Steel And Sorrow (Book 2)

by Joshua P. Simon

  “Sorcery?”

  Cisod nodded.

  Kaz growled. It was one thing for Wiqua to do something. Another for Krytien. Kaz had taken Hag’s words to heart from the other day, but he still felt uncomfortable with the old mage. “Anything else?”

  “Not for you.” Cisod looked up to Crusher. “My apprentices are done with your request as well.”

  “Where?” asked Crusher, suddenly eager.

  “What request?” asked Kaz.

  Cisod led them back a bit more where a six foot long warhammer leaned against a pole. The blacksmith gestured. “You’ll have to grab it yourself. I’m not about to kill myself lifting it.”

  Crusher reached over with one hand and snatched it up like a toy. He flipped it over while inspecting it in detail. “Anyone want to bet how many heads I cave in with this?”

  Cisod grunted. “I think you’ll be caving in more than heads.”

  Crusher closed his eyes and grinned as if imagining tomorrow’s events. He suddenly scowled. “Now I’ll never get any sleep.”

  * * *

  “What did he say?” asked Drake.

  “What do you think he said? He cursed me out, ran me off, and told me to tell you to mind your own business. He said he didn’t need me, you, or anyone else to watch over him,” said Senald.

  Drake let out a sigh. “How drunk was he?”

  “Plenty.”

  Drake looked up to the next highest ridge where Raker and his crew had been stationed with trebuchets and ballista.

  You promised last night that you’d lay off of the whiskey today. Why did I believe you?

  “Alright. Get back to your station, then.”

  Senald ran off toward the mangonels. Kaz had positioned their siege equipment to the extreme left of the battlefield, on the highest, flattest ridges at the bottom of the bordering mountain range. The engineers would target Tomalt’s right wing and rear guard so they’d be unable to gain a strong push against their army’s left flank.

  Based on the rest of the troops’ positioning, it seemed like Kaz would allow the right wing to give ground while the stronger left would push up and around to roll up Tomalt’s army. Drake doubted that others saw the brilliance in how Kaz intended to reposition Tomalt against the river, but he recognized it from a book General Victas wrote on tactics. The general used a similar strategy on one of his early campaigns. Oddly enough, Drake hadn’t found the time to show Kaz his findings until a couple of hours ago, after the troops had lined up. Kaz seemed surprised and asked if Victas won. When Drake told him yes, Kaz responded. “Let’s see if we have the same success.”

  Drake gazed out over the battlefield. From his high vantage point, he saw captains barking commands at their ranks. The right wing slowly disappeared from view as a low lying fog thickened around it. The fog didn’t seem out of place on the unusually cool morning. An overcast sky added to the sullen atmosphere.

  Drake watched his crew check over their equipment with care. He and Raker had taught them well, in that regard at least. He looked up to the ridge again, hoping that Raker would hold it together. Drake had voiced some of his concerns to a few of the old crew, but none seemed as concerned as he did.

  But then I’ve held back some of the truth. And Raker’s still coherent enough when they come around to check on him that no one thinks it’s a big deal. They don’t see him late in the night. They don’t see him drinking as if he’s hoping to drown himself. They haven’t seen him look up and talk to the sky. They haven’t seen him sob into his hands.

  Drake felt his chest tighten as he thought about Jonrell.

  I should have known something was wrong with Mal. I could have stopped it.

  He cursed his former friend’s name as he looked toward Raker’s position one last time and saw the man staggering around, gesturing with a bottle as he yelled at his men.

  * * *

  “Is everyone ready?” asked Krytien.

  The four green mages stared back with eyes full of uncertainty and fear. None seemed able to find their voices.

  One Above, they’re more scared than I would have imagined. And Lufflin for all his talking is white as a ghost.

  “If you’re not, speak up now. When this starts, you won’t have time to say anything then.”

  Still nothing.

  I’ll try something different. “Janik, Yorn. What is your responsibility?”

  The two looked at each other, hoping the other would answer.

  Krytien lost it. “One Above, spit it out!”

  That seemed to jar them awake. “We’re supposed to fall behind the left wing’s first line of heavy infantry. We’re to act only as defensive support to the archers and light infantry out front, and then later, support the more experienced mages,” said Janik.

  “And what happens if it looks like there’s an opening for you to attack?” asked Krytien.

  “We ignore it unless the ranking captain gives us new commands,” said Janik.

  “Why is that Yorn?” said Krytien turning his stare to the young green mage.

  “Because the safety of the soldiers is most important,” said Yorn, gulping at the end of the statement.

  “That’s right,” said Krytien. “You’ve lived most of your life on Estul Island behind closed doors and safe surroundings. Now each of you will get a taste of what life’s really like. You’re going to use the arts in one of the ways Amcaro meant you to use them. You will defend the kingdom and support the crown. In doing so, you may lose your life just as he did. If you aren’t ready to do that, then run and hide. There is no place for you here today.”

  Krytien hoped they would remember at least some of what he tried to show them the past few weeks. Although the army nearly doubled their number of mages with those he brought back from Estul Island, many lacked the experience of Tomalt and Bronn’s mages.

