Valour and Victory

by Candy Rae

  “The news is bound to get out,” insisted a pessimistic Davin, “then bang goes our element of surprise.”

  “Most will not believe it,” observed Jilmis.

  “A rumour would be enough,” Niaill ruminated, “the Larg have long ears and then there are these Altuinqs of theirs.”

  “Altuinq?” asked Davin to whom the term was new.

  “People whose minds are controlled by the Larg. They are their spies within Murdoch.”

  “The Lord Marshall reported to Ryzcka Brion that few, if any of them remain alive,” Julia informed them in a satisfied voice. “I believe that the Larg are so confident of success they think they have no need of these humans any more. This will, I hope, be a part in their undoing. No, I have every confidence that the Lai’s presence will remain hidden. Of course, it all hinges on Master Annert finding the answers to the puzzle and the team finding the power-core.”

  “If they do not?” asked Davin.

  “I’m trying not to think about that eventuality,” admitted Julia. “Verro is organising the evacuation of any non-combatants to the Islands with every boat and ship not essential to the war effort. It won’t save them from the Dglai if they get that far but at least the Larg cannot reach them.”

  “How’s he managing?” asked Jilmis.

  “He’s having a lot of bother with the Argyllian Council. Paula reports that Horatio Anders is convinced the defences at Settlement are un-breachable and is putting obstacles in Verro’s path at every turn. Luckily the Secretary for Defence is proving more amenable. Those in Vadath are ready to move west at need.”

  “And north into the mountains,” added Davin, “the caves can provide many a safe hide-out.”

  Weaponsmaster Jilmis nodded.

  “Now ladies and gentlemen, if there are no further questions?” asked Julia. “Alyei needs to hunt and I promised him I’d take him into the woods.”

  “I wonder how Elliot is doing?” mused Niaill.

  * * * * *

  Elliot and Robain

  Elliot was doing very well.

  After two candle-marks (Robain was fining the candle-mark system of timekeeping rather confusing, the northern bells had a shorter duration) spent in the small bare room next to the gatehouse, Duke William sent one of his servants to fetch James.

  This was, as Elliot explained, an obvious slur on the Ducal House of Cocteau as protocols dictated that Ducal aristocracy, however minor, be greeted by a seneschal or equivalent. To send one of the lower servants was, as Elliot whispered, “simply not the done thing.”

  Robain observed that Elliot was hugging himself with suppressed excitement and assumed that he was looking forward to seeing Duke William’s discomfiture when he realised that his visitor wasn’t Count James Cocteau but his future king.

  * * * * *

  Duke William was most embarrassed when he realised the true identity of his visitor and bent over himself backwards in profuse and genuine apologies. Elliot let him carry on for a while then cut the apologies short.

  “Duke William, I beg you, enough is enough. I have to confess to being partly responsible for the confusion. I did not wish my presence here announced until I had spoken to you. James, I am sure he has taken no offence.”

  “I meant no disrespect to your Uncle or to your House,” said the Duke to James in a smooth voice.

  “None taken,” James answered easily although the expression on his face belied his words.

  “Now,” began Elliot, “I suspect you are wondering why I am here.”

  “I had heard that your father was recalling you home,” offered Duke William with a wry grin.

  “I never received the recall,” said Elliot, “as you know, I’ve been in the north and this last month matters came to my attention that indicated that I would be needed at home. Here I am.”

  “The kohorts will be moving soon,” said Duke William, nodding his head.

  “Any idea when sir?” asked Robain and Duke William turned an enquiring face in his direction.

  “Captain Hallam of the Garda,” Elliot introduced him.

  “And what is a Argyllian Captain doing here?”

  “As you know Duke William, I departed for the north with James and also Baron Philip Ross and Kellen Derek Merriman.”

  “So where are they?”

  “Philip and Derek are someplace else,” Elliot evaded the question. “I’ll explain more fully later. Captain Hallam volunteered his services as a replacement, insurance he calls it.”

  “He was attacked,” said James, unable to keep silent.

  “Who by?” asked the Duke.

  “Assassins,” Robain answered. “Kellen Merriman was hurt and it was decided by my superiors that it would be best if I joined the party. We never found out who sent them, none survived their northern sojourn. It was thought that if the person who sent them, once he found out that Elliot was here might send more assassins to finish the job so I was asked to accompany Elliot.”

  “He?”

  Robain shrugged, “he, she, it makes no difference. I am here as protection for Elliot.”

  “Prince Elliot,” William corrected him but it was clear his mind was on other matters. He stared at Robain. “I have heard that the muster of the Armies of the North has been called and they are making all speed towards Settlement.”

  “That is true Duke William,” assented Robain.

  “Susyc Julia believes that the attack will be here then, through my Duchy and over the Island Chain to Settlement?”

  “Eventually, yes, Duke William,” continued Robain in his well-modulated baritone. He knows Susa Julia is now Susyc, he is very well informed. I wonder how much he knows. “She does believe that the kohorts will attack here.” Do I continue? He snuck a glance at Elliot who gave him a nod. Here goes then.

