by R. E. Steele
Theodoros shook his head. “If you can’t convince our Vasilis to launch another attack, you won’t convince that Vasilis either.”
Roxanna pouted a little at his words. She would try to find Crown Prince Vasilis on her own. Then let him try to refuse her!
Chapter 38
He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
~ Proverbs 10:4
Vasilis was worried that Roxanna would pester him about the lost Crown Prince of Achlys. It would be like her to try to trick him into revealing the prince’s location. He was relieved when his brother managed to convince her, that neither of them would be enlightening her anytime soon. But she wasn’t giving up. Anyone could see by her determined look, that she intended to find the prince, even if she had to go off on her own to do it.
Thankfully, Roxanna was wise enough now, not to attempt such a thing with Nikolos’s forces still nearby. The increased attacks caused the imperial soldiers to be more active, but they didn’t seem to think the threat was as serious as Vasilis intended, which was good. Vasilis preferred to be underestimated. But the more frequent troop sightings were a sign that the risks of the game he was playing, were going up.
Still, Vasilis intended to take the fort. It was so large. Most people wouldn’t expect him to try with his ragtag band of thieves. In fact, the rumor circulating was that Vasilis’s thieves weren’t behind the attacks on the outposts at all. Instead, it was believed Crown Prince Vasilis was leading a band of Achlysian soldiers, who had been in hiding all this time. Vasilis the thief was torn between amusement and annoyance when he heard it. Despite his love of stealth, there were times when the results of such a strategy grated on him.
Vasilis knew Roxanna was aware of this rumor. While she didn’t credit it, it did seem to fuel her determination to try to find the prince. Vasilis noticed she was listening more closely to conversations around the camp, and paying better attention whenever she saw maps, or anything else she thought might be a useful clue. She wasn’t prying, or at least, not being overt about it. But it was clear what her intentions were. Normally, such a thing would have amused Vasilis. But strangely, it only served to put him in a bad mood.
As he continued to scope out the fort as a common laborer, his irritation continued to grow. While it was usually a good thing for his thievery to be attributed to someone other than the Lystra Gang, he personally found it infuriating. This wouldn’t be the first time he was tempted to take credit for what he had done, rather than leaving it to the credit of someone else. But for some reason, it was getting to him more than usual. He supposed part of it was because he wished Roxanna to give up her search. The other part was because he was constantly hearing new rumors about the Crown Prince of Achlys. Some of the activity had nothing to do with the gang, but was simply the result of the Oreiasans trying to overthrow their conquers, even in the absence of their queen’s leadership. Her soldiers were still too far away to be able to help her, nor were they organized enough to do much. But they were still causing trouble.
Vasilis mentioned these rumors to his brother, whenever he came to hear the information Vasilis had gathered in preparation for the attack.
“So, you do want credit for what you’ve done?” asked Theodoros.
Vasilis paused for a moment. “To a point, though not if it costs the gang. But what concerns me is how this will affect the Achlysians and Oreiasans. You see the Oreiasans are already starting to fight. Can you imagine what will happen if they actually begin to believe that the Crown Prince of Achlys has returned.”
“He could return, if he chose,” said Theodoros. “Roxanna would certainly like him to.”
Vasilis frowned. “She is hoping for the return of a man who no longer exists. I’m not sure he ever did.”
“He did once, and I believe he still does,” stated Theodoros. “He just needs to retake the reins of power. Can you imagine what could be accomplished? The Oreiasans are already fighting. If you revealed the truth, and took the fight to the Kalarians, the Achlysians would support you. With the combined forces of both nations, the Kalarians would have a difficult time achieving victory.”
“You mean to tell me the Achlysians are getting antsy?” asked Vasilis with concern.
“They are,” said Theodoros. “They aren’t ready to act yet, but they want to believe, they want to hope. If you proved you were sincere in wishing to fight, they would follow you to war again.”
“And also, to their deaths,” remarked Vasilis grimly. “That is what nearly happened last time.”
“Who is to say it would happen again?” asked Theodoros.
Vasilis growled. “You see what happens every time I try to be ambitious. I’m good at nothing other than raids. I can’t hold territory, or at least, I have great difficulty. We have had a lot of close calls with this mission. I’m rather surprised we haven’t failed entirely yet.”
“Maybe that’s because you are doing a better job of paying attention to what you should,” suggested Theodoros.
Vasilis frowned. “Perhaps, but I still don’t think I can retake all of Achlys. Better to leave that task to more capable hands and minds than mine.”
Theodoros sighed and shook his head. But Vasilis wouldn’t be persuaded. He knew if he grew too bold, disaster would follow shortly after. Even this mission was beginning to show signs of this fact.
Chapter 39
The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.
~ Psalm 55:21
Roxanna continued to manage the outposts the Lystra Gang had taken. The job kept her busy, for the outposts were falling into the Lystra Gang’s custody rather quickly now. Vasilis’s idea of using disguises proved more effective than originally intended, for some of his men were able to use the same tactic to take a few more. But then the task of making the fortifications comfortable and efficient, fell on her. Theodoros was too busy with the military side of the gang’s activities to help.
