“No doubt. It looked like you took half their library.”
“Trust me, that’s barely a fraction of what’s there.”
Kaz tightened his gaze. “Don’t spend all your time in those books.”
“You’re the one who wanted me to bring that stuff back. And I’ve already shown you some of what I’ve learned. There are dozens of books I haven’t even opened yet. That information could help us win the war.”
“It can. But a book will not save you from a sword stroke. You need to get back into a training routine. I don’t want to be worrying about you on the battlefield.”
Kaz wore a look of concern.
It’s too bad so few ever see this side of him. The men know Kaz will fight until his last breath, but they don’t see that he does it as much out of compassion for his men as he does for the thrill of battle. He definitely is more like Jonrell than the old crew gives him credit for.
Drake let out a sigh as Raker popped into his head.
“What’s wrong?” asked Kaz.
“I’m just thinking about Raker. He’s living his life in a bottle.”
“Worse than before?”
Drake nodded. “It’s hard to notice unless you’re around him all the time. Especially because he seems like himself during drills.”
“Then maybe things will improve once the campaign begins.”
“But what if it doesn’t? What if it gets worse and he’d rather hold a bottle than his mace.”
Kaz sighed. “Then I’ll have to take care of it. Until then, just keep doing what you can and let me know if I need to step in.”
Chapter 11
Two days later the Blue Island Clan landed on the edge of the Gray Marshes, near the border of the Green Forest Clan’s territory. Tobin’s anger raged once the shamans reported that the Gray Marsh Clan still camped in the area, miles from where they should have been.
Longboats came off the ships quicker than before and Tobin felt it necessary to order his men not to take out their aggression on the Gray Marsh Clan. He saw the rage in their eyes, the need to exact punishment on those responsible for their embarrassment at the hands of the Green Forest and Red Mountain Clans.
Tobin stepped out of the boat and into thigh deep water. He strode inland. Walor and Ufer fell in beside him, Walor still limping. Soyjid struggled to keep up with their pace. Physically the boy was still a mess, but he had shown Tobin much in the way of strategy.
A small retinue greeted Tobin on the shore. “Greetings Tobin, Warleader of the—”
“Where is he?” demanded Tobin.
“Mawkuk is waiting for you in his private tent,” said the representative.
Ufer spat. “He disrespects you by not coming out to meet you.”
The representative shook his head. “No, that isn’t it. He became ill and only recently recovered. He’s still weak.” The man looked at Soyjid and bowed. “Perhaps you can help explain that your father meant no disrespect.”
“He can speak for himself,” said Soyjid. “I’m not one to put words into his mouth.”
The man frowned.
“Take me to him,” said Tobin.
The man bowed, as did the others with him. He turned and walked toward camp.
Tobin’s temper flared as he passed by roaring campfires where soldiers lounged, gnawing on roasted meat, seemingly oblivious to the impending campaign.
All while we lost hundreds of men.
“I see they are enjoying themselves.” Walor’s voice dripped with disgust.
“Their lack of discipline will cause us trouble in the future,” said Ufer.
“Silence,” said Tobin.
Mawkuk’s tent stood higher than any other. Guards flanked the entrance to either side. They opened the tent flaps and allowed the party passage.
Mawkuk rose from his hideous, driftwood throne as the group entered. The Gray Clan’s council stood around him. Mawkuk lowered his head subserviently toward Tobin and then looked up as he saw Soyjid. His eyes warmed. “It’s good to see you, Tobin. And I thank you for giving me the chance to gaze upon my son again.” The old man strained to peak around Tobin. “Is Odala also here?”
Tobin ignored him. He looked to Mawkuk’s advisors. “Leave us. Now.”
The men glanced at each other nervously and turned to Mawkuk for guidance, but the Gray Marsh Clan leader looked equally confused.
Tobin inclined his head to Ufer. “If these men do not leave in the next three breaths, make them.”
