"General Weren is sending teams to the other outposts, looking for signs of occupation. So far, they've found nothing," Levi said. "Who knows where Merrin's clutch of enemies are?"
"What if they're no longer in Az-ca?" Caral asked. "What if they're outside for a while, just to confuse us?"
"It would be difficult to hide that many hostages," Armon's brow furrowed as he considered Caral's questions.
"They wouldn't have to kill them at the outpost," Levi pointed out. "What if they died elsewhere, and the whole fire thing was a ruse?"
"Barth says Merrin may have fired blasts after a drunken argument with Plicton," I said.
"Then Merrin probably started the fire," Levi acknowledged. "Still doesn't mean we know everything there is to know."
"I think that's a given," I agreed. "We don't know enough about Ruarke to gauge his part in this."
Levi's words had given me pause, however. There were people who did know more about Ruarke-by their own admission. Perhaps it was time to corner at least one of them, and ask serious questions. Pottles would be easier to approach than Kyri. If I weren't completely exhausted at the end of the day, I'd find her and have a discussion.
"Are you thinking too much again, instead of eating?" Armon lifted an accusing eyebrow.
"It's tired thinking. Does that count?" I asked.
"Usually. Finish your food-we have troops to train."
* * *
"That's outstanding-to make a game out of it," Levi chuckled as we watched trainees lob wooden balls back and forth using only their shields.
At any point in time, there were at least fifteen balls in the air or bouncing off someone's shield. If the trainee allowed a ball to get past their shield, or they dropped it to the ground, they were out of the game.
Nobody wanted to be taken out of the game, and it served to make them better, faster and capable of making stronger, more pliable shields.
"I wish we could have trained this way at North Camp," Falia grinned after walking off the field toward us. We stood next to the water buckets, so we were able to speak with each trainee as they were declared out by either Caral or Misten.
"Handling three balls at once is never easy," I said. "You did very well."
"I can't wait to train the next batch," she said after filling a cup with water and drinking. "It's going to be so different from now on."
"You'll be able to show them everything," I agreed. "Nobody will go without a meal from now on because they can't make fire."
"I always disliked that practice," Levi said.
"I had a problem with it, but it was the way we were trained, so," Falia shook her head.
The Bulldog's image and the sound of her voice shouting at trainees filled my memory, but I didn't say anything. She'd taken pleasure in refusing food to those of us who hadn't performed.
Pottles called the Bulldog's death karma, although I still didn't have a full grasp of the word's meaning.
Perhaps karma was another name for Adahi. I'd have to ask him sometime, if I could gather enough courage to speak with him about it.
"I think we should begin teaching the warrior trainees how to shield," I told Levi. "I know their training is more structured; they're taught by those who have been in battle and can actually perform the things they're teaching. The trainees may need shields before they finish warrior training, though, just to be safe."
"My shields are certainly a comfort, as well as a practicality," Levi's grin lit his face. "I'll suggest it to Armon, and he can carry the idea to Weren."
"How did Weren's lessons in shielding go?"
"He and Kage did very well. Garkus was the obstinate one."
I didn't point out where Garkus was at the moment; Levi was more than aware of just where Garkus' opinions and stubbornness had placed him.
Kyri and Adahi will be visiting the palace tonight, Pottles informed me. They wish to speak with us.
All right. Did you offer them a meal?
Yes. They accepted.
Does Kerok know?
I was hoping you'd tell him.
I will. Thank you for letting me know.
I sent mindspeak to Kerok while watching the last few trainees struggle to capture flying balls in their shields before the objects hit the ground.
* * *
King's Palace
Kerok
"I don't have much appetite nowadays," Father sighed. We'd moved his chair to the garden because he asked to have the midday meal with me there. I forced myself not to dwell on his withered hands or shrunken countenance-the disease was taking a terrible toll before it claimed his life.
I considered asking Sherra to come back to the palace to sit and talk with us, but I didn't.
Kerok, Pottles says Kyri and Adahi are joining us for the evening meal, Sherra sent mindspeak just as I was thinking of her.
My love, can you get away for a little while? I'm having a meal with Father, and would like you to join us.
I'll be there soon, let me tell Levi.
All right.
Sherra walked toward us minutes later, still dressed in her uniform. At least it bore the Crown Prince's insignia, in addition to her captain's bars.
"Ah, I was hoping to see you," Father's face lit in the first smile I'd seen all day as Sherra dipped her head to him and took the chair I offered at the table.
"King Wulf," Sherra reached out to take his offered hand.
"Daughter, I am more than happy that you survived," Father told her. "Please, eat-this food will go to waste if you don't."
"This looks so good," Sherra smiled at him before reaching for a roll and the butter plate.
"I hear you're training those who failed the first time. Are they doing better?" Father asked as Sherra dipped food onto her plate.
"They're doing very well, Sir. Some of them just needed a nudge here and there to build their confidence. Some of the warrior washouts will be better suited for things other than fighting-many of them will likely be able to provide shields and messenger or scouting services for everyone else."
"They have decent shielding talent?" Father hadn't shown this much interest in anything for days.
"From what I've seen so far."
