by Andrew Wood
All hell broke loose, as out of the tree line emerged four huge dark figures. Vast hairy creatures, with huge claws and jaws that had be seen, to be believed. The front three men did not even know what hit them, as they were torn to shreds by the huge beast's talons. The horses of the men behind started bucking, and two more were thrown as the animals panicked. "You boys get back," shouted the voice of one of the men, who sent an arrow into one of the huge beasts. Dane had never seen anything like it, as an Orlac gripped the man in front of him round the throat, lifted him off his saddle and shoved his head into its massive mouth. That man was Shane, and only eighteen years old.
Dane turned his horse, and after a few seconds managed to get it running back the other way. All the regulars were now engaged, and once he was certain others recruits were with him he pulled up. "Arm yourselves; we are going for the kill. Rowan I need you to charge, a short lance must be able to take one of them things down. Camden, Patrick, follow through with swords, Vincent and me will try to stick some arrows in them." The others did not argue, and appeared to accept Dane giving orders as nothing but second nature.
Closing the gap between them, Dane watched as Rowan kicked his heels, and bravely charged headlong at the nearest creature. His horse's hooves stirred up the dust on the track as it pushed hard. The beast was being held at bay by two shields, and the regulars holding them were attempting to strike with swords. Hearing the onrushing horse they stepped away just in time for Rowans short lance to smash straight through the huge hairy chest. There was a deafening howl, as the sheer force of the thrust, saw the tip emerge out of its back. Rowan could do nothing else but let go of his weapon, and such was the ferocity of his charge, his horse continued on some way further. With the lance impaled right through it, the Orlac grasped in vain before slumping to the ground in huge hairy heap. Its thick dark blood trickling slowly out of the wounds it had taken, running out onto the dirt, dust covered ground.
Dane and Vincent both selected a target that was getting the better of another two guards. Firing several arrows, hitting the beast in the head and chest it roared in anger. As it lifted its head, exposing its more vulnerable area, it was then silenced by a sword thrust upwards into its throat by one of the soldiers fighting it. Orlacs may be big and powerful, but at least that made them easy targets to hit. This second creature made a loud gurgling sound before toppling backwards.
Camden and Patrick both rode at pace, and rode either side of an Orlac, lashing out at their target as they passed. One blade struck across its head, the other a flailing arm. With two charging at once, the Orlac appeared unable to decide a target. Dane could see the beast was hurt, and directed Vincent to aim for it, as he did the same. A lucky arrow, or some may a say a good shot, either way that creature fell with a shaft protruding from its eye socket.
With only one remaining Orlac, the seven remaining men surrounded it, with shields up and all striking at it with swords, wounding the creature to such an extent it soon started wobbling on its legs. As soon as it stumbled, the soldiers were down on it, thrusting their swords deep in its chest and throat with a wild frenzy. Everyone looked around, to ensure no further beasts were still about.
Now the battle was over, the reality of what had just happened started to hit home. Dane had to comfort Vincent, when the boy saw what was left of his friend Shane, though he could feel his own body shaking. Patrick helped one of the regulars ensure all the creatures were actually dead. The two went to each in turn and hacked off the heads. Two of the soldiers had wounds that would require treatment, and Rowan helped clean and wrap bandages around those.
Including Shane, the group had lost six of its number, as well as three horses. Such was the state of the bodies it was deemed best to bury the men were they were, rather than attempt to return them to New Easton. Dane noticed even the man who had seen Orlacs before, appeared shaken by what happened. Noticing the youngster was looking his direction; he walked over and patted him on the back. "You boys did well. You are all very brave for making that charge. Though I am sure I ordered you to flee?" he said with a grin.
Dane just grinned back, the sweat causing the dust of the skirmish to stick to his face. The man patted him again, "Come on, let us get the horses to that water, and get us back home." The smaller group now moved swiftly and soon came to the stream. As archers, Dane and Vincent were asked to keep watch, while the others watered all the horses, and allowed them a little breather. Vincent was still shaken, and the tracks of his tears could be made out on his dirt stained face.
At Easton Prince Issac of Murati sat in his small timber framed room, waiting for his call for dinner with the king. He had been served refreshments, and given warm water and towels to wash. Most would be thankful for such hospitality, but he also noticed there were now two burly looking guards outside his door. A young lad came knocking for him, a youth of probably no more than fourteen. However, he was wearing the tabard of the old Elite Guard of Hamalin, which he thought rather strange. This youth was either an expert swordsman or they were desperate for men; he said nothing and politely asked the boy to lead the way.
They travelled the same route as he had taken earlier, across the yard and in through the keep doors. Once more inside he was stopped, "My apologies your highness, I am instructed to ask you to remove your sword," said the lad. Issac unstrapped his belt, and handed it over. After giving the sword to a nearby guard, the youngster then formally introduced himself. "My name is Levin sire; I am to be at your service. If you wish for anything, please feel free to ask, and though I cannot guarantee anything I will endeavour to serve as you wish."