A blade cleared its scabbard. “Yes, Warleader.”
The advisors scurried out of the room without waiting for Mawkuk’s answer.
“Sit, Mawkuk.”
The old man took his seat. “I-I don’t understand. What’s wrong?”
“Don’t give me that. What are you and your men doing here?”
“Following your orders.”
“Liar!” yelled Ufer. “You were supposed to secure the shore a hundred miles from here.”
“Ufer!” Tobin shouted. “Hold your tongue.”
Mawkuk’s brow furrowed. “But we did follow your orders. You specifically told us to be here. I didn’t understand why, especially when I learned that you went farther into the Green Forest Clan territory before coming ashore. I supposed we were held back in reserve.”
“I never said that. Soyjid. Give your father a copy of my orders.”
Soyjid rummaged in a small parcel he held over one shoulder and withdrew a piece of rolled parchment. He stepped toward his father and handed it off.
Tobin continued. “I always make copies of the orders I issue.”
Mawkuk scanned the paper and shook his head. “This isn’t what your messenger delivered to us.”
“Where is the message then? I want to see it for myself,” said Tobin.
“I destroyed it, just as your letter said, lest someone see your strategy. But I can attest that your signature matched and the seal had not been tampered with.”
“And you think I should believe your story?”
Mawkuk’s eyes widened. “Why would I lie? You have my children.” He gestured toward Soyjid.
“I don’t know. If you aren’t lying, then you’re making costly mistakes I can’t afford to have happen again.”
“Tobin? What are you saying?” came a voice from behind.
Tobin whipped his head around and saw Odala standing at the entrance to the tent. “What are you doing here? This isn’t your place.”
“I wanted to see my father,” she said, confused.
“Later,” Tobin snapped. “Get back to the tent.”
“You’re not going to kill him, are you?” asked Odala, horrified.
Tobin clenched his teeth in frustration. “No, I’m not.” He gestured to Soyjid. “Escort your sister from here.”
Soyjid nodded and made his way toward the tent entrance, grabbing Odala by the arm and leading her outside. Tobin caught the hurt and bewildered look on her face before turning back to Mawkuk.
Mawkuk repeated his daughter’s question. “Are you going to kill me?”
“Many of my men would like me to, but there is another option I’d rather pursue.”
Mawkuk’s jaw tightened. “I see. You and Odala have become close, haven’t you?” The old man’s voice found a hardness that had been absent. Tobin wasn’t surprised.
She is still his daughter.
Tobin ignored his question. “You are no longer leader of the Gray Marsh Clan. You will be watched over by six Kifzo at all times to ensure that you cannot influence the decisions of your clan any longer.”
Mawkuk started to argue, but thought better of it and sank further into his throne. “And who will lead?”
“Your son.”
Mawkuk sighed. “I can at least find solace in that.”
“Good. You will announce the transition immediately after Soyjid returns.”
* * *
“You shouldn’t have been so accusatory in front of the others. Think what you will of Tobin priv
ately, or with me,” said Soyjid.
Odala wiped her cheek. “What did you want me to do? I thought he was going to kill Father like you said he might.”
“Now you see why I wanted to be brought into Tobin’s circle? I probably saved Father’s life by presenting Tobin with an alternative to the one his men wanted.”
“What alternative?”
“I’ve convinced him to let me take Father’s place. With me in charge, he will not have to worry about our clan’s cooperation following his dismissal. Tobin can’t afford to lose our forces now that we will be fighting both the Green and Red Clans together.”
She stopped outside her newly erected tent. Soyjid taking Father’s place? I never expected that to happen so soon.
“You seem troubled.”
Odala shook her head. “I was only thinking. You’ll be a good ruler,” she added, unsure what else to say.
Soyjid smiled. “I’d like to think so.”
Odala sighed. “I still don’t know what to think about Tobin though. Before you stepped in, he was ready to kill Father.”