"This will help on the battlefield, won't it?" Father turned to me.
"It will. It may bring changes, so that the ones providing shields can trade off with someone else, to give those fighting long hours a much-needed break."
"Using the new method, of course," Father suggested.
"Of course. We're only teaching to the new method now," Sherra bit into her buttered bread.
"We'll teach the trainees the old way after they've learned everything else, just in case," I told Father. "Everybody from the instructors on down recognize what a time and energy saver the new method is."
"Have you considered giving your rose the honor medal?" Father asked.
"I," I leaned back in my chair as it hit me-she was certainly deserving, and many who'd done far less had received the award for meritorious service on the battlefield.
"I think you should do it soon," Father waved a hand. "I would do it, but I can't stand for more than a few seconds at a time."
I don't need a medal, Sherra protested in mindspeak.
The King has spoken, I argued.
Fine.
Fine. See, my sarcasm works just as well as yours, I retorted. Besides, it will make Father happy.
Fine.
I looked away to hide my grin.
* * *
Secondary Camp
Armon
"How was your meal with Thorn and his father?" Levi asked as Sherra met us on the training field.
"Fine."
"Weren has reports from all the warriors sent to the remaining outposts. They're all empty," I told her.
"What about the training posts?"
"Same-empty," I said. "Messengers are going out to the larger villages now, and they'll look at the smaller ones after that, but so far, no sign of the enemy has
turned up."
"Do you think they crossed the border?" Sherra asked.
"It's possible, just to throw us off," Levi agreed. "That means they could be anywhere along the safe zone, between the sea and the poisoned lands."
"There are plenty of mountains and valleys in the safe zone, from the border northward. They could effectively hide from even our best spotters," I said.
"They'll need food and shelter for the extra mouths," Sherra pointed out.
"Unless they're already dead," Levi grumbled.
"I hope that's not true," Sherra wrapped arms about herself.
"I sent Weren's report to Hunter; Thorn likely has it in his hands by now," I said. "If we could only challenge them to a fair fight, and leave the villagers out of this," I shook my head.
"There's nothing fair about any of this," Sherra whispered. "Nothing. They'll kill whatever stands in their way, to satisfy their sick desires and destroy Az-ca."
"Are you feeling their anger again?" Levi thought to ask.
"It's worse, now," she admitted.
"Levi, gather our best. If I'm right, they're probably hitting Vale right now."
"I'm going," Sherra announced as Levi stepped toward the east corner of the camp where new warriors were being trained. He'd select our best, most seasoned troops to take with us.
"Good. I need your shields," I told Sherra. "Caral," I shouted at her. "Bring Misten. We're going to Vale."
I sent hasty mindspeak to Hunter, too, letting him know where we were headed. Tread carefully, Colonel, he warned in return.
As always, I replied. Less than five minutes later, I and forty others, warriors and escorts, stepped to the outskirts of Vale.
* * *
Vale
Ruarke
We'd never have known they were there except for the perimeter divination I'd set after our arrival at the supply outpost.
From a window in the outermost cabin, I felt them.
I failed to see them, though.
Somehow, they'd learned how to mask their presence from sight. They couldn't fool a perimeter divination, however, and certainly not one I'd set myself.
Half the small town's residents were dead-we'd seen to that the moment we'd stepped to the center of it. The rest cowered before Merrin and his rogues, who threatened to burn all of them to ashes if they didn't do as we said.
The entire episode was laughable, as my clerics forced the hostages we'd brought with us to gather food and supplies-as much as they could carry. I could transport men; large piles of goods were more difficult to step.
"Do you see something, esteemed one?" Cleric Ward stood at my elbow.
"See? No," I snorted a laugh. "They're out there, though; the god assures me of this. You see what demons they are?"
"They are truly demons, as you say," Ward whispered in terror. "May the god continue to protect us from invisible enemies."
"He will, I assure you," I said. "Bring one of the children-a girl. Bring one of Merrin's warriors and his escort, too. We shall deliver a message to these demons."
"As you say." Ward dipped his head and hurried away.
* * *
Sherra
"They know we're here," Levi's voice was soft as we stared at the five walking along the dirt-and-gravel road through the supply village.
Straight toward us.
One of those five was a young girl-perhaps eight years old.
"Do you see what I see?" Armon nodded at Levi.
"Yes. That's Narvin and Willa," he named the two dressed in army uniforms. "You can bet Willa has a shield up around all of them."
"What about the other two?" I hissed. One of those two held the girl's arm in one of his hands and was practically dragging her along the road. I saw she was crying. In his other hand, he carried a long knife.
Fuck.
"The two dressed in black robes," Armon breathed, "those are clerics from Ny-nes. The one walking alone is probably their chief."
"How strong are Willa's shields?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at the scene unfolding before us. I also wondered how close they'd come before delivering the message they surely intended us to see.
"Strong enough, I suppose," Armon replied. "She's been with Narvin for maybe two years. Why? What do you have in mind?"
"Armon, if you could kill one person and save another at the same time, which would you choose? Answer quickly," I breathed.
"I'd save the girl-she has nothing to do with this," Armon's anger sounded in his voice.
