by Jordan Baker
"But your highness," Berant said, "I thought we were going to have the mages work directly with the seige engines."
"Are you questioning my orders?" Cerric asked.
"No, highness," Berant said. "Not at all. I only seek to understand that I may better serve you."
"You will understand soon enough," Cerric told him. "Now carry out my commands. I will wait no longer. We attack Kandara at once."
"Yes, your highness," Mirdel said, throwing a look at Berant.
"As you command, your highness," Berant said.
*****
Ariana and the Elven forces saw the approaching riders, a contingent of a hundred Maramyrian cavalry, heading straight for the trees where they waited and they prepared for an attack, but the riders stopped short of their position and one, who looked as though he was their commander rode forward toward the trees. He whistled a pattern that sounded like a birdcall of some kind.
"He is a Ranger," Keira said, but I do not know him. Ariana strained to see the man through the leaves of the trees and she recognized his face.
"His name is Kaleb Alaran, the Lord of White Falls," Ariana said. "Pells said he was the second in command under Captain Nathas."
"White falls? I have heard of this place," Keira said. "It is mentioned in the old histories."
"Generations ago, White Falls was the home of a powerful duchy, ruled by House Alaran, one of the old royal lines of Maramyr. They lost most of their lands during the Great War, though White Falls remains. Kaleb is one of the last Lords of Alaran."
"If he is a Ranger, he keeps to the old ways," Keira said. "I will ride out and make sure of his intentions."
Keira rode out of the trees toward the Maramyrian lord and Quenta moved his horse up to where Keira had been, next to Ariana.
"Do we plan to sit here all day or shall we ride for Kandara?"
"Quenta," Ariana smiled at him even though she knew he could not see her face. "I believe this is the escort Pells said would be sent for us."
Keira confirmed it with a whistle and waved for the elves to join her. Kaleb was surprised at the number of Elven riders that emerged from the small stand of trees. He had met an elf once, when he was a boy, back when King Gregor was still alive, and he remembered seeing the Elven Guard with their strange and fearsome masks, but he had forgotten just how intimidating they were. The elven riders rode slowly from the trees and stopped in formation, just short of Kaleb's own riders, and two of the elves rode forward, a male and a female by the different styles of their armor. They reined their horses in next to him and the elven Ranger named Keira then the female slid her mask to the side of her face.
"Lord Kaleb," Ariana said. "It is very good to see you."
"Princess Ariana," Kaleb said, at first smiling at her. "It is even better to see you alive and well."
"Yes, despite my uncle Cerric's great determination, I yet survive," she said. "What news from Kandara?"
"We have been camped outside the walls for several days, waiting on Cerric's orders. We have been told that we are waiting for the siege engines to be built, but Nathas and I suspect there may be some other reason for the delay. Whatever the case, all that has changed now that word has spread through the army of your return."
"I am glad," Ariana said. "I would like nothing more than for this war to end immediately."
"That might be difficult, your highness," Kaleb said. "Many of the soldiers want proof before they disobey Cerric, but even then, there's the matter of Kandara. There are over fifty thousand soldiers here and many of them are Xallan as well as several thousand Darga. I doubt Cerric and Calexis will call off the attack, and there may even be some among our own ranks who remain loyal to your uncle, so it puts us in a difficult position, but we have a few ideas, but what happens next is up to you. You are the rightful Queen, after all."
"Tell me what you and Nathas propose, Kaleb," Ariana said.
"Nathas has already moved the advance forces away from the battlefield, but Cerric still has the larger force under his command. We can either order our people to quit the field and return to Maramyr, or we can stay and fight Cerric and Calexis. However, that will mean a lot of chaos since it essentially means that the army will be fighting itself."
"What of the other soldiers?" Quenta asked. "Why would they remain loyal to Cerric, the usurper?"
"They do not yet know of Ariana's return," Kaleb said. "We thought to move the advance troops away before Cerric could learn of it. No doubt he would deny it or try to suppress such information."
