high,” Ruga put in. “If the gate becomes a chokepoint, we could easily flank by moving to the right or left and sending a company or two over the wall. Heck, in basic training, as a recruit, we had to figure out how to overcome walls taller than that one.”
“True, but if their entire force is at the gate … what then?” Spatz asked. “They outnumber us. We could lose more men forcing our way in than we would otherwise. It would end up being a bloody affair.”
“That is a serious concern,” Stiger said, “and I want to limit our casualties. I’d rather bleed them than us. Do not forget, we have the quality advantage. I expect that to give us a serious edge in what is to come. If anyone doubts that, I want to hear from you now.”
“I don’t bloody doubt it,” Spatz said. “I know it. I will take a legionary over an auxiliary or militiaman any day.”
“And our men are mostly veterans,” Lepidus pointed out.
No one else said anything for a long moment.
“You’ve been here before,” Therik said. “Is there another gate?”
“There is,” Stiger said and pointed. “This road cuts straight through the palace district. The Sectari Gate is on the other side and looks just like the one before us. We will need to send men to secure it”—Stiger gestured to their sides—“and also, during an assault, to watch the walls so Lears and Handi cannot escape. We need to create a net to catch anyone coming over the wall with a mind to flee.”
“That effort is going to drain our strength for a direct assault,” Lepidus said unhappily. “As it is, we’ve already established that we’re outnumbered.”
“No doubt,” Stiger said, “but it is a necessity. Lears ran from me once. I will not allow him to escape again. There can only be one emperor. This ends here today.”
“Yes, sir,” Lepidus said and shifted his stance slightly. “Then I’d recommend having the scouts check the stables before we move the main body forward.”
“I have a better idea,” Spatz said, looking to Stiger. He gave a nasty chuckle. “We have to assume there are men waiting in the stables, right? Heck, I would put a force in there. So, we send the scouts forward to make certain that there are none waiting on the other side of the wall. We intentionally order them not to check the stables. Once they confirm that there is no one outside of the stables and lying in wait by the walls, we send two companies forward at the double, in a street fighting formation.” Spatz waved toward the stables. “If they’re in there, the enemy will think their ambush is working and they’re going to catch us by surprise. Only we won’t be marching steadily in but moving on the double.”
“I see,” Lepidus said, “the idea is to get as many men through the gate as possible, before they spring their ambush. Is that what you are saying?”
“Correct,” Spatz said. “If we can manage to get a substantial enough force through the gate and into the palace grounds, we might be able to turn things around on them.”
“I like it,” Marcus said.
Stiger turned his gaze back toward the gate. He felt there was a strong chance an ambush waited ahead. Like Therik said, it was too quiet. Lears and Handi were up to something. Besides, the nearest buildings outside the walls were empty. The wealthy civilians who lived here had gone. The slaves had even vanished.
“As I see it,” Spatz said, “the only other explanation is that they’re holed up in the palace and are going to fight room by room, or that they’ve all fled. Though, I don’t think that likely.”
“They have not gone.” Stiger sucked in a breath of the cold winter air and let it out slowly as he regarded the gate. If Spatz’s plan was unsuccessful, and the enemy managed to cut up Stiger’s legionaries, they would be able to increase their numerical advantage, perhaps even in a decisive manner, over him. If the enemy had put a good number of men in the stables and more in the praetorian barracks, just a hundred yards away, it could and likely would mean a brutal fight.
He shifted his gaze back to Spatz. Despite their mutual distaste, like Stiger, Spatz was a professional soldier. The plan was not all that bad. More importantly, it was better than anything Stiger could think of, and it might just turn the ambush around on the enemy. That was, if there was an ambush, and Stiger had to remind himself there might not be one.
Stiger gave Spatz a nod. “I think your plan is as good a plan as any, and it is what we will do.”
“I want honor lead attack,” a small voice to Stiger’s right said.
Spatz gave an amused grunt at Wast’s request. “This is no place for children playing at war.”
“We no children,” Wast said, insistently. There was strong indignation in his tone. “We legionaries. I show you.” The gnome waved back at his company with a tiny hand. “We—we all show—you, you big man.”
“I think I’d like to see that,” Spatz said, having clearly become thoroughly amused. He gave a laugh. “I really would.”
“Be careful what you wish for,” Therik warned quietly.
“He’s no stronger than a child,” Spatz said incredulously as he waved a hand at Wast. “I could take him with one hand tied behind my back, perhaps even both.”
“You think so, big man?” Wast asked, taking a step toward the captain. There was clear menace in his manner. “I show you.” Wast looked meaningfully at the man’s crotch and rested a hand upon his sword hilt. “Perhaps I cut something off. Then you show respect.”
