Already awaiting his arrival were several of his highest ranking generals, as well as two of his more senior sorcerers. Although he had considered that perhaps those experienced in magic should probably be leading from the front, he had instead decided to keep them as his advisors. After wandering over to his drinks cabinet and pouring himself a very large glass of brandy from the crystal glass decanter, he strolled nonchalantly over to his desk, before slumping down in his seat.
After taking a drink and leaning back, he then waved a hand as a gesture for the first man to start talking. One of his more senior generals stepped forward, a man whom Oribe thought, must have been at least fifty years of age. After bowing his head, just a little, the man started by explaining the size of force they had mustered, although split in much smaller groups so as not to be so easily tracked by the rangers of the Caldronian guild.
This had been Oribe’s own idea, and one of which he was quite proud. Rather than group all his soldiers and magicians up in one large force, making it slow and easy to spot, he had decided to split them all up into groups of about twenty or thirty. With each small group having a Group Leader, they would then make their own way across the border in to Caldronia, ignoring the recently strengthened southern towns, and instead head for the nation’s capital Surmont, yet all taking in different routes.
With many of the more seasoned soldiers and sorcerers being sent south to bolster the southern defences, Oribe and his general had considered the opportunity to strike at the capital too good to miss. With several reports from his spies within the city, he had been told that the city guard numbered barely a dozen sorcerers, and maybe four score of regular soldiers. That in itself would prove no resistance for the much larger numbers Oribe was sending forward, but for one thing.
The Caldronian guild maybe only full of apprentice sorcerers, warriors and rangers, to name but a few, but Oribe also knew they would still prove a stern test to his largely inexperienced army. This was something he had already set plans in action for, and with the help of his own assassins, he hoped to thin their numbers a little before his main force arrived.
Once the first sections of his army had made their way to the capital city, he thought for them to gain entry immediately, hoping they could cause maximum disruption, before the others grouped and made their attack. If all went to plan, within just a few days, the Caldronians would be leaderless, and despite a few small pockets of resistance would be largely under his control, leaving him to plan for greater conquests.
Not only had his alchemists come up with the potion for turning children into fire wielding imps, but they had now come up with another game-changer. Made from some kind of black powder, this new discovery had been demonstrated in spectacular fashion just a few days earlier. Should his first troops not gain entry, and be forced to wait for their colleagues, the walls and gates of Surmont might not be the impregnable defence the enemy thought it.
The powder was to be used in several ways, although Oribe’s favourite was when it was placed in small packages along with dozens of small jagged pieces of steel, and would be carried by his regular soldiers. The packages had a long wire-like fuse that was lit, which then gave the carrier about six seconds to throw the device. The demonstration had taken place in a field full of target dummies, and the alchemists had shown just how destructive this new weapon was, by throwing several examples in amongst them. Each package had exploded, sending the small pieces of jagged steel blasting outwards, almost completely destroying the targets in the vicinity. The demonstration had shown him enough, and he knew that if used properly, this weapon could decimate an enemy force of soldiers in a matter of seconds.
Oribe had tried to conceal as much of his army as possible, sending them out in small numbers so as not to alert his enemy what he was doing. He was no fool, and knew only too well that Caldronian Rangers were likely patrolling deep into his own territory, even though no one had seen them, he was sure they were there. However, just to ensure the main attack went to plan, he was also preparing to send a token force to attack the southern towns, as he hoped the enemy were expecting.
This makeshift force, was made up of poorly equipped old men, convicts and anybody else they deemed surplus to requirement. To make this force appear genuine they were also sending a number of sorcerers along, although in truth, these were barely powerful enough to be labelled as such. This force had the shortest distance to travel, and was one hundred percent disposable, and meant as nothing more than a decoy. Of course, if this small army did actually make any gains, then that would come as a welcome surprise, although Oribe doubted as much.
The king leaned back in his cushioned seat, sipping his brandy, as he listened to his generals, one by one telling him everything he wanted to hear. The numbers being sent on the main attack were even far greater than he had expected; perhaps a sign that the nobility were finally coming to terms with his leadership. Naturally, those supplying him the largest amount of troops would only be doing so for want of any future reward. He smirked to himself, as he thought just how greedy some men were, and the richest of those probably greediest of all. The nobles already had land, and riches beyond any normal man, and yet here they were supporting his cause with a hope that they might be getting more.
Whether the nobility had realised it of course, was that the more men they sent to aid their king, the weaker it actually made the nobleman in question; not that they posed any great threat anymore, since his purging when taking the throne.
Such was his confidence in victory, Oribe was even considering when he should make a trip to his conquered lands. Perhaps if the palace and guild buildings were left intact after his attack, he might consider relocating, running his much larger country from there instead. After all, it was said that both main buildings were quite impressive, and far grander than anything he currently owned; especially where the guild was involved.