  “Susyc Julia and Alyei wish to help.” There, it was out, what he and Elliot were to tell the Duke.

  Duke William’s bushy eyebrows rose.

  “They feel that it is in everyone’s interest to work together,” continued Robain.

  “Indeed?” The Duke’s voice was guarded, suspicious and his steel-grey eyes bored into Robain, assessing, evaluating. He did not however, look shocked.

  Better not make any mistakes here. A lot hinges on how he takes this. How much does he know and how much does he guess?

  “Duke William, the army of the Largan is a large one. He has called in kohorts from the furthest reaches of his domain.”

  “So I have heard.” Duke William was giving nothing away.

  “Susyc Julia and Alyei propose that they join forces with you and the Duke of Graham to defeat the Larg.”

  Robain looked at the Duke, half expecting an angry rebuttal but Duke William did nothing of the sort. He stood up, clasped his hands behind his back and glared at Robain and Elliot. He didn’t blink an eyelid.

  He nodded instead. “What help?”

  Robain took a deep breath, “the entire northern army, Garda, Vada, Militias and the Lindars.”

  Duke William surprised them even more. He laughed, hearty guffaws, long and loud.

  “You know it is treason to invite Lind into Murdoch? Not that I care about that, but now,” and he gave each of them a long cool stare apiece, “I know the situation must be dire. Her whole army!”

  “Captain Hallam speaks the truth,” said Elliot. “If the Larg win here, in Duchesne, all is lost, even the Settlement defences will not stop them.”

  “The segments of the army who can,” said Robain, “the Vada and the Lindars, they will come south by the Island Chain. The others, infantry and horse cavalry, she proposes will take ship. She has already commandeered the fleet of merchantmen required. She further proposes that the empty vessels returning north are used to evacuate your non-combatants out of immediate harm’s way, first to Argyll, then if possible on to the Islands.

  It was at this point that Robain and Elliot saw the Duke relax. He had obviously been worrying about how to protect the women and children
within his demesne.

  “I accept your proposals. When is Susyc Julia intending to send them?”

  “Within the tenday,” replied the pleasantly surprised Robain. “Some of the merchantmen were beginning to load supplies as we left. A lot of supplies will be needed; feeding so many Lind as she intends to send takes a lot of provender.”

  “I can imagine. Now, I propose that, as we have many details to discuss we decant to a more comfortable chamber. I will also order a decent meal. I have a feeling that once we enter the chamber it will be many a long candle-mark before we leave it.”

  “I am feeling a mite peckish,” admitted Elliot.

  “If you don’t mind My Lord Duke,” said James, “I will excuse myself. I wish to write a letter to my wife back home.” He bowed himself out.

  Duke William indicated that Elliot precede him out of the high-gloss hardwood door that led to his private chambers adding, “and once we have refreshed ourselves with food and a suitable beverage, you can be honest with me and tell me everything. I’m not a stupid man, I can read between the lines better than the average person and you’ve not told me all, not by a long chalk. I think I know what we’re up against; the Lord Marshall is my younger brother. He wrote to me; sounded like a bad fantasy epic! Dragons indeed!”

  “I hold myself at your convenience,” said Robain as he accompanied the Duke out the door, “and I promise we’ll not hold anything back. Friends should be frank with one another.”

  “Friends and allies,” nodded Duke William who was beginning to like this young Garda Captain. “Never thought I’d see the day when I would be fighting with the north. There My Prince, that door there.”

  Duke William stopped and clapped Robain on the shoulder. “Looks like we’re Comrades in Arms.” He was grinning broadly, “I like that idea.”

  “So do I sir,” agreed Robain.

  “First though,” Duke William said, “tell me, what are the Lind really like? As fabulous as report has it?”

  “You’ll be seeing them yourself before very long Duke William and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.”

  * * * * *

  Tala and Danal

  It was the night before they were due to leave the fortified manor that belonged to Philip’s relative.

  Danal lay in his bed, tossing and turning, his thoughts racing. Sleep had been evading him for some bells and this much to the annoyance of Asya who was tired. She couldn’t get to sleep due to the constant bubble of confused thoughts emanating from Danal.

  At last she could take it no more and she lifted her head from its accustomed sleeping position between her front paws and turned bright blue eyes in his direction.

  : Danal? : she pleaded : please :

  Danal’s own eyes snapped open and he looked over.

  : You are keeping me awake : she complained.

  “I can’t stop thinking about her,” he confessed.

  “I know that,” she said in a tart voice, “our thoughts are not entirely private. Why don’t you go do something about it? Tala is in the next daga. Go wake her up and leave me here to sleep.”

  “I can’t”

  “Why not? You like her and she like you.”

  As far as Asya was concerned that was all that mattered. Tonight she had tried to block out the mind-link that joined them but Danal’s thoughts were so intense and agitated she hadn’t been able to. If Danal went to Tala, she decided, then she might be able to reduce the connection to a manageable level and get some sleep.

  “You have been thinking of her for days now,” she argued, “go do something about it, please.”

  “She might say no,” he fretted.

  “I do not think so my Danal.”

  Danal stared at her, half amused, half cross then made up his mind.

