Holding The Line (Book 2)

by Andrew Wood

  Caldar warned him however, any further attempts of subterfuge or efforts to take advantage of him or Corlan would result in a state of war between them. Reminding him, Murati's other, much larger neighbour South Besemia, was actually treated with him, and hence aid any military action Corlan may decide to take. Prince Issac nodded, he guessed, as the magic part probably was true, he doubted the king need lie about anything else. He looked up at the young boy Levin, and gave him a hard stare, "the boy, he was feeding me misinformation all the time?" Levin just shrugged, and gave him a smile. Issac spoke again, "well I have to admit he played his part well. Very well, I promise I will make no further attempt at running, if you promise he will stop flinging me across the floor, "he nodded in Luken's direction.

  The Murati also promised to enter talks, that would benefit both nations, not just his own. Caldar stood and suggested they return upstairs to the offices, where such discussions could take place in a more relaxed setting. Not that Prince Issac had much choice; he could have gone home without any deals, and lost nothing, except an enemy on their northern border. Not just any enemy, but one who had a prince that could, he was now certain, wipe out an entire army with a wave of his fingers.

  Chapter 12.

  It was afternoon, and Dane had once more been summoned to the office of Captain Jak Corley. Inside there were several men he did not know, and after he was introduced to them, he was asked to take a seat. "Don't worry Dane you're not in any trouble," Jak told him. He sat a little more at ease, and then one of the men spoke, "We are here to ask your advice Dane. We have spoken to the soldiers who went on patrol with you, and they have given us their perspectives on the matter."

  They required Dane to give them every detail he could remember about the fight with the Orlacs. How they reacted, how they attacked and more importantly how they were killed. The youngster told them that Rowan's charge with his short lance had been the attack that worked best. He explained the weapon had slammed straight through the Orlac's chest, bursting out the other side, felling the creature, almost instantly.

  The beasts were large targets for archers, but he thought the arrows used only caused them the minimal of damage. "Both Vincent and I, hit one with at least six shots, but the beast fought on. The only arrow that did any real injury of consequence was the one that luckily went through the eye socket." He paused while the men took notes, and questioned him further. They asked where his arrows had struck, his estimation of how deep they had penetrated and from what distance he had fired.

  Swords were in his opinion not a weapon that should be considered in fighting Orlac. This statement had the men before looking strangely at him, "why do you say that Dane. It is my understanding two of the four beasts were slain by swords." That much was true, as far as he remembered. "Yes that is true sir, but only after we had lost six men. I recall the last beast only fell after seven men surrounded it and slowly ground it down, before dealing the final blow." He was not certain whether they valued his opinion, but he gave it anyway.

  He surmised that range was best, but not so effective. Cavalry was most effective if you could catch the beasts unawares. In defence of him saying infantry was not so good, he used the nightmare image still fresh in his mind. Shane had been picked up with one muscular clawed arm, and had his face bitten off. He told it graphically, but truthfully, and noticed the men's faces change as he did. He thought how perhaps a stronger bow than the standard issue, would maybe have more success, or even an arrow with a different point.

  After he had told them all he could, they thanked him and dismissing him, so he could return to the camp. After he had left, "A fine man you have there Captain," one of the men said. Jak nodded, "I think if he continues as he's started, he will go far." They spoke briefly about the information Dane had given them and discussed the options of his suggestions. As strange as it was, Dane and the soldiers who had defeated the Orlacs were the experts on how to defeat them. Hence, these men had to take all the information at hand, and come up with a strategy on how to fight the beasts.

  King Caldar and Prince Luken continued in their talks with the Murati prince. No more pretence, they discussed what Corlan needed. It was not loans of money, or even men to fight with; they needed long term trade agreements that could ensure a long-term economic stability. Issac was no fool when it came to such things, and quickly pointed out the problem with having New Easton as the nations trading hub. The problem of course lay in the fact the river was not suitable for sea faring ships, of course, barges could be used, but they were not ideal for venturing out at sea.

