Yero’s leap brought them clear of the building and the surrounding wreckage. When he hit the ground he took a few steps forward and knelt, setting Deborah down. As he stood he took hold of her once more and helped her to standing too. They both turned back to the burning building. Once again, Yero was acting in a blur of motion before Deborah could even fully assess the situation.
Yero scrambled up the flaming wreckage. Fire tried to hold onto him, but was quickly doused by the speed of his movement. With a visible effort he lunged and vaulted back up to the second floor. The wood he grabbed hold of began to break. Before it could completely shatter, though, Yero managed to swing himself onto more secure boards. He righted himself and stood next to Hogan.
The two men exchanged words that Deborah could not make out. Hogan backed off from Yero, shaking his head. However, Yero’s hand flashed out and grabbed hold of the elf. Hogan was pulled into Yero’s arms and the captain manhandled him to a secure position before he leapt from the second story once more. For his part Hogan didn’t scream, though a look of fear was plastered on his face. This time Yero didn’t completely clear the wreckage. He hit the edge of it and lost his balance. As he began to fall he threw Hogan forward. The lieutenant tumbled several times, then came to a stop near Deborah.
“Are you okay?” she asked as she went to his side.
Groggily, he nodded. They both then looked up as Yero limped over to them, slapping a flame out that tried to take hold of the cloth of his pants.
“Well now,” he said. “that is quite enough of that for one lifetime. Though I do fear hanging out with you two may bring me more opportunities like that.”
Deborah smiled at the man’s blasé attitude and helped Hogan to his feet. Once up, Hogan put his arms around Deborah and didn’t let go. She responded in kind.
“Good,” interjected Yero, “we have that settled. Shall we disengage and get you two back with the rest of the Koens?”
Not waiting to see if they were going to follow, Yero turned and headed back toward the council tent. Hogan kissed Deborah gently on the forehead, took her hand in his, and the two straggled after Yero.
Chapter 35
General Kolk was showing signs of strain, and his blows were losing some of their strength. However, he still fought quite well. Though David felt Kolk’s lessening strength, he was not sure he could use it to his advantage. His own arms were now numb from the constant barrage of hits and the death grip he had to keep on the Sword of Truth so it didn’t fly out of his hands. It seemed the only thing keeping him in this battle was the grace of God.
Kolk’s men, who had not made an attempt to join the fight, were noting the skill of each fighter and pointing out that neither had been able to draw first blood. For his part, David knew that if the general could land a blow anywhere it would likely be first and last blood. Often the same could be said for the Sword of Truth. Most beings could only stand a slight touch; a cut brought forth painful, undeniable truths about the person’s life choices and their creator. Though this was true, David had seen people of free will eventually convince themselves otherwise if they were determined. This was how it was with God; He forced none to follow him, He wanted all to come willingly.
Sweat rolled down both combatants’ faces and bodies. The sword fight was lasting longer than either man had predicted. David continued to note the signs that Kolk was tiring, but knew it was not as much as he. There was a determined madness in the general’s eyes that seemed to be fueling him. This, coupled with his greater skill, was going to prove David’s undoing. Thus David was so concerned trying to stay alive and the general was focused on destroying his enemy that neither heard the battle beginning to rage about them as the council forces fell upon the general’s idle contingent.
With the general taken out of the fight by David’s interference, the Misfit Illdwar proved his battle acumen against the lesser officers who were not skilled at combatting the seemingly random tactics employed by the veteran campaigner. The king’s forces were harried into retreat as the band pushed into indefensible areas. Traps quickly erected under the guidance of Illdwar were sprung, and more and more soldiers were taken out of the conflict. The king’s forces that collided with Kolk’s distracted troops had no time to warn their compatriots before the full mercenary force of the council’s men were upon them. The battle, like all battles no matter how well planned, dissolved into a mass of chaotic carnage as individuals and groups of troops tried to fight off the opposing forces.