He knew though, given time, that his own guild system would start reaping benefits, although he would prefer them to be sooner rather than later. Sorcerers especially, were very much needed in vast numbers, and in due course he hoped for a steady stream of them to boost his army, not just for the current campaign, but for all his future plans as well. Caldronia was only the start of what was a long term project, and Oribe knew if he could defeat the small nation to his northern border, it would pave the way for his further conquests.
Standing upon the balcony in the palace, Oribe had an advantageous view looking over towards the northern gate to his capital city. Another of his smaller groups was making its way north, heading to the lands he hoped soon to be calling his own. All the work had been done, now it was just a case of waiting, something Oribe did not like.
To help keep his mind off the events he decided to head back inside, and out into the corridor outside his living quarters. He stood a while, just watching his staff pass him by, all bowing their heads subserviently as they did so. He did so for good reason, as he let each walk by wandering if they were suitable for his needs. He afforded a sly smile, as he focused on a young serving maid, and after she had bowed her head, he grabbed her arm and suggested they move to his room. The girl was a little thin, but would suffice for his needs, at least until the morning.
Chapter 16.
A week had passed since Leo’s incident in the city. Since that time he had barely been left alone, and he was beginning to think it was no coincidence. No sooner was he saying goodbye to one person, than another would quickly take their place, and he was starting to think perhaps, his fellow students had been instructed to keep an eye on him.
In his short time in the guild, the once solid group that had started out so tightly knit together, now seemed to be breaking apart just a little. Not that Leo no longer considered some of them friends any longer, it was obvious that a few of them appeared to want time away from the main group. Mia especially, had all but moved on from their brief relationship, and although Leo had enjoyed it at the time, he was in some small way glad to
be rid of her. With the focus of her attention now firmly on the very boy that had been following her around like a lost puppy, both she and Ewan, where it would seem, a couple of sorts, although quite how long it would last, Leo was unsure.
With his early lessons each morning before the others were even up, and a full day of study in the classroom with the rest of the group, Leo had little time for much else. Most of his evenings were still spent in the library, where his friend Alec would set him exercises to help improve his reading and writing, leaving him little time for much else. With his days full from dawn until dusk, having time to spend with Mia was out of the question anyway, and although he missed the kissing part, it was something he could do with out at the moment.
It was a slightly gloomy looking day, with the thick grey cloud blocking any of the sun’s rays, as Leo listened to his personal mentor Daron, the Kings’ Sorcerer. Despite during their first meeting, thinking the older man seemed a miserable, somewhat cantankerous old git, he had soon found out that was not the case. In fact, if anything Daron was the model teacher, showing great patience, especially when it often needed him to explain things several times, when Leo had struggled.
Even in the short time he had been having extra lessons, Leo was already feeling much more confident in his abilities. Although shielding still remained a problem, his offensive abilities were now much better controlled. Whereas before, Leo would thrust out a hand and send forth an almost unstoppable stream of intense energy, he could now manage to do as others did. That did not of course mean he would not need to use the powerful strikes again, on the contrary, Daron had told him to keep them for when they were really needed. The man had also warned him that despite his great power, it did not mean he had an inexhaustible supply of energy from which to draw his magic, and like all other sorcerers, when that ran low they were little use to anyone.
Leo of course had already seen first-hand the effects of being bereft of energy, as Kian had so valiantly shielded them from the City Guard Sorcerers. The Master had taken dozens of strikes from several attackers at the same time, and held on admirably, before succumbing to the overwhelming odds against him. During that occasion Kian had barely been able to stand, and Leo understood just what Daron meant by a drained sorcerer being no use to anyone.
With his lesson concluded, Leo would now normally head back to the main guild building for breakfast, before going to his usual lessons with the rest of the group. Today though Leo, Alec, Mason and Jake would not be attending class, instead they were all to attend a special hearing. This was to be no ordinary hearing and was being overseen by none other than the king himself, such was the delicate nature of the matter in hand.
Leo sat beside Alec, who was already up and waiting for him inside the dining hall, and although he was hungry, he did not feel much like eating. He had been told by Daron that he personally had nothing to fear from the king’s verdict of the hearing, though he may be called to tell his side of events. Despite the reassurances from his friends, that all would be fine, Leo could not help but feel nervous.
Even though the rest of the group were not involved, they all gave Leo words of encouragement, and much to his surprise, so did Ewan although Mia clearly had other things to say. “It was unfortunate I was not with you,” She told him, “I would have stopped you getting in to trouble and none of this would be happening,” she added rather snootily. Leo just rolled his eyes back, he was in no mood to listen to her unwanted opinions.