Spatz’s amusement left his manner and he took a step forward toward the gnome. “Was that a threat?”
“I make no threats,” Wast said, not backing down.
“I would advise caution,” Eli sai
d slowly to Spatz as he stepped between the two. “You might want to reconsider challenging Wast—that is, if you want to see the next day’s dawn.”
Spatz shot Eli a scowl that was filled with incredulity.
“My people fear theirs,” Therik said, “and as much as it pains me to admit, myself included, I think it is better to respect them than disparage.” Therik glanced at Eli. “And healthier too.”
“Are you serious?” Hollux asked, speaking up for the first time and looking between Therik and Wast. “They’re smaller than most eight-year-old children.”
“I am very serious,” Therik said, his gaze turning to the lieutenant. “Gnomes are hard fighters and”—he looked over at Wast—“no end of trouble.”
“We no trouble,” Wast said, rapping his chest armor with a little fist. “We legionaries. We show you.”
“Enough of this,” Stiger snapped, drawing everyone’s attention. “Spatz, I ask you to accept that gnomes are competent fighters. We’re lucky to have them, and more importantly, I’ve seen them in battle. I would not want to go against them.” Stiger paused as he glanced around at those gathered and hardened his tone. “To get through this”—he waved a hand toward the gate—“we need to work together. Sowing strife amongst ourselves is counterproductive at best. We’re all professionals here; let’s act like it. Is that understood?”
Stiger looked at those gathered around him. There were nods from everyone, excluding Spatz and Wast, who were staring at one another. Stiger stopped on Spatz, locking eyes with the man.
“Well?” Stiger asked Spatz.
“It is understood, sir,” Spatz said after a brief hesitation. “Wast, I meant no offense. I did not know of your people until today. I ask that you excuse my ignorance.”
Stiger turned to the gnome, who was staring at Spatz but had not replied. “Wast?”
The gnome tore his gaze from the captain. “I understand, sir.” The sir was said with a grudging attitude. “I not kill for such speak—no cut him. I rather kill enemy than—friend.” The last word was filled with resentment. “Good?”
“Good,” Stiger said, and with that, the tension on the air eased as Wast and Spatz took a step back to their original positions.
Tiro hustled up, wearing his armor and carrying a shield. In the cold, the old veteran’s cheeks and nose were flushed.
“Sir,” Tiro said, coming to a position of attention. “Reporting as ordered. It took me a bit to get my kit on.”
“At ease and no worries,” Stiger said. “You’re reassigned back to Ikuus’s company for the duration of the assault.”
“Yes, sir,” Tiro said, without any hint of disappointment. He turned his gaze back to Ikuus, who stood next to Hollux. “It’s good to be back home with the Seventh, sir.”
“Welcome back, Sergeant,” Ikuus replied and seemed genuine in the sentiment.
“Ikuus,” Stiger said, “do me a favor and listen to Hollux and Tiro. Both have years of hard experience under their belts. I myself have heeded their advice on more than one occasion and found it of great value. Being new to the army is nothing to be ashamed of. We all were where you are now.”
“That’s right,” Spatz said, turning his gaze to Ikuus. “I was a shitty officer when I first joined the legion. Having been trained by my family’s tutors, I thought I knew everything. I can plainly tell you I was wrong. It took me some time before I began listening to my sergeants and men. That’s when I began to grow into my position. Like I was, you still have a lot to learn and”—Spatz nodded toward Hollux and Tiro—“they will be happy to help educate you. Listening and then making an informed decision will help you grow into a competent officer.”
Lepidus shifted uncomfortably, as did Hollux and Tiro.
“That’s right,” Stiger said, somewhat surprised by Spatz’s admission, which had clearly made the other officers uncomfortable. He decided to reinforce it. “If they suggest something, I strongly advise you listen. Is that understood?”
“It is, sir,” Ikuus said. Stiger couldn’t detect any sign that he felt disrespected. His estimation of the man increased. Perhaps there was hope for him. After all that they had been through over the years, the Seventh deserved a competent officer.
“All right,” Stiger said, “this is the plan. Tenth will lead. Spatz will follow up.”
“Hopefully,” Spatz said with a trace of a grin thrown to Lepidus, “I won’t be picking up the pieces.”
“Not a chance,” Lepidus said. “You won’t ever find yourself carrying my water.”
“Wast’s company,” Stiger continued, looking to the gnome, “will advance after the first two companies are inside the gate. Ikuus will send one hundred men around to the other side of the gate and secure it. He will lead that force personally. The rest of the Seventh will be divided evenly between Hollux and Tiro. Spatz, I want you to take one hundred men and assign them to the Seventh to bolster Hollux and Tiro’s force.”
