Savage Betrayal

by Anni Antoni

  “You are worthy to be called my soldiers,” he said as they finished. “I am pleased with what I see. However, I must emphasize one thing. You are going on campaign tomorrow. Take as much farmland as possible. I expect the food carts to come back full to the brim. We need the extra food because King Juf is coming here for the winter, together with his court.”

  My ears pricked up at that. It meant accommodation would be scarce. I had been right. The Arbiter had been avoiding me and this explained why. I looked across at him. He hung his head and avoided my glance.

  “Well done men. Your job is to bring back as much food as possible, remember that. The fort is depending on you. I am depending on you.” With that, the Prince left the compound.

  Night was falling as I wished the men good luck and dismissed them. I turned to the Arbiter and grasped him by the front of his tunic.

  “Why have you kept this new arrangement from me? How does it affect me and Pelle, Rachel and her family?” Panic edged my voice.

  The Arbiter hung his head. “I’m sorry, Joshaviah. I’ve been trying to find ways to give you what you want, what we had agreed to, but my hands are tied. The parents of the girl you want as wife will probably be expelled from the fort and their quarters taken. We need the room and they are of no use to us. The girls will be taken into the Prince's quarters. You have been promised Rachel, and you can take her to your current quarters. That’s the best I can do.”

  He paused before speaking further. “And don’t speak of this to your future wife or her parents.” To his credit, he looked stricken.

  Horror clutched at my spine. Rachel’s parents would be condemned to a slow death by starvation.

  Placed outside the fort with nothing, too old to be useful, their daughters taken, they would be unable to negotiate a place in any other settlement. How could I avoid telling Rachel and her parents the news?

  Pelle would take Rachel into our quarters without question, but we would find it difficult to support her parents too, sharing our rations in such a limited space. I knew Pelle would put his family’s welfare first.

  I had to speak to Pelle and find a way to save Rachel’s parents. Horror grabbed me again as the full extent of our situation hit home. How could I face Rachel or her parents knowing what I now knew?

  Chapter 23.

  Plans with Pelle

  Bright moonlight followed me as I walked back to our quarters, but it didn’t lift my dark mood. The evening meal would be over.

  Although Bronwyn always saved me some, I had no appetite. I sat down outside our quarters in the dirt and leaned back against the wall.

  I couldn't face Bronwyn. Pelle would notice something was wrong and I dare not say in front of her. As much as I loved her, I knew she wouldn't keep the news a secret. Bronwyn was a social being and shared everything openly.

  The outside fire pits used to cook our meals were dying down to embers when I heard Pelle’s footsteps.

  “I thought I'd find you around here,” said Pelle. “What's wrong? You finished training your soldiers today and you've been telling me that progress is good. Aren’t they ready for battle?”

  “They’re as ready for battle as they will ever be,” I answered, lifting my eyes up to search his face in the gloom. Then I buried my face in my hands for an instant. Taking a deep breath, I continued.

  “The Arbiter informed me of something which I'm not supposed to share with anyone. I need your advice, Pelle, but we must keep it from Bronwyn.”

  I stood, and Pelle put an arm around my shoulders. “Let's walk,” he said. “We can go to our working area, where we won't be disturbed. Almost everyone is in bed now.”

  As we walked, I opened up to him. “The Arbiter and the Prince inspected the troops today and were well pleased.”

  “Then what's the problem?” asked Pelle, his voice puzzled.

  “The news is King Juf has fallen on hard times. He and his court are coming to spend the winter here.”

  “So, we’ll be cramped,” he said. “That's no problem, is it?”

  “The Prince thinks it is. He will order Rachel's parents put out of the fort to help make room. Two daughters will go to his quarters. And the Arbiter says Rachel can stay with us, here in our quarters. Other helpless people face the same fate. Pelle, how can I face Rachel knowing her parents will face a slow death outside the fort?”

