Holding The Line (Book 2)

by Andrew Wood

  The recruit camp south of the walls was sent into panic stations, as riders from the city reached them. Captain Jak Corley, who had been in there himself not half an hour ago, was told to put his recruits on full alert. More soldiers from the city quickly reached their position, and started forming lines. The new recruits, lead by Jak, were armed, and stood aside their full time professional counterparts.

  Within a few minutes of the alarm being raised, over a hundred and fifty soldiers were lined up in defensive formation, forming a three-man deep shield wall. Two rows of archers took positions behind them, and some fifty cavalry were gathering off to the right side. Now it was time to wait.

  A single rider moved forward from the Murati riders, who probably numbered no more than fifty. Each was armoured, and those at the front line held aloft the banners of their nation; denoting three lions heads on a sandy coloured background. As the most senior and experienced, Jak stepped forward of his lines, to meet the lone rider. He stood, although his weapon was not in hand, he had unclasped it, ready to draw it in a flash should it be needed. A message had been sent for him to be weary of the visitors, until such time the purpose of their arrival was known.

  The rider stopped ten paces shy of his position. Sat atop a large black warhorse, was a fully armoured soldier. However, not like the plate worn by those of Corlan's heavy cavalry, this man's armour was made of leather; similar to a light cavalryman would wear. His skin was clearly tanned, and his hair black in colour. Jak also noticed the markings on the man's, sleeves, indicating he was a soldier of rank. "I am Jolan, Officer of His imperial Majesty's guard. We escort his Royal Highness the Prince Issac of the people of Murati".

  Jak was quite used to talking with such people, and replied calmly, "Greetings to you and yours. However, perhaps you could explain your reasoning for bringing armed men onto our lands. I assume you are aware of our current situation, and as such, we take any incursion of our lands with a certain amount of concern." The Murati steadied his fidgeting horse, and stared down with a certain distain at this elderly soldier before him. "We do not take kindly to threats old man..." that was as much as was needed, before Jak raised his hand and gave a signal.

  His Cavalry quickly manoeuvred itself around the rear of the Murati, and his lines of infantry closed in from either flank, pushing almost right up to the Murati, with the archers taking positions behind them. If anything kicked off, these unwelcome guests would be slaughtered at a whim."Stop," shouted another voice from within the ranks of the visitor's numbers. A young man, with the same tanned skin, and black hair as the soldier, but quite handsome and wearing no armour, moved his horse to the front. "Jolan, you fool what have you said now. We have come in peace not to start a bloody war."

  The young man pulled his horse along that of the man known as Jolan, "I am Issac, sir. Obviously my man here appears to have said something untoward, and for that you have my apologies." Jak bowed his head slightly in recognition of the royalty before him. "He threatened us," said a rather sullen looking Jolan, "so I told him I did not take kindly to such from someone as old as him." The prince shook his head, "go and join the ranks. If I had a load of heavily armed men trot into my lands, I would be as cautious, especially in the current situation. Now trot your horse back there, before your mouth gets us all killed."

  The prince once more expressed his regret for any misunderstanding, and after another wave from Jak, his lines of infantry stepped back away from the flanks of the Murati. "Now your highness, perhaps you may be able to explain why you are here, something your man seemed unable to do." Issac smiled, "I assure you we mean no harm sir. We have heard word of your recent encounter, and we understand that sadly, your king has fallen." Jak replied, "It is true, both King Sethin and Queen Doria died when Hamalin was destroyed. To update you, we now have a new one."

  The Murati prince appeared a little taken back at the abruptness of Jak, and possibly a bit annoyed his own information was not up to date. "Who has taken the throne? Of course, I will need to speak with them, concerning our nation's interests with each other." Jak waved his hand again, and the troops of Corlan started pulling away completely, "come your highness, you may bring a personal guard. The rest of your men can camp here with our recruits."

  After relaying his orders, the prince of Murati, as a show of faith, and much to the utter disgust of his officers, decided to trust the old soldier. Hence, he had opted to ride, unguarded, and waited while Jak had a horse saddled for him to join him. Once mounted a dozen Corlan Cavalry rode ahead, and the same again dropped in behind. The rest of the troops for now, stayed with the Murati soldiers, just in case.

  As they rode the short distance to the city, Jak informed the man of the new king only having being crowned the day before. The new monarch was legally the next in line, and first son of Sethin. Prince Issac appeared appeased by this information, having continuation to a line was always preferable. "Tell me, of these reports of a great wizard. It is said he alone, destroyed thousands of men with but a click of his fingers. Jak could not help but laugh. It always happened that stories were exaggerated the further they travelled. He did not however reveal how close it was to the truth, and more importantly, the fact the prince was the great wizard, who had been responsible.

  Archers were lined up atop the walls, not just, because the intentions of the Murati were not clear, but also as a show of strength. As they passed through the gateway, the riders in front of Jak stopped and parted. Standing with two royal guards aside them, stood Prince Luken, and General Skalton just behind. Jak dismounted, "Your highness," he bowed deeply before his prince. "I introduce to you, Prince Issac of the people of Murati." He turned to the man on the horse, "and to you I introduce, his Royal Highness Prince Luken of Corlan."