"Kaleb," Ariana said. "This is Quenta, he is in command of the Elven Guard."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Quenta," Kaleb said. "You are Solari, if I am not mistaken."
"You are well informed," Quenta said.
"I try to stay abreast of what is going on in the world," Kaleb replied then he turned to Ariana. "What say you, highness?"
"As much as I would want for everyone to return home," Ariana said, thinking carefully, "Kandara needs our help and while it is Cerric's fault all of this has happened, it is my responsibility. We will stay, Kaleb, and we must find some way that I can present myself to the rest of our soldiers and hope they will leave Cerric's side and return to me."
"That was what Nathas and I thought you might say, so we are repositioning our people to better defend Kandara, which will be easier once they know that we are now their defenders. Might I recommend that, before you address the main army, you have a meeting with the Kandarans? It would not do for them to attack us."
"Yes, of course," Ariana agreed.
"Then we had best hurry," Kaleb said. "No doubt Cerric is wondering why a large portion of his army is moving on its own. They are positioned to provide cover for your entry to Kandara, but it would be encouraging for the soldiers if they could see your face when you ride past."
"I will wear my mask like this," Ariana said. "They will see enough."
"As you wish, highness."
*****
Atop the walls, Borrican and his uncle watched the forward portion of the army that was camped outside the city begin moving to the west. At first, they worried that the Maramyrians had found some weakness in the city walls, but then the soldiers stopped and their ranks spread into a long line only a few rows deep.
"It makes no sense," Boric said.
"Perhaps Cerric is playing games," Borrican said. "It would be like him to try to mock us in some way."
"I don't think so." Boric gazed out along the line of Maramyrian troops that stretched out to the west. "Everything they have done so far has been very normal. Cover the exits, secure the supply lines, build some siege engines, all of which they have done, and the next step is to bombard the walls and do whatever they can to drive us out to the field so they can butcher us. The only other curious thing is how long they have taken without attacking the walls, though it could be taking them longer than usual to construct the siege engines they are undoubtedly building. As for moving a part of the army into this configuration, I think I see the reason for it now, but it still does not make any sense."
"What's that, uncle?" Borrican asked as he also saw movement in the distance.
"Riders, my boy," Boric told him. "They look to be Rangers and Elves. What I don't understand is why the Maramyrians are letting them through. It looks as though they have moved into position to protect them."
Borrican could see the Maramyrian lines beginning to return to their original configuration as the riders moved closer to the city. From the view atop the high parapet it did look very strange.
"I see," Boric said, having used his power so he could see a little further. He started laughing. "Well, this is excellent news. Borrican, it appears that your lady friend will be coming for a royal visit."
"My lady friend?"
"If my eyes don't deceive me, and they never do, that is Princess Ariana dressed up as a member of the Elven Guard and riding toward us," Boric said with a grin. "Open the gate!"
Boric ran down the s
tairs toward the gates, shouting orders for the guards to drop the bridge and prepare to receive guests. Borrican stood atop the wall for a few moments more, trying to see the faces of the riders, but it looked like they were wearing masks of some kind, all except for the one who rode near the front. As they came closer to the city, he could see that the rider was a woman and that her mask was pushed to one side of her face. He now recognized the other half of her face and Borrican raced down the stone steps after his uncle.
Ariana rode in through the open gate and into a clear yard just inside that was lined with Kandaran soldiers. When she saw Duke Boric, she dismounted her horse and went to him and the big man scooped her up in an unexpected bear hug. As quick as lightning, Keira, had her sword drawn and was moving toward the Duke, but she stopped when she heard his bellowing voice laughing heartily as he put Ariana down. The Kandaran soldiers barely had time to touch the hilts of their own swords before Keira had already slid her blade back in its scabbard.
"Your friend is a might touchy," Boric said, eyeing the masked elf, who was barely a sword's length away. "I see you've taken to wearing an elven mask."