"My choice as well," I nodded. "Caral?"
"Sherra?" Caral stepped up beside me.
Keep your shields up and tight, all right? I told her in mindspeak. You have my signature, so my blast will go through. On the count of three.
Two.
One.
* * *
Ruarke
I'd already told the others to go back to our camp across the border while Ward, Narvin and I dealt with the troops sent against us.
I'd told Narvin to step his escort away the moment the girl was beheaded, as the troops would surely attack. I'd step Ward away; we'd be safe and the town would be doomed.
It gave me pleasure to think the troops would attempt to blast an enemy who'd already left, leaving its remaining inhabitants behind to die in the ensuing barrage of fireballs.
Az-ca's army was so predictable that way-all they knew to do was to level fireblasts at what attacked them. If the rest were at Merrin's level of intelligence, I wondered how they'd lasted as long as they had.
"Stop here," I held up a hand. "Narvin, ensure that your escort's shield is up," I added.
"It is."
"Good. Ward, you know what to do."
Ward pulled the crying girl against him, preparing to cut her throat. I imagined her head could be severed; she was so thin and the blade that sharp.
"This is what will happen to all of you," I shouted into the emptiness ahead of us. They were there, I could almost hear them breathing.
"Now," I turned to Ward, with a flip of my hand to signal the girl's death.
Instead, a barely audible whine sounded, and slowly, so slowly, Ward's hand fell, releasing the now-screaming child.
There was so little blood, and only the minutest amount of fire to tell me how this had been accomplished.
"Retreat," I shouted, almost before Ward's body fell back and hit the dirt, raising dust about him in a cloud. Did I consider going after the girl, who ran as fast as she could to get away from us?
Not even for a moment.
Someone had designed a way to pierce an escort's shield with the thinnest, sharpest fireblast I'd ever seen. It had penetrated Ward's forehead and gone through his skull as if his head were made of cotton fluff instead of bone and brain matter.
The surprised look on Ward's face as he died spoke volumes.
By the time I landed awkwardly inside my tent at the camp, tripping and falling over my cot in the process, I was breathing with difficulty while my heart refused to slow down for a very long while.
* * *
King's Palace
Kerok
"Half the people, mostly the men and older boys, were already dead when we arrived," Armon reported. "We've spoken with those still alive, after transporting them and any remaining supplies to Secondary Camp."
"What about the body-of the one Sherra killed?" I asked.
"It's here. Barth and two physicians are looking at it. Barth asked for Sherra to be with him while he attempted divination-that's why she's not here reporting with me."
"I'll speak with her when she's done," I waved a hand. "I figure Merrin gave information to that cretin he's allied himself with, and that's why they attacked Vale. I should have seen this coming."
"Thorn, nobody can know what they'll do next. We searched outposts and training camps, because those were logical. After that, they could have hit any village anywhere, to supply themselves. It's my opinion that they're camped somewhere across the border and won't be easy to find."
/>
"How much did they get away with? Do you know?"
"They had to carry what they could, and the townspeople said Merrin and the rest of those who came had already gone by the time the girl was dragged into the street. It's my guess that we crossed their perimeter divination, letting them know of our arrival. I hoped we'd set down far enough away so they wouldn't know, but that wasn't to be."
"You say that some of those who came were kidnapped villagers that they'd kept with them after Northeast Outpost was destroyed?"
"Yes. At least twenty or thirty of those-there are conflicting reports on those numbers."
My Prince? Hunter sent mindspeak.
Hunter?
Barth asks that you come to the physician's examination room right away.
Armon and I will be there shortly.
"Armon, Barth is asking for us to come."
"Of course." Armon rose from his seat and we strode out of my study.
* * *
Sherra
Kerok and Armon arrived quickly. I sat on a stool against the wall, trying to even out my breathing. Barth leaned against the wall nearby, silently attempting to accept and digest what we'd both seen.
Barth had requested my help when he performed his divination on the cleric I'd killed in Vale. Too many things had flown through my mind after Barth placed his hands on the body, and I'd placed my hands on Barth's shoulders.
"Tell me," Kerok said.
"His name was Ward," I croaked. I felt as though I'd not had water in a week, my throat was so parched.
"And?"
"They call the white dust they consume the prophet's bones," I whispered.
Chapter 13
Kerok
"I believe the white granules make them more-amenable to their commanders," Barth held a cup of tea in his hands. He and Sherra were now inside the chief physician's private study in the infirmary, and both had cups of tea to drink.
I probably should have asked for wine to be served-both had been deeply affected by what they'd seen in the cleric's divination.
At least cleric Ward was easier to read than the troops we'd captured in the past. Sherra hadn't helped with those divinations, I reminded myself. Would we know more now, if that had been the case?
"What else did you see?" I asked.
"Torturing. Ceremonies with other clerics. Ruarke's image, of course," Barth mumbled. "An all-consuming desire to please their god, to keep Ruarke happy, and to murder all of us. They imagine us to be spawn from hell, who must be destroyed at all costs."
Rose and Thorn: Black Rose Sorceress, Book 2 Page 16