  What Corlan needed was a port further up river, perhaps at the estuary. Issac finally thought of someway of aiding them, and put forth his suggestion. Murati would build a small port on the south shore of the River Fivan's estuary. Here large sea faring vessels could unload and load cargo that could travel up and down the rest of the river by barge. The port when built, would belong to Corlan, and operated by their people. In return for this generous gift, Corlan would agree to buy a predefined amount of goods from Murati. In addition, any ship trading out of Murati would be exempt of any import taxes.

  Corlan must buy a certain tonnage each year, made up from silks, spices, exotic foodstuffs, fine textiles, sugar and tobacco. Luken looked at Caldar, it was a good offer, though did mean a long-term commitment. Corlan already bought most of its silks and fine textiles from Murati anyway, and Caldar thought the other goods would be of a type required by its people. It was after all, no good agreeing to purchase ten tons of tobacco if no one used it. The building of a port was a big cost, both financially and in terms of labour. Against that was the cost of importing goods, many goods if truth were told. In addition, allowing Murati ships to trade without the cost of any import tax would cost the treasury long term, a considerable amount.

  Caldar pondered, "No," he said much to the surprise of not only Prince Issac, but his brother as well. "Yes the offer is a good one, but long term it is not worth it. In addition Murati ships trading with us would have an unfair advantage." Luken just looked at his brother, and was glad he was not the one having to make the decisions.

  Caldar stood and started pacing around the room talking as he went. "I tell you what, you build us the port, and I will sign an agreement to purchase half the goods you asked earlier, for five years at a fixed price. Murati ships will have a discounted import tax for twelve months, after that they pay the same as everyone else." He then turned to Prince Issac awaiting his answer. "That does not seem fair your highness, Corlan must surely commit to more. The deal you suggest would see us out of pocket."

  Caldar stepped toward the Murati prince, "We commit to keeping the Darekians from your front door. Because if we fail Issac, guess who will be next." The man nodded, it was something of which his father was afraid. If Darekia could defeat a nation like Corlan, it would not have much trouble overwhelming Murati. "Very well your majesty, draw the agreements up, and we have a deal. I may say you drive a hard bargain."

  In Darekia, in a dark dusty chamber, Overlord Fenlor unrolled the parchment once more. He held the candle closer reading the ancient writing upon it, and he had at last found what he was looking for. Upon this brown stained coiled up paper lay the answer to his problem. A new spell, for an improved form of demonic beast, its only drawback meant the sacrifice of those most loyal to him. If he was going to push forward with his plan for domination, it needed to be done.

  He returned to his summoning chamber, and called one of his priests to join him. "You wanted me your eminence," the cloaked figure asked in a low hoarse voice. Fenlor gestured for him to approach, "Do you serve me?" "Of course eminence," was the reply. "To what end?" asked the overlord. "Until my end if need be."

  The priest willingly lay down on the blood stained stone slab, as Fenlor started the chant written on the parchment. The fires around him burned upwards, and taking his dagger, he slit his own palm dripping his own blood into the flames. He chanted, and plunged the blade deep into that of hi
s priest. Gauging out the heart, its blood dripping down his arm, he tossed it into the flames. The fire burned a strange green colour, as the sizzling organ was consumed.

  Fenlor felt his own energy wane, but managed to remain stood, as the earth pit rumbled. The ground shook as a creature summoned from the very depths of hell emerged. Fenlor smiled as stood before him was his latest achievement. Standing nearly eight foot tall, and with fur of dark red, rather than the black of its smaller relatives, the beast let out its first bellowing roar. The creature stretched out its long muscular limbs, and then roaring once more showing the huge yellow teeth set in its jaws.

  Fenlor smiled at his new creation, this was a new improved demonic creature. Larger and more powerful than the normal Orlac, but more importantly this beast would be more intelligent. If the spell worked as it should have, this Orlac would be freethinking. It would be able to lead the lesser creatures in battle. No more would the Orlac just run wildly around, attacking anyone or anything in their path. With this new minion, he could have them attack targets that were more specific.