  Pelle was quiet as he took in the news. Then he gave a low whistle. “I knew the Prince was ruthless, but I didn't expect this. I wonder who else will be put out. Did the Arbiter give you any indication of numbers?”

  I shook my head. “No, I was lucky to get the information I did.”

  “I wonder how safe we are,” Pelle said.

  An icy chill shook me as I took in his words. “But we are weapon makers, skilled craftsman. Surely we’ll be safe?” I hadn't even considered Pelle and his family would be under threat.

  “Think about it. The army is well-equipped. New swords won’t be needed for a while, and there are other sword makers besides us to fulfill any need. I believe you will be safe because you can train his soldiers, but I may be at risk. I have a young family and my skills will be surplus to requirements.”

  “Pelle if you're expelled, if Rachel and her parents are expelled I'll go with you. I can protect all of you. We'll probably be better off…” Freedom’s call lured me, stronger than I had ever felt it, but Pelle shook his head.

  “What, with no tools, cart, or horse? Only if we have no choice. We are safer here if they value my work enough. And here we have shelter. The children are too young to be much help yet, and Bronwyn feels safer here.” Pelle frowned and raked his fingers through his hair. “And she's right.” He sighed.

  Frustration ate into me. I didn’t have enough confidence in myself to insist. Why couldn’t Pelle trust me?

  My racing thoughts slowed for an instant. Something else had to be said. “When I take Rachel as my wife, I will do all I can to protect her and her parents. When Rachel’s parents are put out, I will take her and go with them.”

  My heart ached as I said the words, but I had no choice except to cling to my young wife and her parents. I would do all I could to protect them from harm.

  Even though I was Guardian to Pelle and his family, I could always flash to his side if he needed me. And I would teach him how to call me.

  That was how it had to be. Rachel was my mate, and I had to consider her first.

  “I understand Joshaviah,” Pelle said, his voice tinged with sadness. “Meanwhile I'll keep your secret. You must go with Rachel and her parents if they are expelled, but I hope we are not forced out as well.”

  I hung my head. Words were beyond me.

  “Hard times are ahead of us I'm afraid,” said Pelle. “I hope we survive. However, we must know where we stand before we can act. See what else you can discover from the Arbiter.”

  Pelle put his hand on my shoulder for a moment. Sadness enveloped us, at the thought we may be parted through circumstances not of our choosing.

  I longed for the freedom to take Pelle and his family, Rachel and her parents and leave this accursed fort. I was never happy in the place. How Bronwyn enjoyed it here was beyond me.

  “Good night, Joshaviah,” said Pelle, and trudged towards home, leaving me to my dark thoughts. I walked back to our quarters and sank down on the ground outside. Only when Bronwyn had gone to bed, would I venture inside. How could I face her, knowing what I now knew?

  **********

  I woke with a start. Dawn was breaking, and I was still sitting propped against the outside wall of our quarters.

  I stood and stretched, my joints stiff after having been outside all night.

  Bronwyn walked by as I stretched. “Ah, there you are Joshaviah. I wondered where you were last night. What on earth are you doing here?”

  “I must've been tired after I finished training the troops.” I said, attempting a laugh.

  “Today is the big day, isn’t it?” Excitement poured from h
er.

  “What do you mean?” I said.

  “The army is going to war. Everyone is waiting to see them set off this morning. I’m so proud you are the one in charge of training them.” A broad smile lit up her features.

  I had completely forgotten about it, with everything else on my mind.

  “Come, eat with us. Then we can watch the army march out from the walls of the fort.”

  My heart weighed down, my mind in turmoil, I followed her inside and ate in silence as I planned what to do next. I had to see Rachel.

  She would know something was wrong if I avoided her any longer. I was worse than the Arbiter. But I would still wait for her father to hear the news first before we acted.

  Pelle sat down at the table next to me.

  “After we watch the army leave this morning there's work to do.” he said, giving me a meaningful look. “There's plenty of furniture around that needs mending. Let's start on that today.”