“Sir,” Ikuus said, “I’d like to go in with the main force.”
“You are needed to keep anyone attempting escape,” Stiger said. “Once we secure the grounds and have the palace itself surrounded, I will send a runner and have you move up. When the entire force is together, then you will get in on the action as we assault the palace as a cohesive and unified force.”
“Yes, sir,” Ikuus said. “I understand, sir.” He glanced at Hollux and Tiro. “We won’t let you down, sir. No one will escape our net.”
“Right then,” Stiger said. “The main assault will push through the gate, as Spatz suggested, double-timing it so that we get the maximum amount of men out into the palace grounds as possible. We will deal with any sort of ambush as it comes. Lepidus, I know your men will be ready for whatever is thrown at them.”
“They will be ready, sir,” Lepidus said. “Have no fear of that. The enemy will not get the jump on us.”
“Good,” Stiger said. “Once the ambush is dealt with, if there is one, we will move up to the palace itself and surround it, forming a ring of steel. At the same time, we will also need to clear out the rest of the palace district, searching every building. Take the initiative and order any structure you come upon to be thoroughly searched and cleared. Once done, Seventh will be called in, and when we’re ready, the palace will become our main focus for assault. Does everyone have that?” Stiger paused to draw in a breath. “Are there any questions before we move out?”
“What about me, sir?” Ruga asked. “Where do you want my boys?”
“You and your men are coming with us,” Stiger said, then turned to Wast. “Does your company have a name or designation?”
“Sixth Company,” Wast said.
“Ruga,” Stiger said, “you will follow the Sixth.”
“Yes, sir,” Ruga said.
Stiger looked over at the gnome as something occurred to him. “If your company is the Sixth, that sort of implies there are more companies. Do I have that right?”
The gnome gave a nod.
“How many?” Stiger asked, curious.
“A light legion,” Sehet answered for Wast. “Ten companies, totaling twenty-two hundred gnomes.”
Stiger blinked, surprised by the answer. Therik shifted uncomfortably. It was clear he had gotten accustomed to the idea of gnomes being in the army they had left around Lorium. Now, he was learning more were about to join it, and not just a few.
“And”—Therik glanced around, as if he expected them to sprout from the ground or emerge from the nearest buildings—“where are the rest of them?”
“Outside city,” Wast answered. “In deep dark.”
“So,” Eli said, “not here.”
“Unfortunately, no,” Sehet said. “We only have Sixth Company in city. They honor guard for temple.”
“How far outside the city?” Therik asked.
“Two days’ walk,” Wast said, “through deep dark.”
“There are underground roads in and out of the city?” Stiger asked, recalling the dwarven roads
in Vrell. “Gnome roads?”
“Yes,” Wast said.
“Our people have lived here,” Sehet said plainly, “since Karus and Ninth came.”
Stiger eyed both gnomes for a long moment before sharing a look with Eli. The gnomes had been living right under the empire’s feet and no one had known it. He blew out an unhappy breath as he considered this new information. He would have to see these roads for himself and make sure the enemy either did not learn of them or simply could not use them. But that was yet a problem to handle for another day.
Stiger looked over at Sixth Company. He had seen gnomes fight. He could not imagine how brutal it would be to face disciplined and trained gnomes who could fight as a cohesive and organized unit. Still, he only had one company of the little buggers at hand and had to be content with that.
“Okay,” Stiger said, “we go as planned then.” He clapped his hands together. “Gentlemen, let’s get to it.”
The officers moved out, shouting to their commands as they went. Stiger watched them go with mixed feelings. He had once again committed himself to action. Now, he would see it through.
“I fear this will be ugly,” Eli said as he unslung his bow from his shoulder. He set his leather-wrapped bundle of arrows on the ground, untied it, and pulled out a dozen arrows, holding them in his left hand with the shaft of the bow. He turned his gaze toward the palace and was silent for several heartbeats. “I think very ugly.”
“If they are still in there, it isn’t going to be pretty,” Stiger said, “that’s for sure. And if they’re all hiding in the palace, we will have to dig them out.”
“You be careful,” Therik said to Stiger.
“Me?” Stiger asked, looking over at Therik in surprise.
“Yes, you,” Therik growled. “You have a tendency to take unnecessary risks.” The orc tapped Stiger on the chest with a thick finger. “Remember, I am the one who will kill you. That is why I will be close, to make sure none other gets the chance.”
“Uh huh,” Stiger said and almost grinned as he looked between Therik and Eli. It felt good to have friends close at hand during such times. He was comforted by it.
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