  With so few priests remaining, he would only be able to muster but a few of these superior Orlac. Fenlor would have to use them, and manoeuvre them carefully. With his Orlac packs currently keeping the people of Corlan hidden away south of the River Fivan, and the South Besemian army held in place by their northern counterparts, he could afford to wait. For now at least, he had discovered something that he was certain, would give him the edge, in any future engagements.

  In Bashek, Darkness had fallen over the city and Jared and Kaden sat waiting. In the dim candle light, Jared ran a whetstone across the blade of his dagger. Naturally, he hoped he would not have to use it; the attack tonight would be utilising crossbows. Three taps on the door and after checking the window, Kaden opened it to let in their fellow operatives. Lester ensured everyone knew what they were to do, and the risks involved. "Once we take this step, there is no going back. If anyone wants out, now is the time to say." He checked each in turn, except Jared and Kaden, as they were there for that very reason.

  Once satisfied each knew the consequences, and all properly armed with a loaded crossbow, he signalled for them to quietly, proceed out of the building. Eight dark shadows, moved slowly through the winding alleyways and back streets of the city. Stopping when a large contingent of guards, were travelling towards the outer wall for their shift of duty.

  Their target was a group of Darekians who, at the same time every night, travelled from the palace to a building they were using as their barracks. Taking their positions, Lester had arranged a crossfire. He, Isabel and the two other men positioned themselves on one side of the street. Jared, Kaden, Trenton and Alvin were tucked away in an alley on the other.

  Four dark cloaked figures slowly walked their way down the street. Taking long deliberate steps, as Jared and Kaden had mimicked when entering the city. Lester was first to fire, and despite the darkness on the dimly lit street, hit his target. One of the four slumped forward instantly. The other three hardly had time to understand what was going on before seven other bolts flew their direction.

  Jared and Kaden quickly dashed out into the street, daggers in hand. They were not taking any chances that one may only be injured. In turn, each Darekian was subjected to one of the two Southern Besemians running their dagger across his throat. Once done they wiped the bloodied blades on their victim's cloaks, before disappearing back into the darkness of an alleyway.

  As had been previously agreed, the small group of resistance dispersed their separate ways into the night. Jared and Kaden returned to the home they had acquired, and locked the door behind them. The two slumped down on the floor, knowing they had last started their task of ridding their capital city of these intruders. After a brief drink of brandy from a bottle given to them by Alvin, the two settled down for the night.

  Once morning was upon the city, the four bodies of the Darekians had been discovered. Inside the Palace, the priest who had taken control fumed at those who served him. "How dare these vermin, have the nerve to commit such an act," he raged. Storming out from the palace, he ordered six Darekian soldiers to follow him.

  These people would pay for what they had done, and as such, an example would be set. He ordered the guards to round up twenty people at random. Once the target number had been collected and bound, he ordered they be marched to the market square. The priest would show as many as possible what happened when this sort of crime took place.

  Amongst the twenty, were men and woman, several old folk, as well as three young children. "People of Bashek," the priest shouted, making sure he got the attention of those bustling about the market. "A crime has been committed by your people, against us, your masters. For this, let it be known, that as the superior beings we will not let such an act go unpunished."

  He nodded towards his soldiers, who drew their blades. There were a few gasps and screams, as the Darekians went along the line of captives, slashing and stabbing as they went. This was not just retribution; this was a butchering of innocent people. Twenty bodies lay dead or dying on the dark stoned cobbled market square. Those watching wept, or scurried away so they did not have view the mutilation of the victims before them.

  Once the priest was satisfied, the message had hit home, "Now let it be known. For every dead Darekian found on your streets, in future I will kill twenty of yours. Today you have got off lightly." With that, he gestured to his men, pulled his hood back over his tattooed face and walked back calmly towards the palace, as if nothing had happened.