  I gave him a nod as I spooned food into my mouth.

  “Before we start work, I must see Rachel," I said, between mouthfuls. “I haven't managed to catch up with her for a few days now.”

  Pelle gave me a wink and a cheeky grin. “I think we can accommodate that.”

  Excited cries floated in from outside. “They’re leaving to go to war. Come quick, watch the army.”

  Bronwyn, Pelle and the children rushed outside, and I followed.

  My army, my group of trained farm boys, marched down the side of the hill from the exit on the soldiers’ side. I blinked in surprise.

  What I saw was unbelievable. A strong, disciplined army was marching, in formation, in step, with their weapons correctly holstered. And they looked like tough, professional warriors.

  I had done something exceptional with these young boys. I had turned them from a bunch of farmers’ sons into an army.

  They had a chance of survival now. As they marched off, to the cheers of the people watching, hundreds of carts rattled behind them -- every cart we could find within the fort and from nearby farms. No doubt, we would need a lot of food in the coming months.

  Rachel came and stood beside me. Reaching out, I took her hand and gave it a squeeze. She smiled up at me.

  “I am so proud of what you have done with these soldiers,” she said. Then, growing bashful, she lowered her gaze. “I haven't seen you for a few days. I feared you had tired of me.” She gave me a hesitant smile.

  I looked in to her beautiful violet eyes and my heart swelled with love for her. “Never, Rachel, I'll never grow tired of you. That’s one thing you need not worry about. I have been busy training the soldiers, but my thoughts were constantly of you.” I put my arm around her waist, hardly daring to believe she would soon be mine.

  “The Arbiter wants to see my father this morning,” she said. “What would that be about? Do you know?” My heart sank. I had a good idea, but I avoided the question. “The Arbiter keeps his business to himself. No doubt your father will tell you more when he comes away from the meeting. I hope it's good news.”

  It had begun.

  Chapter 24.

  Treachery Planned

  A hush descended over the fort once the army left. As though our world had taken in a deep breath and was holding it before deciding which way the action would unfold. Pelle and I kept busy, hoping if we kept working we would be perceived as useful and therefore not expendable.

  Nothing happened. The Prince made no announcements, and no one was put out. Even Rachel's father had no news to share after his meeting with the Arbiter, nor did he appear worried. So Pelle and I worked and watched.

  I hoped the Arbiter had somehow solved the overcrowding problem. Perhaps my soldiers would find enough food to support everyone for the winter, even if we were crowded.

  The second day dawned, and the Arbiter came over, bursting with news.

  “Good news Joshaviah. Day one of battle, and your soldiers are terrifying all in their path. We’re hardly losing any men in what little resistance they put up. They look at our army and run.” He laughed.

  My heart swelled with pride for my boy soldiers, although the thought of taking by force from peaceful farmers, just trying to make a living, still sickened me. I had trained those boys and my loyalty was with them, so I was glad to hear they were safe. Whatever they were doing, it was for the survival of the fort, I told myself.

  On the third day, I woke early, certain I smelled smoke. No one else around me seemed to notice.

  However, the feeling that something was wrong ate at me. Pelle and I went to our work area with a collection of chairs to mend.

  “Pelle do you smell smoke?” I asked.

  “Funny you should ask,” he said. “I have been getting the faint smell of smoke since I came outside and thought it was my imagination. Is it to do with the war?”

  I looked to the north where my soldiers were capturing land and pointed out a faint smudge on the horizon to Pelle.

  Before we could discuss it, Rachel came rushing over in distress.

  “What has you so upset?” I asked. Tears were running down her face.

  “My father has finally finished arrangements with the Arbiter. My sisters are to go to the Prince’s quarters, both of them.” She threw herself into my arms, weeping.

  Holding her close, I smoothed her hair. “It's not so bad. Your sisters are young and strong and they will probably bear the Prince sons. This will mean their position in the fort is strong and they will be safe.”