Soyjid held up a hand. “I’ve warned you all along about him. However, you’ve been happy with him over the last year. That doesn’t have to change. He was under a lot of pressure and when I gave him a more suitable alternative, he made the right decision. Forgive him. You must remember his upbringing. It was much different than ours.” He paused. “And don’t worry about your outburst. I’ll smooth things over.”
She cocked her head to the side. “Really?”
“Why wouldn’t I? I know we argue, but we’re still family.”
The admission surprised and touched Odala. She gave her brother a hug. “Thank you.”
* * *
Tobin left Mawkuk’s tent once the six Kifzo arrived to guard him.
Walor cleared his throat. “I don’t like your decision.”
“I didn’t want to kill the old man. His age has more to do with his inability to lead than anything else,” said Tobin.
“I understand,” said Walor. “I know you want to keep him alive for Odala’s sake too. But putting Soyjid in charge is a mistake. He is too sickly to lead from the field.”
“He doesn’t have to. He has a great mind. You’ve heard some of his input. Can you find fault with it?”
“Not on the surface. But I still don’t trust him.”
“First Nachun, and now Soyjid. You’re growing paranoid.” Tobin glanced to Ufer as they walked. “And what do you think?”
“I agree with Walor.” said Ufer. “Something about the boy doesn’t seem right.” He shrugged. “But just like Mawkuk, Soyjid is a figurehead. You still hold all the power.”
* * *
Tobin looked over a large map detailing the terrain of the Green Forest Clan’s territory. He had been strategizing with Walor, Ufer, and Soyjid. Most of the plans had been finalized on the ship. However, on one decision they disagreed. Two possible areas of approach existed to reach the Green Forest Clan’s capital of Feruse.
Soyjid felt the best course was to approach from the south. Tobin thought that strategy would give Charu, who he had learned led the combined Red and Green Clan armies, a better chance of hindering him. The northern approach, closer to the shore made more sense to him. Soyjid pointed out that the sea would be at their backs again with no ships to retreat to if necessary. Ufer and Walor agreed with Tobin. They took offense at the suggestion that the Blue Island Clan would need to retreat again once all of their forces were ashore.
“I don’t understand the reasoning,” said Soyjid. “There is nothing wrong with a strategic retreat.”
“We don’t expect you to understand,” said Ufer. “You’re not a warrior. There will not be another long swim. We will stand and we will win.”
Soyjid threw up his hands. “Warleader, surely you see the value in what I’m saying. A southern route is the most sound strategy for everyone.”
Tobin started to speak, but a brief bout of dizziness took him. He steadied himself and blinked. They stared back at him. He turned his gaze down to the map.
“Tobin, are you alright?” asked Walor.
Tobin waved him off. He traced his finger along the southern path that led to Feruse.
Maybe Soyjid is right.
He grunted and raised his head. “The more I think about it, the more I realize this is our best path.” He continued before anyone could protest. “Now everyone leave. I have other things to consider.”
Soyjid bowed before exiting. Ufer scowled and followed. Walor left after a short pause.
Tobin breathed a sigh of relief once they left. His head pounded inexplicably and he could not imagine carrying on a conversation any longer. He sat in a chair.
Why did I ever want this? To prove I was better than Father and Kaz? He rubbed his temple before relaxing. I may have been unhappy, but life was simpler when no one cared about what I had to say.
Despite the light from oil lamps nearby, he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, hoping the rest would ease his weary mind.
Chapter 12
Elyse stood at the end of a large table. A map of Cadonia lay stretched out on its surface. General Grayer and Kaz flanked her on either side. Kaz refused to allow any others into their meetings as they finalized the coming campaign. He had grown ever more cautious, worried that a spy might be in their midst. Or, just as bad in his opinion, someone who didn’t know how to keep his mouth shut.