  Issac dismounted from his horse, and the two princes, acknowledged each other with a bow of heads. "You should have told us of your coming, highness, we could have prepared," Luken said, switching into his role of royalty. "My brother, King Caldar is awaiting at the keep. It is nothing too plush, but it is suitable for our current needs." The Murati prince, who was probably a year or two older than Caldar, insisted on less formal titles, providing it was acceptable with his counterpart. Luken agreed readily, he was never a fan of formality.

  The two spoke briefly and continued on foot, as Luken showed the building work that was continuing throughout the city. He thought Issac looked quite impressed with what had been done, knowing how short a time they had been there. They walked through the keep gates, where two lines of guards stood, fully armed in the courtyard before them. Another show of numbers, and Issac could see numerous others moving around. Stood atop the steps, was the man he wished to see.

  Caldar had placed his crown upon his head, and flanked by several Royal guard, waited for the Murati prince to approach. Luken gave the introductions, and Issac bowed before the man, recognising his status. Caldar was aware the Murati could be a strange lot; his father had always told him the same. They usually only did things if it meant some benefit to themselves. Whereas the South Besemians had been upfront, and thrown their lot in with Corlan, he was aware that until now, the nation bordering his own southern flank had remained anonymous in their intentions.

  Caldar greeted the man before him, and assured him of his safety. Then as a king would be expected to do, he told him he would be shown to quarters, where he may rest. "I will send word for you, and perhaps we can meet a little later over drinks." With that, the king turned, and the guards fell in, as he walked away, back inside.

  Being royalty would normally have meant getting to use one of the sets of rooms on the top floor of the keep. Being of Murati royalty did not quite have the same standing, and hence, Issac was shown to one of the timber buildings in the yard, that had housed Luken before the keep was ready. It was explained of course, that due to the circumstances of having to rebuild, rooms were scarce, and it was with regret, due to the short notice given this was the best on offer at that moment. With that show, Ca
ldar of course could move the Murati prince into the keep should he prove to his liking, if he did not, then sticking him in the yard was all the better.

  Chapter 10.

  Prince Issac was made to wait until late afternoon, before a message came, for him to be allowed an audience with the king. He did not take any offence to being offered sub standard accommodation, whether it was true or not anything else was available. It was quite clear a massive rebuilding program was being undertaken, and he had noticed on his way in, rows of temporary camps within walls. With him turning up unexpectedly had probably made matters no better, nor had the fact that his own officer had seemed intent on starting a war the minute they got there.

  He had thought whilst sitting in his room, that he would have no doubt reacted similarly. Had his country been ravaged by invaders, and had its main city destroyed, and king and queen killed, he would probably be just as pissed about it all as is hosts appeared to be. They were, hence rather cautious of anyone, something he would have to be aware of when talking to the king. He was here for a reason, his father trusted him enough to negotiate on his behalf, and he would not let him down.

  He was escorted to the door of the keep, and allowed inside, where he was confronted by another seasoned soldier. This man may have appeared long in the tooth, but Issac could tell straight away, he was probably not a man you would wish to trifle with. "I am General Thomas Skalton of his majesties Royal Guard; I am to escort you to the meeting hall on the third floor". Issac gestured for the man to lead on, but he was not going anywhere just yet. "I must ask that you come forth unarmed your highness. It is not meant as an insult, but as you can understand, in our present circumstances, an appropriate precaution." Accepting the case in hand, the Murati Prince unbuckled his sword belt and offered it to a guard. "Your highness may pick it up on his way out."

  Eventually he was led up a rather plain looking staircase, and he was certain he could hear hammering going on somewhere in the building. He thought perhaps the reasons for him being put to reside in what was little more than a shed, had maybe some truth. The walls were plain plastered, and white, probably to help lighten the place; he could see few outside windows.

  He waited outside a large set of wooden doors, while the General went inside to check the king was ready to receive him. They were duly opened and he was walked, with a guard either side up towards a low dais at the far end. Sat upon a wooden throne upon the platform was the young King, and to his left the prince who had greeted him earlier. Another, much larger man sat to the kings right.

  Prince Issac of the people of Murati bowed once more before the king, and started by reiterating his own nation's desire of coming in peace. He could tell quite quickly the king was no simpleton, and was obviously quite wary of him being there. After all, his own people had done nothing to aid its northern neighbour in its time of need. He knew he would have to speak his words carefully and with a great deal of thought. A lose or snide remark could well see him sent back with a boot up his ass; something his father would not be impressed with.

  The king once more apologised for the extreme, unusual measures in which the Prince of Murati was being subjected too. "You must understand, your people have made no attempt at aiding us, therefore as things stand we do not know your purpose. As far as we know you may be here to check our strength, so that your nation can take our lands to the south." Caldar spoke further, and told the visitor in no uncertain terms, just because the majority of his troops and power was here at New Easton, did not mean it would not defend itself if threatened from that direction.