Despite the bustle that came with these frequent captures, Roxanna still found time to think about what happened to the lost crown prince, and listen in to anything she thought might pertain to him. She heard rumors that he was active, but those could be mostly attributed to the gang. Therefore, she ignored these stories. But there were other reports, some of which, if they were true, suggested the prince was actively trying to regain his lost throne.
These rumors excited her. If he was trying to get his throne back, he would probably be willing to escort her to her own army, in exchange for the aid they would provide in winning Achlys back. Then once Achlys was back in friendly hands, it wasn’t a stretch to think that he would be willing to help her regain Oreias. From a practical standpoint, it was better to have Oreias in her hands, in order to maintain Achlys’s independence. Achlys would be surrounded by Kalarian claims otherwise.
But for other reasons, the crown prince might be willing to help her. Their nations were old and close allies. It made sense that he would wish to free Oreias. There may be some sentiment involved too. He surely hadn’t forgotten that they had once been betrothed. True, they had never met, and hadn’t had much contact. He had disappeared when he was sixteen, and she thirteen. She was not of an age where regular letters between them would have been proper. But despite the fact she saw more than one fault in her person, she was confident enough in her own looks to think she was a good-looking woman. Such a match was possible, even if the prince had been indifferent to it before.
Roxanna was thinking of these things as she went out for some peace and air, outside of the most recently captured outpost. It had been in their hands long enough that it was safe to wonder around beyond its walls. The women of the camp were given the go-ahead. So, Roxanna felt no danger in her actions. As she strolled through the nearby woods however, she soon came across the old noblewoman again.
“Ah, there you are,” said the lady. “I was wondering
when you would come out again.”
“I have been busy,” said Roxanna.
“Of course, you have,” said the lady. “Vasilis has been busy.”
“Yes, though I wish he would do more, I cannot say I’m displeased with this recent flurry of activity,” said Roxanna. “Perhaps it will lead to something better.”
“Do not get your hopes up,” warned the lady. “Do no put your hope in a man who never existed.”
Roxanna was taken aback by the lady’s tone. It seemed almost angry. What did she have against Vasilis? Did she too once hope he would attempt to regain Achlys, only to be disappointed as well? Probably, Roxanna had suspected before that the lady had some experience with Vasilis’s lack of diligence. Perhaps she was bitter, but Roxanna still felt she was overreacting.
“Do not worry,” Roxanna assured her. “I do not believe he is the help I seek. Even if he ever did manage to regain Achlys, I do not think he would be quick enough to be able to help me. I intend to regain Oreias as soon as possible. My current situation is only temporary. Vasilis is bound to move the gang to a position that is more advantageous to me and my kingdom. And besides, who is to say I will not come across a better ally in time.”
The lady looked at Roxanna questioningly. She then smiled. Roxanna was a little offput but this smirk. The lady seemed to be trying to make it look warm, but there was something almost cunning about it. However, Roxanna reasoned she was probably just seeing something that wasn’t there. The forest was growing dark, and the light could be playing tricks on her eyes and the lady’s face.
“I think I know what you mean. Yes, you may find new allies. Just do not give up the will to regain your kingdom. It will be yours again, in time,” she said.
“I will never give up,” said Roxanna. “Oreias is mine, and I will get it back.”
Chapter 40
But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
~ Luke 6:49
At last, the time arrived when Vasilis would take the fort. Vasilis woke with the dawning of the day. He had been working undercover as a laborer for several weeks. No one, not even Roxanna, could fault him for being careless this time. There was absolutely nothing he overlooked.
He went about his day, trying to contain his excitement. He, and the other men who were disguised with him, intended to remain at the fort until the takeover was complete. It wouldn’t do to rouse questions with his excitement. While quite good at being devious, Vasilis had no intention of outing himself, or his plans, due to his poorly concealed emotions. It was better to hide his excitement and go about his day as normal.
The day did proceed as normal, at least at first. The imperial soldiers went about grumbling at the conditions, and being stuck away from home. Achlys was wetter than Kalare was, which was known to be sunny. It was no coincidence that Kalare’s symbol was a sun. Also, the fog and rain had provided the Lystra Gang with cover many times before. Vasilis smirked to himself at their complaints.
Celena would have felt sorry for them, even if they were enemies of hers. Roxanna’s youngest sister was sweet to a fault. Estella, like Theodoros, would have said they deserved to be miserable. But while Roxanna probably wouldn’t see the humor in these grumblings, she no doubt would be pleased to hear that Nikolos’s men were unhappy in their positions. Such things could lead to mutiny under the right conditions.
But it was best not to dwell on these possibilities now. While in the right hands, Roxanna’s for example, such observations could be fruitful. Vasilis didn’t feel that he was the best person to act on such facts. He needed to concentrate on what he was doing now. He closed the gates himself, but paid mind to how they were locked. He had helped with this task dozens of times, but it was important to know what to do, so he would draw as little attention as possible. He didn’t want his presence detected tonight because he couldn’t handle the locks.