  “Okay, I will.” He got out of bed, flinging back the covers and padded on bare feet towards the door. He looked back at Asya.

  “Go on,” she ordered, settling her head between her paws and closing her eyes. “I won’t listen, I promise.”

  * * * * *

  Tala woke. Someone was knocking on her door.

  “Who is it?” she called out in a sleepy voice.

  “It’s me, Danal. May I come in?”

  Tala smiled, a self-satisfied smile just short of a grin of triumph. At last. He was here.

  “Come in,” her voice was eager.

  The door opened and Danal stumbled into the room, his borrowed and oversized nightshirt only just not tripping him up.

  “Tala?” he whispered.

  Tala moved over on the bed, patting the space beside her invitingly.

  “I could do with some company,” she whispered. “Care to join me?”

  With a low moan Danal sped to her side and gathered her into his arms, pressing her willing body against his own.

  In the next room, Asya, with a sigh of relief, cut the mind connection and fell into a contented and uninterrupted sleep.

  * * * * *

  Chapter 2

  Second Month of Summer - Vadrhed

  The Susa

  Zaoaldavdr, Susa of the Avuzdel of Larg received the Largan’s order to report with his pack’s kohort at the staging area south of the Kingdom of Murdoch.

  He ignored it.

  Instead of leading his warriors west to join the Largan’s army he led the old, the females and the young as far east as he could possibly manage into the high mountains of the eastern range. They would be safe there, or as safe as anylarg could be during the perilous days ahead.

  He and the other leaders of the pack debated at length about what to do next. There could be no return to the fold of Largdom. As Zaoaldavdr’s friend Anavdr said, they had ‘burnt their paws’.

  For centuries the pack had trodden a fine line between loyalty to the Largan and loyalty to the greater good of the planet under the auspices of the Avuzdel and the Lai. They were now outlaws. The Largan would never forget their desertion and the life of everylarg in the pack was forfeit, young and old.

  “There is no way we can do anything to stop the kohorts,” Zaoaldavdr announced. “He has called to his side every warrior in Larg. He believes victory is certain.”

  “But we cannot just hide,” protested Anavdr. There were growls of agreement.

  Zaoaldavdr nodded. “We are Avuzdel, sworn to protect and so we shall. There is a Kranj of human and Lind who will travel into the desert nadlian to seek out that what must be found. The Susalai has spoken to me. Only with this thing can the Dglai be destroyed. Without our help they have little chance. Are you with me?”

  “I am,” barked Anavdr and the others.

  Zaoaldavdr nodded again as he settled his considerable bulk down on the rocky floor of the cave where their conference was being held.

  He stretched out his legs and extended the talons on his front paws, contemplating them as his brain worked out the details of what his kohort could do to help. His talons retracted with a snap and the hairy brown heads around him looked up.

  “We leave for the dry nadlians with the sun,” he announced.

  * * * * *

  Danal and Tala

  The group Zaoaldavdr was talking about had reached the edges of the desert.

  The initial part of their journey through the Duchy of Graham had been uneventful. Philip’s cousin had provided an escort and plentiful provisions (once he had got over the shock of four Lind arriving unannounced on his doorstep).

  They had decided it would be best to make for the eastern tip of the Duchy then travel due south from there. It was a barren area, scrubland, with few water holes.

  Their escort took them a day’s ride into the desert and to the Duke of Graham’s hidden supply dump where dry provisions and water were kept. The northerly dukes were canny rulers and as Philip Ross informed them, they did travel into the desert on occasion.

  Inalei had been in the desert before. The Avuzdel had sent him on a task. He told them about the scrubby desert bushes whose prickly leaves retained mois
ture and which could be sucked if a traveller’s water ran out.

  “We have to cross over the route the Larg will take as fast as we can,” said Danal as he helped the others cover over the supply dump with waxed sackcloth and sand. “We must not be spotted, which is why we’ll be travelling at night and no cook fires. Trail rations only. The Larg have keen eyesight and they can spot a plume of smoke for miles. They’d run like the very devil to catch us. Any waste must be buried, covered with dry sand and the top sprinkled with the crystals we’ve been supplied with.”

  “Why?” asked Tala.

  “The Larg smell real good,” he answered, “the crystals are odourless in themselves but they absorb the smell of any organic waste. If the Larg pick up on our scent they’ll hunt us until they drop.”

  The Ross retainers wished the eight good luck before departing homewards. It was obvious that they believed the eight more than a little mad, travelling into the desert in the middle of the southern summer, especially with a Larg army on the move.

  “Point taken,” said Tala, a knot of nervous apprehension appearing as if by magic in the pit of her stomach, no it wasn’t apprehension. Admit it my girl. You’re just plain terrified.

  “Time to be off,” said Danal. “Mount up everyone.”

  Danal and Asya led the way, Tala and Inalei by their side and were followed by Philip and Jilsei with Derek and Denei into the dusty desert.

  * * * * *

  Hilla and Rilla

  Once Rilla and her Lind Zawlei had arrived at the woods above Settlement with the other Vada Cadets she decided that she must see if she could find Hilla. They hadn’t seen each other for over a year.