  He was about to quiz Nora and Lufflin on their orders when the sound of approaching hoof beats caught Krytien’s attention. The young mages blinked and took a step back. Krytien turned and blinked himself as he took in the rider. If he hadn’t seen the demonic armor disassembled in Cisod’s forge, he likely would have messed himself. Even without his helm, Kaz looked like he had just crawled out of the bowels of hell.

  But I guess that’s the point.

  Krytien stared at the shimmering armor—blue and red swirling together in a way that made the beasts covering his plate seem alive.

  And those snakes! It’s like they’re slithering along his limbs.

  Kaz pulled up and inclined his head. “Are they ready?”

  “I was just going over their orders one last time.”

  “Make it quick. I need to talk to you. Grayer sent word that it won’t be long before Tomalt begins his advance.”

  “I’ll catch up to you in a minute then.”

  Kaz grunted and rode off.

  Let’s hope this conversation is better than the last.

  * * *

  Kaz had been in his armor for several hours and still had trouble believing its weight and the ease with which he could move. He reviewed the lines of soldiers as he rode behind them. Captains shouted words of encouragement in earnest. Standing in his saddle, he saw a long black bow rise over the masses at the front of the left wing. Shouts from the archers and light infantry followed. He smiled to himself in approval.

  Kaz had taken Krytien’s advice and made an effort to speak with Yanasi privately. He could not fathom that someone with so much talent, someone who commanded such respect from her men, still needed reassurance in her abilities. Yet, the old mage had been right. Kaz felt his attempts at praise were awkward at best, but his efforts seemed to work as Yanasi’s disposition had changed almost immediately.

  Krytien came up beside Kaz. “What did you want to see me about?”

  Kaz wanted to yell at the mage for interfering with his armor without his knowing, but he refrained himself. Unable to find Wiqua that morning, Kaz figured that it was all part of the old man’s design to get h
im to talk to Krytien. He calmed himself, remembering his discussion with Hag and recalling the closeness Jonrell had once shared with the old mage. “Are your mages ready?”

  “I honestly don’t know.”

  The admission surprised Kaz. “What do you mean?”

  “I don’t think they understood until this morning the importance of what I had been trying to show them. Several still don’t have a clue.”

  Kaz turned to the formation of soldiers. “They will after today.”

  “I wish you’d reconsider letting me stay with one of the groups on the left wing.”

  “They’ll each have a black-robed mage with them. That’ll have to be enough. Once the battle begins things may change, but to start, I need you and the other mages behind the right wing.”

  “I understand.”

  No arguing? No second guessing? No questioning of my decisions?

  Kaz grunted. “Jeldor doesn’t agree with how I’ve set up my lines. He thinks it’s too much of a gamble to leave the right weaker with Bronn coming in from that direction.”

  “He would since you’ve moved him away from Bronn. He hates that man more than any other, I think. The strategy is a risk, but given what Jeldor has told us about Bronn it seems likely that he’ll do what you want him to do.”

  “Do you believe it’ll work?”

  “I’ve seen a lot of crazy things work. I’m not saying I would have thought to do the same as you today, but I can see the reasoning behind it. It makes sense.”

  Krytien’s relaxed attitude surprised Kaz. It was the longest conversation the two ever had without one raising his voice to the other.

  Krytien cleared his throat. “Something else is on your mind, isn’t it?”

  “Yes. Cisod said you and Wiqua did something to my armor yesterday. I want to know what and why?”

  The mage seemed surprised by the question, at least at first. He gave a slight shake of his head. “I should have known that he wasn’t telling me the truth.”

  “What? Who?”

  “Wiqua. He told me that he had talked to you about the armor and that you wanted us to improve it. He said you didn’t feel right asking me for assistance. So, you sent him instead.”

  Kaz grit his teeth. “That sounds like Hag more than Wiqua.”

  “Probably so. I’m sorry. I wouldn’t have done anything without your permission had I known.”

  “What did you do? Cisod said that both of you looked ragged afterward.”

  “Wiqua found the book about General Victas that your armor was based off of. There were stories that said the armor was even more special than those crafted like it. An older form of Quoron sorcery protected the wearer from certain sorcerous attacks. Wiqua wanted to know more about this, but neither Drake nor Lufflin had seen or heard anything else about that sort of sorcery. Wiqua came to me and told me he had an idea on how to incorporate the Byzernian methods of healing into the metal itself. But to do that, he needed my help to support him during the process and also give him an idea on types of sorcery mages might use in battle.”

  “So, are you saying that this thing will make me invincible from sorcery?”

  Krytien shook his head. “No, it’s not strong enough to make you invincible. But to damage you as severely as the mage did in Cathyrium, the attack would have to be extremely powerful. Even still, something that could have been fatal to you before should only leave you with minor injuries now.”

  “And why can’t you do this for others?” asked Kaz, thinking of Yanasi and his other captains.

  Krytien shook his head. “It’s something about the process used to make your armor that allowed for Wiqua’s idea to work.” He paused. “And the sorcery wasn’t easy on us.”

  Kaz didn’t know what to say. “Wiqua I understand, but why would you put yourself at risk to do this for me?”