  Prince Issac conceded the matter of fact. In return, he assured the king his visit was merely one of discussion. Murati had no plans or desire, to try to take lands, nor did it in anyway support the nation of Darekia in its bid at domination. "I wonder sire, we have heard of a great powerful wizard, who it is said destroyed an entire army. I thought perhaps I may be able to witness in some small way his great power," Prince Issac asked. He realised straightaway his error, it was not a question or a subject he had yet wished to divulge openly. He looked at the king and was certain his purpose for being there had just been announced to his host.

  Almost immediately King Caldar stood, thanking the prince for his time, and gave him an invitation for dinner later in the evening. Issac had not yet asked all he wished, but knew he was not going to get any more time just yet. He was also aware, that his own stupidity had all but revealed his reason for being there. The story of this great wizard had reached his father, and having a warring neighbour with such a weapon was concerning. His task initially was to verify this story, and his father was certain it was false. Little magic existed in the world, and something of this magnitude was straight out of a fairy story. He was then to offer trade agreements and loans to Corlan, at a much-inflated price, and perhaps even negotiate a little land into the bargain.

  Corlan was quite obviously a nation almost defeated, and now was a good time to offer aid. In return, it would have no option than to take the offer, and commit itself to a lifetime of debt. Of course it would forfeit payment, as the debts grew their only option would be hand over its southern most regions bordering Murati. If however, however unlikely, this story of a great magician, were true, then Murati would probably not be in quite such a strong bargaining position.

  After the Prince of Murati had left the hall, Caldar held a quick talk with his most trusted. Luken, Lord Galliss and General Skalton, all listened as the king surmised what he thought. "They have come for one purpose, you little brother," he said pointing to Luken. "We need to keep you away from trouble for little while, until I know their full intentions." Luken grimaced at that, it was not the first time he had been wrapped in cotton wool. "We do not reveal to this prince, that Luken is our great powerful wizard, at least not yet. I have a feeling we are going to be offered some very expensive aid." General Skalton was asked to make sure their guest remained in his room, and no one other than trusted people, were to speak with him. If he was allowed out, he only need ask anyone in the city, to find out Luken was the one he sought out. In fact, Caldar had very accurately deduced the reasons for the Murati now appearing on the scene. If he worked this right, he could actually take advantage of them, rather than the other way round.

  The Murati soldiers set up their camp alongside that of the recruits of Corlan. That had caused a bit of a stir with the young soldiers, especially when they had received orders to keep a discreet eye on their visitors. As a gesture of goodwill that was much appreciated by the Murati troops, a quantity of ale had been sent for them. More due to the fact, that if they were merry and drunk, they were less of a threat, than any real act of hospitality.

  The group of soldiers sent out to patrol north of the River Fivan, rode onwards, and were now three hours ride from the safety of New Easton. They had diverted from the main route, and had turned east along a number of minor tracks. The huge Fivan Mountains dominated the skyline to the right as they travelled. Even in the summer, as it was, it still had snow on the very tips of its peaks. Dane rode with Camden on his left and Patrick on his right, and they could not be anything but in awe at the size of some of the trees in the forest at the foot of the mountains. They were not only tall, but also he thought, it would probably take a man, a week to cut through, such were the enormity of the trunks.

  Their ride so far, had been rather eventful, and the early fervour they had all felt soon dwindled. The summer sun beat down, and the temperature was uncomfortably warm. The tracks, on which they rode, were uneven and dusty, and suddenly being out on patrol was not as attractive as they had first perceived. Flies and insects made themselves a pain, buzzing about the sweaty horses. They still had another hour in the saddle before they would make camp, then after a night in the wilds; they had the return journey to look forward too.

  The column came to a halt, the front rider raising his hand. He dismounted and looked down at a rotting mass of fur, being smothered in clouds of flies. He waved for some othe
rs to come and check, and as the senior new recruit, Dane took it upon himself to join them. As none of the regular soldiers attempted to stop him, he joined them to look at the object on the track.

  He caught the smell before he caught sight of it. A festering stench that turned his stomach and it took a few seconds to recognise what it was they were looking at. It was a carcass of what he thought was a large bear. Its insides had been torn from it, "what sort of creature could do that to a bear," Dane asked. He looked at the soldiers, awaiting a reply, and noticed a look of concern on one of the men. The man in question paced around the area, looking at the tracks in the dusty track. "When I was travelling with the king or the prince as he was then, we came across a pack of Orlac. That is the only thing I know of that makes these tracks, and the only thing I know of that can rip a bear to pieces."

  A silence fell over the group, and Dane stepped slowly back to the other new recruits to repeat what he had just been told. "They are just myth," said the lad called Shane nervously, "aren't they?" Everyone had heard stories about the creatures; very few had ever seen one, or maybe it was because very few survived if they did. The regular soldiers were discussing plans, and looking over at Dane and his group. The senior officer stepped forward, "boys, we are heading back. Firstly we will go back and water the horses at that stream we passed by a mile or so back. After a little break, we ride quickly back towards the bridge. If all goes well, we should be back on the main track before dark. From then on it's straight forward."

  For once, there were no groans or arguing from any of the new recruits, they were only too happy, to be getting away from here. They all remounted up, turned their horses around, and started back at a quicker pace than they had been originally taking. Ten of the regulars rode at the front, the six recruits in the middle and the two remaining professional soldiers at the rear.