Levin escorted the prince up the stairs, which were now illuminated by lamps hung from the walls. Once more they were stopped by the guards at the doors leading into the hall, though on seeing whom it was they permitted access. Prince Issac followed the youth, "you are to be seated here your highness, beside the king himself." Issac was beginning to think he might be placed in a dark corner somewhere, and was a little shocked at the remark, though quietly pleased. The king of course was not yet present, but the boy Levin, pulled the chair out, and Issac duly sat.
Levin spoke again, "I am to serve you any drink and food you require sire. The king requires you have a more personal service, as an honoured guest." Issac nodded, and asked for a glass of wine while he waited. Levin duly disappeared briefly, and came back with a decanter, from which he poured the prince a glass. The Murati prince gazed around the room; he was not the first to be seated. There were two other tables, he noticed to one side an old man, with a group of younger men, and a young woman. On the other sat a young child and another young woman.
He leaned back in his chair, "tell me Levin, who is that attractive young lady over there?" Looking at to whom the man pointed, Levin answered, "That sire is the Princess Sarena, wife of Prince Luken. The child beside is their son Taylor." Prince Issac looked somewhat confused; the woman was clearly no more than eighteen years old. Noticing the man's look of confusion Levin explained that the princess had only married the prince yesterday. They had two children, both adopted as their own. Issac nodded as he realised how much more sense that made.
A shout came, "all stand for King Caldar of Corlan." All the room shuffled to their feet, including Issac. He watched as the king was followed in by his brother the prince, and behind them, the tall man who had sat beside the king earlier. Caldar moved into position, glancing at the Murati Prince as he did, and sat down. Once he had seated the rest of the room-followed suit, and the chatter started in earnest.
Several other officers came in, and sat themselves amongst the two tables, some joining the old man and the younger men, others, the young princess and the small boy. Levin answered several questions on who was who, and what their purpose was. Prince Issac discovered the tall man was someone called Lord Galliss, and the old man sat at the other table was apparently the father of the king's mistress. He also pointed out others and named them all. Issac thought he had been given this boy
to talk to, so as not to bother the king with relentless questions.
The first course was delivered, and Levin placed a bowl of soup before their honoured guest. The prince was about to start eating when the man beside him finally spoke, "So, I hope Levin is looking after you?" Issac turned to face the king, "yes your majesty. He is most courteous, and most helpful in answering my questions." Caldar nodded, "well anything you wish to know feel free to ask, that is what he is there for." The Murati prince thought for a moment, "I wonder your majesty, if I may talk with you. I have after all been sent by my father to discuss our assistance in your current predicament." Caldar stared at his guest; he knew all too well what that assistance would mean. "If you have questions Issac, then ask the young man behind you. I am here this evening to enjoy my meal with family and friends. I have however set aside time tomorrow morning where we may discuss matters of state."
After basically, being told to shut up and eat, Prince Issac did as he was asked. It was quite plain he was not going to get any answers from the king tonight. However, he contrived an idea, that perhaps he may be able to get information from the young lad at his service. He needed to be patient, and ask the right things, the boy was clearly little more than an over dressed servant. He afforded himself a smile as he finished the last of his soup, and indicated for his assistant for the night take the bowl away.
With the candelabra's lit, they gave a flickering warm illumination to the hall in which they sat. There was a low murmur around the room as people indulged in quiet conversation amongst their little groupings. Issac noticed the king spent most of the evening eyeing one of the young women at one of the other tables. "Vanessa sire," came the reply from Levin, when he had been asked who she was. Issac did not need to be told she was the king's mistress, he could tell by the way each looked at the other.
North of the river, it was just getting dark when the group reached the main track back to the bridge, another half hour at the quick pace they rode should see them safe. They rode swiftly, and though the horses were clearly tired, each should have enough in them to get the group back. They all stayed alert as they rode, and with now being on the main track, at least the tree line was a little further back. Dane felt a huge sense of relief as they emerged through the trees into the recognisable area beyond, and could clearly see the lights on the bridge.
The moon was nearly a full one, and that gave sufficient light by which to travel and with the lights ahead, the route was marked for them. The guards on the gate halted their progress, but on seeing whom they were allowed them through. One of the soldiers, spoke to a guard, and after a brief conversation, the gates were shut. Within a few moments there were others darting about here, there and everywhere. Dane was just glad to be back on the south side of the river, and slowly he and the others trotted towards the location of their camp.
They would certainly have a tale to tell the other recruits come morning. As far as tonight went, he just wanted to wash and sleep. Their camp however was somewhat larger than it had been when they had left earlier, and at first, they failed to notice the other tents were not housing men from their own nation. They did not however, get chance to do anything. As soon as they arrived, they were all summoned into the Captain's office. Other recruits were ordered to see to the tired horses, and the five returning youngsters stood waiting to be debriefed.
They must have waited a good half hour of more, tired, dirty, hungry and thirsty they stood comforting each other. Even Camden and Patrick appeared to have forgotten old tensions that had arisen between the two. The two big men talked calmly to each other as if they now had a bond, one that each had earned, and was recognised by the other. Their chatter was finally interrupted, when the door burst open, and in marched Captain Jak Corley. It was clear by his dress the officer had been having dinner.