There were three events that saved David’s life. The first was the coming of Illdwar himself, when he took control of the council’s forces and brought the conflict to where David was fighting Kolk. The second was caused by an inexperienced young private freshly inducted just a week before. This young soldier of the king’s army had a great deal of practice with his sword, yet he was completely unprepared for the battle he was thrown into. He was panicking, turning to address every nearby clank of steel and any person bumping into him. Though at the outer fringes of the general’s troops he had been watching the duel, he was now right on top of the general’s and David’s struggle, though he did not know this until David bumped into him. David, having been thrown back by yet another of Kolk’s powerful blows, collided with the private. The boy turned and slashed wildly, cutting the back of David’s left thigh. Though it was a shallow cut, David fell to his knees as the general charged, howling with blood lust.
The third event which saved David’s life was a mixture of the general’s roar as he charged and a deep seated need for revenge. Shortly before the king appointed Kolk as general of his army, the elf led a force of troops to subjugate a local lord who had hired a gang of brigands to attack the other lords’ holdings. In his typical style, Kolk addressed the problem brutally and swiftly. The landlord’s manor was attacked and all within were put to death, even the servants. Only three young boys were left alive after being savagely beaten. They had been left alive so they could tell others what had transpired. One of those boys had watched as Kolk personally killed his family. As the years went by, he survived by selling his skills out until finally he was hired on as a sell sword by one of the council members. Now in the midst of battle he heard a primal roar and looked up to see the man who had impaled his sister, beheaded his father, and gutted his mother. White hot rage burned through his veins and like a magnet drew him to the manic general. There was no screaming, no shout, no vocalization crying out for revenge. There was only vengeful retaliation against a long-ago nightmare.
Kolk did not see the young man, as he was solely focused on David. When he first knew of the attack, the haunted-looking-boy was drawing his sword out of the general’s side. Kolk could not comprehend what was happening. He could not control his body to counter the attack. Blow after blow, the general was hacked and stabbed until his muscles would no longer hold him up. Still the young man attacked. He only stopped when David took hold of him.
“Stop,” David spoke calmly, “he’s dead.” The words penetrated the boy’s vengeance. He dropped his sword as silent tears streamed down his face and he wordlessly mouthed the names of his family.
Shortly after the general’s death Avrant’s forces began to surrender or flee outright. Those forces on loan from the other kingdoms regrouped themselves, cut their losses, and began the long retreat to their home kingdoms. David stayed with the still silent young man who had saved his life. The council forces had begun to bind the surrendering troops. Each soldier had his hands tied behind his back, and then they were roped together in order to form a single-file marching line. David was wont to leave the traumatized warrior, yet felt a burning need to return to his family, or at least the hunt for Deborah and Hogan. Before he could make a choice either way, a shadow fell over him and the boy. David looked up as the man spoke.
“Several of the king’s men point you out as the Sword Bearer.”
David studied the older man. He was of mixed parentage; that much was certain. The man had the cat-like
pupils, sharp pointed fingernails, and multicolored pigmentation of the weald. His ears were flat to his head though slightly higher than his gaeder ancestors. When he smiled, as he did after speaking to David, his teeth were all flat, lacking any of the pointed incisors typical of the weald.
David stood, pulling the young warrior up with him. The boy didn’t seem to notice. David nodded and answered, “I indeed bear the Sword of Truth. My name is David Koen. Who might you be?”
The man flashed his teeth once more, “I am Illdwar, nearly the last of the Misfits.”
David sighed. “That news saddens me. I fought with a great many of your order in the Season of a Thousand Crossings.”
Illdwar looked at David critically. “I do not remember tell of a Truth Blade during those times or after.”
“I gained the sword during a battle, crossed back to my home world shortly thereafter, and have been there until just recently.”
Illdwar gazed at David in silence before he grinned. “Now I hear, you bring into the Way World twelve new crowns.”