  Jared and Kaden were awoken by a thumping on the door. At first, they thought they had been found, and so quickly drew their swords. They would not be captured under any circumstances. That would lead to nothing other than torture, followed by an even slower painful death. If they were going to be taken, it would be as a corpse, killed fighting with every breath in their bodies.

  Jared slowly peered through the window, as the thumping on the door continued. "Open it, it's Lester." Kaden quickly opened the door, and Lester rushed inside alone. "We have opened a hornets' nest. That Darekian priest has just slaughtered twenty people in the Market Square. Woman and children were amongst them," he added rather regretfully. "This was our doing; we are going to have to think of another plan. Next time he is going to kill twenty for every one we do." Jared and Kaden, gently replaced their swords, this was certainly not what they had expected. In truth, they had presumed some sort of manhunt to be set in motion, to try to dig the perpetrators out.

  Kaden tried to think quickly, "Get word to the others, we meet again tonight. We need to come up with an alternative plan." Though he did warn Lester, the cities defenders had to be thinned in number, if that meant civilian casualties then that was unfortunate, but maybe necessary. As an ex-soldier, Lester knew very well that in time of war, it was more often the innocent people, who suffered most. "We were sent here to ensure the city ready for liberating. It may mean we have to think on a different path to the one we had planned."

  In New Easton, Luken, Sarena and Taylor sat around the table having breakfast. Hope had just been fed and changed, and now lying contently in her cot, making little gurgling noises contently to herself. To try to appease Taylor's jealousy, they had attempted for Luken to spend a little more time away from him. The two had been apart for most of the previous day, mainly due to Luken having to be present in the dealings with the Murati prince. Taylor, at first, had been a little difficult, but with some calm understanding from his new mum, had eventually settled.

  Luken was telling them all how utterly sublime he had been in using his magical abilities. Taylor sat hooked on his every word, as he told him how the flames had swirled around, and then how he had dragged the Murati back across the floor. Thinking his story telling would make his son happy, it had the opposite effect. He started sulking because he had missed it, and blamed Sarena for making him do so. "I don't like you anymore," he told her. Those few words hurt Luken more than Sarena, the two
people whom he cared more about than any other, were tearing his loyalties apart.

  Luken knew it was time to have a proper talk to him, to tell him how things were going to be from now on. It had partly been his own fault; the two of them had become so close. Sarena being present during the times normally they would be together, was something he would have to get used to, especially at nighttimes. Taylor had interrupted his dad's, more passionate moments with his wife, much to his frustration. Luckily, for him, Sarena was the perfect woman, and eventually when Taylor had fallen asleep, back in his own room, they had managed time.

  With his son sulking once more, "Taylor, this is going to stop. I cannot take you everywhere I go, and Sarena is now your mum, get used to it. I hope you did not mean what you said, because that hurts me Taylor, very much." Maybe he said it a little more sternly than he had originally intended, as the boy eyes starting welling up. He took a deep breath, and although it was hard, he told him to stop being so foolish. Realising sterner measures may be needed, he gave his young son an alternative, "Listen, if you keep getting up at night, and misbehaving every time you cannot get your own way, we will have to put you in your own set of rooms. You won't have a room next to me and mum, you will be all on your own." He doubted it was a threat he would ever carry out, but hoped the words alone may carry some sway.

  Even Sarena looked abashed at the words. He held his arms out to his son, "come here, look just because it is not just me and you anymore, does not mean I care or love you any less." The boy sat on his lap, wiping his tears away, as Luken wrapped his arms around him. "You must understand mum and dad require some time together, just as sometimes you and me do, and you and mum." The boy nodded, "sorry," he sobbed, "I'll be good. I don't want you to get rid of me, like my other dad did." Luken felt a wrenching of his heartstrings, "Taylor I would never, ever do that. You are my son, forever and ever remember?" Taylor nodded and smiled as he leaned up to give his dad a sloppy wet kiss on the cheek.