"Well, my mother was an elven princess," Ariana said with a smile.
"Yes she was," Boric said. "You do look very much like her, though I have always thought you have your father's eyes and it's good to see them again. It is good to see you again, Ariana."
"Thank you, Boric," Ariana said then she turned to look at the elves who had accompanied her. "This is Keira. She is a member of the Queen's Guard and a Ranger." Ariana pointed to the rest of the elves. "That is Quenta, the Prince of Solari and second seat of the Elven Court. We have brought several hundred elven warriors to help defend Kandara."
"Well, I don't know if a few hundred will tip the balance, but something is going on with a bunch of the soldiers outside the wall. It looks almost as though they might be switching sides." Boric said.
"The Maramyrians loyal to Ariana have elected to defend this city," Quenta said as he walked up to Boric and Ariana. He inclined his head for a moment then stared at Boric from behind his mask. "Greetings from Elvanar, Duke Boric Akandar."
"Quenta Solari," Boric said. "You are Laurana's son, if I am not mistaken."
"That I am."
"A wonderful woman and a capable Queen, she is," Boric said. "Welcome to Kandara. We are glad you answered our call for aid. Some no longer hold to the old ways, and it is good to see the elves still honor the treaties."
"We have come as called," Quenta said with a nod.
"Borrican!" Ariana exclaimed and ran toward the Kandaran prince.
"Ariana," Borrican said. "I am so glad to see you. I could barely believe my eyes." Even though he had caught a glimpse of Ariana when she rode up to the city wall, he was surprised at how different she was from when he had last seen her. She looked stronger, more vibrant and, even though she wore an elven mask on the side of her face, the part that smiled at him was even more beautiful than he had remembered.
Ariana embraced Borrican in a tight hug, forgetting their past antagonisms, for she was glad to see her friend. When he put his arms around her to return her embrace, Ariana felt the firm muscle in his arms and back and she looked up at his face and saw not the boy prince she remembered, but a man with a serious look about him. It caught her off guard how close they were and she stepped back, though one of her hands could not help but linger on his arm for a moment longer.
One of the Kandaran guards called from the open gate, interrupting their reunion.
"Duke Boric, two Maramyrians approach the gate."
"Let them through," Boric called. A few moments later, Nathas and Kaleb appeared. "Nathas, Kaleb," Boric said. "I wondered why the two of you were acting so strangely when we met on the field."
"We did not yet know, Boric," Kaleb said. "We only suspected."
"I have known for some time, Duke Boric, but without proof, there was little I could do," Nathas said then he turned to Ariana. "Highness, I am sorry that I failed you at Rivergate. I had my people searching for days."
"You were looking for me?"
"After a manner," Nathas told her. "The soldiers thought they were looking for Aaron, but I sent them out hoping they would find you instead."
"Where is Aaron?" she asked.
"He went south, with that girl, Carly," Nathas told her.
"Aaron lives?" Borrican asked, relieved to hear word of his friend.
"As far as I know, he is in the southlands, keeping clear of Cerric," Nathas said.
"I'm glad he is safe," Ariana said. "It was so unfair that he became involved in everything. I hope after all of this is over, I can apologize to him for all the trouble I caused. But for now, on behalf of the kingdom of Maramyr, I apologize to everyone here, every Kandaran who as lost their home and been forced to take refuge inside these walls. My uncle has stolen my crown, usurped the throne that is rightfully mine and set our two countries on the path to war." She turned to Borrican. "I must speak with your father, the King and address the Royal Court."
"We'll take you to see the king, but as for the court, you're looking at it," Boric said, clapping his big hand on Borrican's shoulder.
"Your highness," Kaleb said. "It would be better if you were to remain within the walls. Duke Boric, I assume you are in charge of Kandara's defenses. We are at your command. Our people went to war over the lie that the princess was killed. Now that she is returned, they are as determined to protect her as they are to right the wrong that has been done in her name."