Jak sat in his chair, and looked up at the dirty faces before him. The first thing he noticed was there number was one short. He had been briefed on his way here, albeit only with drabs of information. "Shane?" he asked. Dane did not say anything, but just shook his head. Jak knew what that meant; one of their number, had fallen. "I know you are all tired and by the looks of you hungry and thirsty, but I must debrief you all, while it is still fresh in your minds."
As the most senior, Jak turned to Dane. He would answer the questions and if the others felt to add anything, then they were to feel free to do so. Dane started by telling him how the trip had gone as planned, if a bit boringly. Then about the bear carcass, they had discovered, and that they were on their way back when they were attacked. When Jak heard the word Orlacs he was shocked, he himself had never seen one, let alone stand and fight one. He knew it was painful but he had to enquire on how Shane had been taken, and unsurprisingly Vincent broke down.
Jak noticed these young men were now bonded; they had fought side by side and lost one of their own. They all helped comfort Vincent, and although it was sad he had lost a recruit, he was very proud of the five remaining who stood before him. He was even more so when Dane started telling of how first Rowan, then Camden and Patrick working together had bravely charged headlong at the beasts to save the regular soldiers. Dane admitted he had defied a direct order in not fleeing when he was told do so. Jak thought that, in the circumstances that could be overlooked, he would need however, maybe later have a quiet word with the young man.
Jak cast his eyes across his written notes, and once satisfied he had gotten all the information he needed, set them to one side. Before he let them go and freshen up, he spoke to them about the Murati who had turned up, and camped alongside their own. He also instructed them on the importance of keeping an eye on their guests. They were told under no circumstances were they to reveal information, particularly about the Prince Luken and his magical powers.
Chapter 11.
Prince Issac quite enjoyed his evening meal, and though he only spoke briefly with the king about little more than trivial matters, he felt on a whole the day had gone well. Finally, he made his excuses, it had after all been a long day for him, and he wished to retire for the night. King Caldar gave him a nod, "we will speak tomorrow morning. Goodnight." Levin led the way out of the room, and slowly the noise of chatter quietened as they slowly made their way down the stairs.
"Tell me Levin, in service as you are to the royal house, what do you know of these ridiculous stories of a great wizard, " he paused on the stairs to await an answer. Levin looked up at the man; he had already been forewarned he would be asked such things. More importantly, he had already been given an answer, to be given in reply. "I do not know where these stories come from your highness, I myself watched from the walls as the enemy burned. It is said that the General laid out a huge trap, soaking the ground with oil." This was starting to make sense, and Prince Issac started walking again, placing his arm around Levin's shoulder, "please continue."
Levin went on to tell him, how the troops of Corlan had retreated within the city walls, as the general had planned. Once the enemy were in the place, archers launched fire arrows, and "poof, the whole place went up!" he made a hand gesture explaining it. Issac smiled, patting his assistant on his back. This made far more sense than those ridiculous stories of a magician calling forth great walls of flame. He had used similar tactics himself, oil soaked ground set alight, the men set on fire would run around wildly, and if the flames did not finish them off, an arrow would do the job.
Levin retrieved Prince Issac's sword and handed the weapon back to him. He walked him as far as his timber room, before the prince asked him one more question. "One more thing Levin, why do you think the king feels the need to let this story be allowed to spread. Surely, if his soldiers had fought and earned a great victory, it would be better to let them take the credit. Not some imaginary wizard." Levin played along, and whispered, "I heard the king say, that if the story we have a great wizard fighting for us gets out, then others would think twice about attacking us. He was the one who started it, though I'm not sure I should have told
you that."
Prince Issac smiled at the young man before him, "Oh! I will not say anything Levin. May I say, you have been a most efficient and helpful young man. Here," he pulled out a small gold coin, and handed it to a very surprised Levin. "Thank you your highness, you are most generous," he bowed, and watched the prince retire into his rooms. Once he was certain he was no longer required, he quickly made his way back to the hall where the king and others were just about to leave themselves.
Levin was hoping to find Jak, to report to him, what had been said and asked. It was the king who spotted him, "Levin, come on with me." Levin felt a pang of nervousness, as he followed the King, Prince Luken, General Skalton and Lord Galliss up the stairs and into one of the royal offices. The room was already lit, and a tray of drinks had been placed out for their arrival. Luken poured and handed Levin a glass, before they all pulled up chairs and sat around the large desk.
Levin took a swig, and then quickly another as he realised he was now going to be cross-examined. "Relax, I am sure you did fine," General Skalton said, noticing the unease. The king asked him to tell them any unusual questions asked by the Murati prince, and Levin replied, "He asked about the incident in which Luken... err... sorry I mean Prince Luken burned all the attackers." He continued to say it was clear Prince Issac was not aware of the man's identity, nor did he believe the stories true. It appeared the man thought the tale of burning oil soaked ground to be true.
After telling all there was to be told, Levin pulled out the small coin, "oh, and he thought I was so good, he gave me this." He showed them all his reward, and General Skalton laughed aloud, "You really are a bright young boy," he added. The others all agreed, and Caldar congratulated him on a job well done, and told him to keep the coin, after Levin had placed it on the table. Levin was told he could go, and was finished for the night; the others remained to discuss their plan in further detail.