But the evening took an unexpected turn. A company of imperial soldiers came in as the sun set. It wasn’t a large group, so Vasilis didn’t feel the concern he might otherwise have. It was only a dozen, so he didn’t think they would make much of a difference. He saw no need to call off the attack. He proceeded to look over his work areas one last time. All looked well, and once the newcomers settled in, he was given permission to retire to his bunk for the night. He had a reputation as someone who tended to stink, due to being the one who often shoveled the dung. While his hard work was appreciated, he wasn’t wanted when it came time to serving food. Therefore, it was no surprise that he was permitted to leave the kitchen work to others. Vasilis had purposely cultivated this reputation. It kept people from coming too close and seeing his features. While he had been careful to guard his appearance during his many raids, it wasn’t a stretch to think that there was some description of him available to the imperial soldiers.
As the evening progressed, things quieted down again. He listened as the time drew closer to midnight. All was as it should be. Fifteen minutes before the hour, he quietly left his bunk. He had made a habit of doing this, so it wasn’t strange to the guards to see him up and about this late at night. He silently made his way toward the gates, as if to inspect them. Again, another habit he had cultivated. He was also the one who kept the fires going through the night.
He silently undid each lock. No one noticed what he was doing. He made his way toward the gate closest to the woods, to ensure that the gate remained unbolted. It was the most crucial one, for it was the one the gang intended to attack through first. But as he leaned against the stables, shrouded in shadow, he got the feeling he wasn’t the only one up at the moment. He took a peek around the corner and saw someone with a lantern go into one of the stalls. He then heard the rustling of the horse inside, and the quiet murmurs of someone trying to soothe the animal. He then smelled the ointment that was typically used to treat injured horses.
Vasilis decided to settle in with his knife and some wood. He would whittle kindling for the fire while he waited for the horse’s caretaker to leave. He wanted to be sure the unsecured gates remained unnoticed.
It was about ten minutes later that the groom came out. Vasilis tossed a large stick into the fire. The resulting shower of sparks provided enough light, that Vasilis was able to get a good look at the man. He was surprised to see the familiar glint of imperial armor, and the best kind too. The soldier seemed equally surprised to see him.
“I didn’t know you were here,” said the man.
“Someone has to tend the fires, especially on a dark night like this,” observed Vasilis.
He had intentionally chosen this night, knowing there would be no moon. The storm clouds that were rolling in, were darkening the landscape even more.
“Very good then,” said the soldier. “It’s unusual for a Achlysian to be so dedicated to a task that will keep the fort safe.”
Vasilis looked at the soldier before him. Though the light still wasn’t good enough for him to be able to make out the speaker’s features completely, it was obvious that this man was Kalarian. The dark hair, the tall stature, even the accent, were all typical of that people. Vasilis supposed his own accent played a part in giving away his heritage.
But what surprised Vasilis the most was that this man was tending to a horse, probably his own if Vasilis wasn’t mistaken. Based on the armor, the soldier was of high rank, likely from a noble family, or at the very least, quite wealthy. It wasn’t something he would have expected from someone like this man. Most in his position were too arrogant to take personal care of their horses. It showed that perhaps there was some kindness left in the Kalarians.
“I do not like wondering around in complete darkness any more than you do,” responded Vasilis with a gesture toward the shuttered lantern. “Though these walls are thick, it wouldn’t be the first time a large predator has gotten in one of these places.”
The soldier then nodded and returned to the barracks. Vasilis watched him go to ensure that he didn’t check the gate. But he left without stopping, much to Vasilis’s relief.
A few minutes later, Vasilis approached the gate. He heard the soft sound of footsteps approaching. He carefully swung open the entrance, to allow his men through. He then went with them, to tie up the enemy soldiers as they slept.
They got through the first few sets of barracks without trouble. One of Vasilis’s men had made himself quite useful to the cook, and managed to slip some tranquillizing herbs into the stew. But the other barracks proved a greater challenge. The men were up and about in that one, so it was impossible to tie them up before a fight began. It took a few minutes before they were subdued.
But subdued they were. Vasilis’s men soon had the upper hand. For once, numbers were on their side. But as Vasilis approached the tower were the flag still waved defiantly, he saw that not everyone had been taken care of. The soldier he had met before was up there, and they were able to see each other clearly now.
It was Emperor Nikolos, much to Vasilis’s horror. What was worse, was Nikolos was looking right at him, with astonishment and recognition written on his face. There was no question now. Nikolos knew exactly who he was.
Chapter 41
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
~ Psalm 37:8
Roxanna could tell, as soon as Vasilis entered the outpost, that something was wrong. It didn’t take great perceptive powers to realize this, for he barked out that the gates be closed as soon as possible. The other men who were with him, seemed worried too.
“Did you not capture the fort?” asked one of the men who had remained behind.