  She raised tearful eyes to mine, her face a picture of distress.

  “Yes, I understand, but I wanted more for them. They hoped for much more too. My poor sisters are doomed to a loveless life. I have you and I'm so happy. Why couldn't they have the same? Is it too much to ask?”

  I had no answer for her. “It must be their destiny,” I muttered. “And you must be glad for their safety.” A deep shame burned within me that I could think of no way to save them from their fate.

  Gradually her weeping stopped. “I will try to think like that. My sisters are taking it well but I know their hearts are sore.” With that she walked back to her own quarters.

  There was a flurry of activity when, within a short time, four messengers arrived at the fort, one after the other, seeking the Arbiter. The first was taken immediately to Prince Evrat. He soon came running out and left. The second, from the south, stayed longer and left happily, bearing parcels.

  The others stayed much longer with the Arbiter. After a short audience with the Prince, they were escorted to the gates. Pelle and I kept working, keeping an eye on proceedings.

  After the messengers arrived, there was an ominous quiet. An air of expectancy hung over us. Something was up. What was it?

  With hindsight, I recognize my ‘knowing’ had activated, a strong intuition all Guardians develop. Everybody went about their business as if nothing was wrong whereas I had a strong feeling of doom growing within my breast.

  I can only surmise after centuries of agonizing, what happened behind the scenes that day, and I present this probable scenario to you.

  **********

  The Arbiter hurried with the messenger from the north into the Prince’s quarters and stood there shaking.

  “Your Shining Eminence, I'm sorry but this messenger has disturbing news from the front.”

  “Oh?” Prince Evrat looked the messenger up and down, walked over to his throne and took a seat.

  The messenger fell to his knees. Your worship, my gracious Prince. I present the following message from Commander Duggan at the front.

  “Yes, yes get on with it. I take it you bring bad news. Out with it.”

  “The farmers cannot put up a strong opposition to our army,” the Messenger began a carefully remembered message.

  “I know all that. I hear they're running away.” The Prince sighed and drummed his fingers on the arm of his throne.

  “Yes, your Eminence.” The messenger gulped. “The bad news is that the farmers’ opposition
has hit us where it hurts. Your instructions were to bring back all the food we could. The farmers’ opposition is setting fire to everything as they flee. There are no crops, livestock is slaughtered. There is no food to bring back. The farmers are desperate, knowing they will either be killed or forced off their land, so they are making sure we can't benefit from taking their farms.”

  The messenger cast his eyes down. Pale and trembling, he waited for the Prince’s reaction.

  “What?” The Prince roared his displeasure. “How could you let this happen? Put a stop to it immediately. This cannot continue. We are depending on that food.”

  “Yes, your Brilliance. Thank you, your Brilliance. With your permission, I will take that message back.” The messenger stood, sweating and bowing, edging his way backwards to the door.

  “Go now! This is pure incompetence. Anyone who permits this to happen again will face my wrath,” the Prince shouted.

  He buried his face in his hands for an instant and breathed deeply. Then his attention focused on the Arbiter.

  “I knew it. Our new army is too frightening to look upon. Why didn't you see this coming Arbiter?”

  “I'm, I’m… sorry. What can I say?” His face paled.

  The Prince struck the Arbiter a heavy blow across the face. He fell on the floor and the Prince aimed a kick at him. “You stupid fool, how could you let this happen? Go! Fix this at once.”

  The Arbiter pulled himself to his knees, bowed to the Prince and scuttled out backwards.

  **********

  By midday, the smudge on the horizon was clearly visible, stretching for miles. And the hint of smoke had become a heavy smell of burning.

  “I wonder what this means,” said Pelle, stroking his chin as he looked to the north. “It must be farmlands and crops burning.”

  My heart sank as I remembered the parting words of the Prince to my boy soldiers. If crops were burning, there would be less food to bring back. Less food, meant more people put out of the fort.