David held the other man’s gaze, then spoke quietly, “They are not yet made, though I am told they shall be.”
Illdwar got a distant look in his eyes. “They will be indeed. Some shall be crowned in ways yet imagined, and you and I will not live to see them all.”
David, taken aback by these words, was about to ask Illdwar about them when the Misfit turned to the silent young elf standing next to David. He put his arm around him.
“I have heard of your deeds, as well. Come, lad; let me help you to a drink, and we will talk of days past and things yet to come.”
The two walked off, leaving David alone with Illdwar’s words chilling his blood.
David arrived back at the council tent to find that Yero had returned with Deborah and Hogan. Yero bore many severe looking burns that were being treated. Hogan and Deborah showed signs of treatment already; their wrists were bandaged as were several patches of their arms and legs. When Deborah saw her father, she ran to him and embraced him.
“Thank God you’re alive,” David breathed. “Are you alright?”
Hogan, now beside them, answered for her. “We were captured by a demon. It cut her tongue when she tried to banish it. The healer put a chap compound on it and said she should not try to speak for the rest of the day. She may need surgery to fully heal it.”
David stared at Hogan and then his daughter. “A demon?”
Deborah nodded.
“Are you okay?”
First she nodded, then shook her head, followed by another nod. David took her into his arms again and just held her for a time. After a few brief minutes they were interrupted by a councilor.
“Truth Blade. “Though there seemed to be an apology within Duke Dweller’s tone, there was also a note of superior triumph. “We have reports stating all pockets of fighting have ceased. Upon hearing the news of the conflagration in Ven, we’ve sent several squads to act as firefighters. General Kolk’s body has been recovered from the field. We have many reports of Lord Avrant fleeing North on horseback. He is most likely to seek refuge in his wife’s land holdings in the Third Kingdom.”
David did not like the last bit of news. Avrant would continue to be a problem and possibly a rallying point for those elves not willing to give up power. Still there was nothing he could do about it now; he had to see to the safety of his children.
Dweller continued when David made no response. “I think it most prudent that the council take control of the daily governing until such time as Lord Avrant tries to return or the High King Insur brings forth a suitable heir. . .”
Dweller was cut off by Count Merrin, “How do you propose the council lead?” he asked with disdain. “We could hardly agree on a course of action to our tax and harvest issues. Several council members have apparently chosen to flee with Avrant. Then there is the new inheritance issued in regards to the throne. Lest we not forget it is being contested.” This last statement was said while indicating the Koens.
Another councilor stepped forward, “I don’t believe council government would be out the question, at least until the throne matter is resolved. I was thinking we could easily set up a trilateral governorship consisting of a speaker, a minority leader, and a prime councilor.”
The councilman's suggestion was greeted with nods of agreement and cheers, as well as riotous objections. Loud debate on the merits and faults of the suggestion quickly overtook the council tent. Rock herded the children, save Deborah who was still next to her father, out of the way. Yero bellowed for quiet and very nearly got it. However, his words were quickly drowned back out as those around him began to object to his addressing the council and what he was saying. None of the councilors wished to be further reminded of the rumors of David’s children, for none of them wished to lose power. It was not their plans that would bear fruit this day.
A blinding bright light exploded above everyone’s head. They all ducked as a cacophony of melodious voices sang out. The light lessened marginally, and sight returned to the people within the tent. They looked above them and were greeted by a host of angels. The angelic throng sang as each person watched. When every eye was upon them and every ear was attending to their song, they spoke in unison.
“These are the words of the Most High; hear them, heed them. Twelve crowns upon elven heads have been rescinded. Human heirs The One has called forth. Pass unto them the rights of rule until such time as they no longer faithfully follow His will. The hand of the Creator is upon them. Woe be unto those who oppose them.”