Grayer read from a stack of messages that detailed recent activity behind Tomalt’s borders. Kaz repositioned pieces of varying colors on the map in accordance with the reports. Finished with the first stack, Grayer moved on to less precise reports that had come in about Bronn and Conroy. Using the information available, they brainstormed over the best route to travel in order to meet up with Jeldor’s army.
Elyse usually said very little during these meetings. It was not that she was uninformed. She had simply learned that those in charge of her military were more than competent in their roles.
Grayer and Kaz went over their plans for what seemed like the hundredth time, tweaking minor details. The contrast between the two made her grin. Both large men, Grayer was old, fair-skinned, and round, while Kaz was younger, dark as night, and lean. Grayer’s thick white hair and beard contrasted Kaz’s shaved head and neatly trimmed goatee. Kaz had lost his long braids in a fire at Cathyrium. He had decided not to grow them back.
Kaz stroked his chin while studying the map.
“It looks as though something still troubles you, Commander,” said Grayer.
“It’s the latest positioning of Tomalt’s troops. He’s withdrawn a large portion of his army away from his borders. That doesn’t make sense when he knows we’ll soon be on the move.”
“He must think he can’t defend them properly and he plans to fall back to more favorable ground.” Grayer pointed to a spot in Tomalt’s territory. “Here would be his best spot. We’d have quite a time against him, especially if he is able to bring up his other armies. Then he’d control the field and outnumber us in battle.”
Kaz scowled. “He’ll only outnumber us if Jeldor doesn’t meet us in time.”
Elyse jumped in. “Let’s not forget that he can only bring up so many of his southern forces before leaving those borders susceptible to an attack by Duke Olasi.”
Grayer smiled. “Good point, Your Majesty.”
Kaz inclined his head. “Your Majesty, what is your opinion on Tomalt’s behavior?”
Elyse blinked. Kaz rarely sought out her advice when discussing strategy.
She looked at the map and examined the troop movements. Bits of information she had read from Aurnon the First’s early campaigns came to mind. Coupled with what she knew of Tomalt, things just didn’t make sense.
“Well, we know that Tomalt rarely does anything that does not follow the rules of warfare. So, for him to abandon his borders, he either feels like his situation is hopeless as Grayer mentioned or he is trying to lure us into a trap.”
She paused, waiting for Kaz to dismiss her. Instead, he gestured for her to continue. “Tomalt is too proud a man to admit that any situation is hopeless, so I’m willing to bet it is the latter.”
“What do you suggest we do?” asked Kaz.
“I’d suggest that we continue with the plan for now. Any changes with so little information could only come back to bite us. However, Aurnon the First believed in having a place for tactical retreat so if he had to face superior numbers, it would at least be on his terms.”
Elyse took a deep breath and waited for a response.
A grin crawled across Kaz’s lips. “I was thinking the same thing, Your Majesty. As a matter of fact, I have just the place in mind.”
A knock at the door stopped the conversation.
Elyse called out. “Who is it?”
“It’s Gauge, Your Majesty.”
“I thought you told him not to disturb us?” asked Kaz.
Elyse shrugged. “It must be important.”
Kaz gestured to a sheet near Grayer. They draped it over the table as Elyse went to the door.
Elyse cracked open the door and saw Gauge’s smiling face, creases forming around his old eyes. “Yes?” she asked.
Gauge bowed, “I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I pray I’m not disturbing you.”
“We were in the middle of discussing our plans for the campaign.”
“I see.” He craned his neck down either side of the hallway. “Could I come in and speak with you for a moment? I promise it won’t take much of your time.”
Elyse opened the door and Gauge stepped in, closing the door behind him. He looked over at Kaz and Grayer as they straightened the last of the sheet over the table. Kaz scowled.
Gauge’s eyes flicked back to the queen. He cleared his throat and leaned in close. “The council was upset that you were not at the meeting this morning.”
“I thought you were going to take care of their concerns. I had more pressing matters here.”
Gauge nodded. “Yes, of course. I was able to smooth things over and we actually got a lot accomplished.”
“Oh?”
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