After managing to at least eat a little porridge, Leo joined Jake, Mason and Alec out in the corridor, before they all made their way outside. Despite it being a rather bleak looking day, it was still quite warm, and as they walked the short distance from the guild building, Kian ran up to them, “Wait for me,” he added catching his breath. “You know I’m supposed to be escorting you there Leo,” he said with a smile. Leo apologised, “My mind is a bit of a mess and I am so nervous,” he said. The Guild Master patted Leo on the shoulder, “I told you, everything will be fine. At worse, you will have to give the king your version of events, just like the others.” Mason suddenly stopped, “What? You mean we may have to speak as well?” he asked thinking this was a hearing about Leo. Kian nodded, “Of course, why else would you be there?” It was apparent, that it was not only Mason who had thought they were going just to give Leo their support, the fact that each and every one of them now may have to stand up in front of the king’s court and give evidence, made the occasion somewhat less appealing.
Kian led them from the guild grounds and on to the site of the palace. Leo noticed there seemed to be a lot more guards around than usual, and was beginning to think they were there for him. Kian however, quickly quashed that thought as he explained to the contrary, “There is a lot happening at the moment,” he told them, “None of which I can tell you…so don’t ask,” he added realising he was possibly lining himself up for a tirade of questioning.
With all four youngsters seemingly deep in thought, the short trip went pretty much in silence, as Kian escorted them through the main doors of the palace; not a route Leo had used before. Waiting for them in what Leo thought must probably be the most impressive foyer in the entire world, was the King’s Sorcerer Daron. With is hood down, revealing his aged face, Leo was first to greet him, before re-capping his friend’s names, just in case the elderly sorcerer had forgotten who was who.
Daron gave each an acknowledging nod of his head, before explaining exactly what was going to happen. In a little while, they were all going to one of the halls in the palace, a room that the king had decided to utilise for this matter. Although with so much going on at the moment, and their ruler not best impressed there had been fighting amongst the very people he was depending on to protect his lands, he wanted to clear the air, and put this entire situation to bed.
After explaining the process of what was going on, Daron suddenly stopped talking, and stared over Leo’s shoulder. The youngster turned to see what had caught the sorcerer’s attention, only to see another much larger group enter in through the main doors. Made up of several sorcerers and soldiers, some of whom briefly glanced their direction before they headed off down a corridor, although always watched by Daron.
It was not until the other group had completely moved on did he continue speaking, “I will warn you though,” he said, “They will be making out it is you lot to blame for all the trouble…Don’t start an argument, just say your piece when asked to do so, and return to your seat when done.” After checking they all understood, including Kian, despite him being a Guild Master, Daron finally gestured for them to head down the same corridor that the other group had used, just a short time earlier.
As Leo walked, he tried to catch glimpses of the paintings hanging on the walls, in a faint hope it may just keep his mind from what lay ahead. The pictures were all quite large, many of which looked quite old, and Leo could only assume they were perhaps previous kings and queens, as they all seem to show portraits of finely dressed people, although some wore strange clothes.
The trip to the hall was unfortunately only a brief one, as Leo took a deep breath, before following Daron and the others in through the large double doors, and into the room. The hearing may have been closed from the ears of the public, but if Leo or any of the others thought it was going to be a small, insignificant affair, they were very much mistaken.
The room had been divided into two, with the city guard being positioned one side and several members of the guild sat the other. “Seems we have quite an audience,” Kian uttered to no one in particular. At the head of the hall there was a large cushioned chair, and although currently vacated, Leo thought must be for the king. Either side of that and a little further forward were two desks, behind which were sat four brown robed figures of the Literary Guild. “They’ll be taking notes, for the official records,” Alec whispered leaning a little closer to Leo, as he straightened his specs a little.
There were clearly far more people on the side of the City Guar
d than were sat on the side of the guild, something that Daron commented on, “Seems many of them have little to do today,” he said sardonically. Aside from just a half dozen or so, a mix or white, green and blue robed figures sitting together, those supporting Leo and his friends appeared a little sparse.
No sooner had Leo taken a seat, then the entrance doors were slammed shut, with a sound like thunder echoing through the hall. The noise did not seem to deter the low, soft mumbling of chatter from those in the room, that was until a man dressed in Royal Livery shouted for silence. “All Rise for the King,” the man bellowed. Leo glanced over to see what Daron and Kian were doing before deciding to follow their lead. To a man, everybody in the room stood, and just dipped their heads slightly as the country’s leader made his appearance through a side entrance, followed by another face Leo had seen before; the huge man-mountain that was the King’s warrior.
Leo noticed the King cast a quick glance his direction, although whether he was looking at him or Daron he was not certain. The monarch walked slowly and casually to the end of the hall before sitting down on the large cushioned seat set out for him, and only then did people sit back down in their own seats. Those in the room remained silent as Leo watched on, trying to see who was going to start proceedings off.
The Apprentice Sorcerer: The Caldronian Guild Page 13