As they finished speaking, all except one angel began to sing again and slowly fade from sight. The lone angel descended and alighted near Deborah. The iridescent messenger reached out its hand and laid it upon the young woman’s head. Light flooded through Deborah and her bandages fell off. Then the angel rose above the crowd once more. All was silent when the angel spoke again.
“Here stands your new queen; attend to her and her chosen groom who shall crown her head upon their wedding day.”
Then, as quickly as they had arrived, the last of the angels disappeared. Silence reigned as never before in the council tent. Slowly all eyes fell upon Deborah. As shock wore off, the councilors began to clamor for attention. Several quietly slipped out of the tent. Those pushing forward were held back by Rock, who was using his bo staff as a barricade.
“Enough!” he bellowed about the rising hubbub of voices; nearly instantaneously the crowd grew quiet once more. David broke the silence.
“Hear me now. Know once and for all that I speak with the authority of God. As in days long past and days yet to come, the thrones of the twelve kingdoms of the Crossroads are to change hands from one race to another. I wish deeply it were not my children who were to take up this burden. However, thrice now I’ve been confronted with the truth of the deed to be done. I call upon you to aid in the will of the Creator and hinder us here no more.”
Before David could continue or anyone else could interject, Yero spoke. He was not wholly unknown to many of the councilors, and the angry burn marks on his face lent gravity to his words.
“Avrant, former liege lord of the Seventh Kingdom, has fled. He no doubt has plans to defy the calling of the Lord of Hosts. I for one will not. I am going to escort Lady Deborah to the castle, where the guards and I who are loyal to the bidding of the Almighty will secure her and her family.
“Now is a time of consideration. What will you do? Tomorrow, after we have all rested and seen to the dead and wounded, the council will come to the castle and we will discuss this further in the great hall where these affairs would be better met.”
No one spoke. David turned, patted Yero on the shoulder, and signaled for his band to move out. Hogan led the way, his hand within Deborah’s, Rock held up the rear. Just before she exited the tent, Deborah released Hogan’s hand and turned back. Without consciously deciding, to her brothers, sisters, and the others moved so the council could see her. When she spoke she did so
softly, though her voice carried through the gathering and rang with authority.
“This tent will no longer be needed. Use the materials to aid in the laying of the dead to rest.”
Then she turned and walked out of the tent. Hogan was smiling as he caught up to her and took her hand once more.
Chapter 36
The night had taken hold. Yero held true to his word and organized the remaining guards to secure the castle. Once the news spread of the events within the council tent, many of the troops who had followed General Kolk into battle surrendered their loyalty to the new crown. Yero and Hogan set about reassigning those they knew to be earnest in their protestations. For the others, different work was found outside the castle. Only three-score of the troops decided to leave, some siding with Avrant, others claiming no part in either camp.
Yero was in favor of locking them up; David, however, rejected the idea. Deborah proposed they be stripped of their armament and sent on their way. Yero relented, though he did mark each man and warned them of their deaths should they raise arms against the Koens.
Evangeline and her son, Zilda and her niece, and many other household staff were found hiding in the castle depths. Evangeline and Zilda were tasked with ensuring the loyalty of the castle servants. There was not much work to be done in that regard, as neither Avrant nor his wife had endeared themselves to their employees. In the end, only two stewards left the castle. Evangeline did also note that several of the lady’s maids were missing, each one a young daughter from several well-to-do elven households.
With the servants seen to, Evangeline organized the staff and set them to refurbishing the castle to make room for all the Koens. Before she could go too far in this task, David made sure she knew the children would be sharing rooms for safety and a sense of stability. Evangeline agreed, although Deborah still ended up with the royal suite all to herself. When confronted with this, she said that due to Deborah’s new status she required a room of her own. David rEleented, seeing the inevitability of this anyway. Hogan established a maiden guard and had them posted outside the room. When all was said and done, the castle switchover had been completed by the end of the late evening meal. Though David was pleased, he remained wary, as if still in enemy territory.
The New Guard (Crossroads Book 1) Page 27