"Borrican," Boric said. "Please conduct Princess Ariana to your brother and father, then return to me here. We've got a battle to fight and I have a feeling it will begin very soon." He turned to the Elven Prince. "Prince Quenta, are you and the Elven Guard here to guard the Princess or can we count on you in the battle?"
"Princess Ariana is more than capable of defending herself," Quenta said with a nod to Ariana, "And she has her Queen's Guard. The rest of us are here to assist you in this battle."
"I hope you are up for a challenge," Boric said.
"I have never turned away from one," Quenta told him.
"Have you heard of the Darga?"
"Unfortunately, yes, though I have not yet fought them."
"I have," Boric said. "They are very strong, fast and they have tough skin patched with iron hard scales. They might prove a challenge, even for the members of the Elven Guard."
"We will see about that," Quenta said.
"I certainly hope so," Boric replied with as mile.
"Duke Boric, the enemy army is moving," Margo called down from atop the wall.
"Which army are you talking about?" Boric asked. "The one just outside the walls have changed sides."
"The other one, the main army beyond," she said. "The Darga are falling back to join them.
"Nathas, Kaleb, Quenta," Boric said to the three commanders. "We have much to discuss and very little time. The battle will soon be upon us."
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Ariana and Borrican made their way through the city to the palace, where they encountered Borrican's older brother, Elric, who had just been told of the developments at the city walls and was just about to head down to the gates.
"Queen Ariana, " Elric said, using her formal title and bowing his head for a moment. "We are very glad you have come to Kandara."
"King Elric," Ariana said, using his title as the acting monarch, which Borrican had explained to her on the way to the palace. "I had hoped to address both you and your father, to express my apology on behalf of Maramyr. No doubt you have been told that soldiers loyal to me now defend Kandara from those of my uncle."
"Yes," Elric said. "I just received word of this, thus my gratitude for your timely arrival. I understand that you have brought a contingent of the Elven Guard as well. Let us hope that they are as capable in battle as the legends say, for Cerric has many mages and with the Xallan Queen, brings many more soldiers and these Darga creatures."
"The elves a
re dedicated fighters," Ariana told him. Elric nodded then he looked to his brother.
"Borrican, father is in the court if you wish to see him, but I do not recommend it. He is in one of his intemperate moods."
"Thanks for warning me, brother," Borrican said.
"If you will excuse me, I must see to the people," Elric said. "No doubt they will be heartened by this latest turn of events."
"Your highness," Ariana said with a nod as Elric left them. She turned to Borrican. "I do not know your brother, but he seems upset or taken by melancholy."
"Elric has been that way since our mother died," Borrican said. "He does his best to hide it and put on a good face when he is at court, but he is like a walking ghost. I should warn you, my father the old king, suffers for the same reason but his moods are more volatile. Elric did not say as much, but I suspect that our father may have given him some trouble."
"I did not know of the difficulties with your family," Ariana said.
"The House of Akandra has had a long history of broken hearts," Borrican said. "We do not recover well from the loss of those we love and seldom remarry."
"The nobles of Kandara do not marry lightly then," Ariana commented.
"No," Borrican said. "We do not. I think that is why my uncle has never taken a wife."
"Forgive me, Borrican," Ariana said. "I mean no insult, but I find it sad that your uncle would forsake love for fear of a broken heart."
"Perhaps it is, but he would call it a practical decision. He is fond of saying that love is for the lucky, and he has never won a toss of the dice."
"If one never tosses the dice, then one has no chance at winning," Ariana pointed out.
"Or losing," Borrican said. "Come, let us visit my father."
They pushed open the great doors to the court and saw the old king Eric sitting on his throne.
"I told you to keep out and stay off my throne, coward!" he shouted. Ariana threw a questioning glance at Borrican, and he seemed a little upset by what his father had said, so she decided to let it go. Eric squinted at them as they walked toward him and his eyes brightened. "Ah, Borrican! I mistook you for your brother. Now who's this you've brought to see me?"