  “As I said, I thought you wanted it to be done. Look, I know you see me asking questions and offering advice as being a troublemaker, but not once have I ever refused your orders. I also know you talked to Yanasi and are now making an effort to talk to me. You’ve got a better heart than maybe I gave you credit for.” He paused. “I will follow you.”

  They waited in silence for a moment as the commotion of those around them only quickened. Word reached them that Tomalt was ready to offer battle. Kaz felt relieved, for it gave him an excuse to change subjects.

  He gestured. “C’mon.”

  * * *

  “Lose those worried looks. You’re ready for this. We’re ready for this.” Yanasi continued her speech as she walked the line of her men, squeezing the black bow in her hand. She didn’t know where the words came from, but she almost felt as if Jonrell’s spirit spoke for her.

  A few days ago, Kaz met with her in private, discussing not only strategy, but also life in general. She always respected him, but it wasn’t until their conversation that she saw why others like Hag or Drake gravitated toward the man.

  Or why Jonrell thought so highly of him.

  Yanasi and Kaz’s conversation eased some of her fears of failing.

  Despite having drifted off in thought, Yanasi managed to finish her speech. She assumed it had been effective as her men shouted with an intense fire in their eyes. She smiled and lowered the bow she didn’t remember raising.

  I wish Rygar were here.

  Rygar had left long before dawn on a last-minute scouting mission.

  I didn’t get to tell him bye or even kiss him one last time.

  She realized how much her attitude had affected their relationship.

  I dismissed practically all of his efforts to help me and I can’t even apologize now for the way I treated him. First Cassus leaves. Then Jonrell dies. Maybe I’ve been trying to push him away before something happened to him too.

  Rumbling hoof beats caught her ear and she glanced to them, expecting last minute orders. Her face lit up when she saw Rygar galloping toward her, his blond hair bouncing atop his head. He smiled as he jumped from the saddle and came up to her.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked. “The battle can start at any moment!”

  “I know. I begged Kaz to give me this moment before he sent me off again.”

  “And he allowed it?”

  Rygar nodded. “But I would have come anyway.” He pulled her away from her men. “I’ve been thinking. I’ve been trying to help you deal with Jonrell’s loss, but I think I was pushing you more than you’re ready for. I’m sorry. I realize the best way to help is to back off and give you the space you need,” he paused and Yanasi could see him struggling. He cleared his throat. “I’m ready to do that. I just want you to be happy.”

  Yanasi’s eyes watered. She looked down and blinked, letting the tears fall on the dewy morning grass.

  Rygar cursed. “I upset you, didn’t I?” He sighed. “I’m sorry, I can’t do anything right.”

  Yanasi looked up. “No, please. You’re fine. I was just thinking about how much I needed to apologize to you and how great you’ve been. I was worried that depending on what happens today I might have never been able to tell you that.”

  “So, I guess that means I don’t have to go anywhere?”

  “Of course not.”

  Rygar grinned. “Good. And don’t talk like we won’t see each other. I worry about you enough as it is.”

  “But it’s true.”

  “You’ll be alright and so will I.”

  “So now what?” she asked after a moment.

  The ground began to shake some distance away. Tomalt’s lines had begun their advance.

  “I need to get back to Kaz.”

  “I need to go back to my men.”

  Rygar grabbed her by the shoulders, squeezing them through her mail as he pulled her close. Yanasi’s breath quickened as their mouths met. Though they had kissed countless times before, this one felt extra special. The circumstances of the kiss weren’t like anything her mom had told her about when reciting fairy tales to her as a little girl. Prin
cesses never kissed wearing full armor on a battlefield. But the kiss gave her the comfort and reassurance she desperately needed.

  He pulled away. “I promise I’ll see you after the battle.”

  He kissed her again and ran to his horse, riding back toward the rear as he waved over his shoulder. In that moment, all she could think about was following after him and the two running off to some private place where they could be alone.

  Perhaps one day.

  Yanasi ran back to her men. They all wore grins. She tried to scowl as she looked them over. “What’re you all smiling about?”

  “We was just wondering if we’d all get ourselves a kiss like that,” said one of her men. He was a man from the mountains of northern Cadonia and spoke with a thick accent.

  The lines hooted in laughter and Yanasi couldn’t help but smile too. A year ago she would have punched him, but now they joked with her not out of hate or resentment, but because they considered her one of them. Still, she couldn’t very well let the man get away with such a comment. “Corporal, I didn’t think you knew what to do with a female that had only two legs.”

  The laughter grew louder and the Corporal showed a gap toothed grin of his own as the others heckled him in turn.

  Jonrell always said laughter was the best way to ease the tension before a battle. I hope he was right.

  * * *

  As Tomalt’s men advanced, Raker received orders to begin. He took a long pull from his whiskey bottle and turned back to the men busying themselves with last minute adjustments to the nearest trebuchet. Drake had somehow figured out how to get decent range from the smaller piece of equipment. Its size made it ideal for a quick assembly and allowed them more freedom in stationing the devices in odd places like the high ridge they held now.

  Drake’s getting too cocky for his own good. Thinks he has all the answers.

  “Hey! What do you think you’re doing?” yelled Raker.

  A private called out. “Sir?”