Steel And Sorrow (Book 2)

by Joshua P. Simon

  Why so many?

  But he didn’t.

  “I want to go with you.”

  “Why?”

  Mizak chuckled. “Why not? It’ll be a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m not getting any younger.” His face grew serious. “That’s my term of payment. Twenty-five exact copies, and in exchange I’m allowed to join you.”

  Nareash shrugged. “I can always use another mind as sharp as yours. Done.”

  Chapter 21

  “Lucartias is a very different city,” said Lobella.

  “You’ll find that the southern Cadonian cities have very little in common with the northern cities,” said Elyse.

  “It seems so much darker.”

  Elyse heard the somberness in her friend’s tone as they gazed out from the bow of the ship. Brown, stone towers loomed over the rust-colored mansions that stood out from the black warehouses running along the docks.

  “The stones used to build the cities here come from the Cataric Mountains rather than the northern ranges we’re used to.” She paused and turned to Lobella. “Are you alright? I thought you would have enjoyed the chance to travel by boat for the first time, but you’ve seemed distant most of the trip.”

  Lobella forced a pathetic attempt at a smile. “I do like the smells of the ocean. I’m just thinking of mother again.”

  “I offered to have someone else come in your stead. I knew I should have made you stay.”

  Lobella put her head down. “No, Your Majesty. My place is here.” She shrugged. “Besides, Gauge insisted that you may need me. My duty to you is more important than the duty to my mother.”

  Elyse tilted her head to the side. “Are those your words or Gauge’s?”

  “Both. I only needed him to remind me.”

  Elyse frowned, hurt to see her friend in such a mood. Elyse reached out and placed a hand on Lobella’s to comfort her. Lobella tensed slightly.

  “May I be excused?” asked Lobella. “I’d like to make sure all our things are together.”

  “Yes,” said Elyse, feeling hurt and confused.

  Lobella offered a bow and left.

  I’ll try to talk to her again later.

  Elyse stood alone at the railing, watching the city grow before her eyes, turning her head to take in the expansive view.

  It won’t be long now. Just a few more hours to dock the ship and make our way through the city. Then, perhaps I can figure out a way to come to peace with Conroy.

  Thinking of Conroy led her to recall the conversation she had with Lady Jaendora shortly before leaving port in Floroson. They had laughed and cried reminiscing about the past.

  When Jonrell and Lord Undalain were still with us.

  The mood soured when they discussed the risks of Elyse’s decision to visit Lucartias. Though Lady Jaendora did not like Elyse’s plan, she understood that like the queen’s risk in obtaining Jeldor’s alliance before the start of the war, the opportunity to reduce bloodshed with her visit was too great to pass up.

  * * *

  “Your Majesty,” said Captain Sylik with a bow. “It was an honor and a pleasure to have you grace my humble decks.”

  Elyse smiled. Lady Jaendora had insisted that Sylik be the one to transport the queen and her retinue. “Thank you, Captain. The pleasure was all mine. Your stories made the trip go that much faster, especially those about Jonrell.”

  The captain shook his head. “It’s a shame what happened to him. He was a good man.”

  “Yes, he was.” She quickly changed the subject. “Will you be staying in port long?”

  “If Her Majesty needs me to, I’d be more than happy to wait. Otherwise, I’ll try to leave on the morrow. I’ve got a list of things that Lady Jaendora would like me to check on while in this part of Cadonia.”

  “Then please, go.”

  “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

  They finished their farewells and parted. She disembarked onto the raised docks with Kroke in her shadow as the two dozen men of her personal guard surrounded her. Lobella drifted in behind them.

  “This isn’t right,” said Kroke.

  “What isn’t right?” asked Elyse.

  Kroke gestured with his head at the surrounding dock. “Look around. I know we’re at war, but this place is practically deserted.”

  Elyse scanned the waterfront. “Well, it is getting late in the day.”

  “Not that late. The sun still hasn’t set.”

  “Sylik didn’t seem concerned.”

  “Yeah, well we ain’t at sea anymore. I’ll trust his gut while rolling around in the waves. On land, I’ll trust my own.” Kroke grunted, eyes darting between the heads of the soldiers walking in front of them. “I don’t like it. I don’t even see the local authority. They should be greeting the ship, especially during a war.”

  Elyse looked over and saw Kroke tense. She followed his gaze to a small alley on the right. A well-dressed herald stepped into the fading sunlight wearing shades of dark red and bright gold. A dozen armed men wearing brown cloaks over mail and carrying spears followed him.

  Elyse touched Kroke’s arm gently. “It’s alright. The soldiers are with the city’s watch.”

  Elyse called for her guards to halt and they waited at the end of the docks for the herald to arrive.

  The herald trotted up, shouting through a scowl. “What is this? Armed men are not allowed in the city, especially not at a time of war.”

  The captain of Elyse’s guard stepped out in front and shouted back. “Open your eyes and look at our colors. You’ll want to show some respect when you address your queen.”

  “The queen?”

  Elyse tapped the guards in front of her. They stepped aside, exposing her. The herald dropped to one knee. The city watch followed.

  “I’m sorry, Your Majesty,” said the herald. “This is completely unexpected. How can I be of service?”

  Elyse walked forward with Kroke close at her side. “We would like transportation to Duke Olasi’s residence.”

  Elyse noticed several of the guardsmen flinch, a few exchanging nervous glances.

  “Is something wrong?” she asked.

  “Uh, no, Your Majesty,” said the herald. “It’s just that our lord’s health is failing.” He put on a bright smile. “But let’s not talk of that. You must be tired from your travels.”

  Elyse nodded. The herald turned and quickly sent several men off on errands. After a few moments they returned with a carriage.

  * * *

  The carriage plodded through empty streets. Elyse’s Royal Guard marched alongside her. Intermittently throughout the trip, the number of men from the city watch had grown to over three times the number that had greeted them at the waterfront.

  Kroke cursed as he stared out one of the carriage windows. “That’s three more.”

  “So what are three more men?” shrugged Elyse, trying to appear indifferent.

  “Three more armed men,” Kroke corrected.

  “I don’t understand,” said Lobella. “Aren’t they just providing us an escort?”

  Elyse started to open her mouth, but Kroke cut in with a hushed voice. “You heard that herald. What was his name, Mouse or something? The city is safe and yet hardly anyone is on the streets. Why would we need a small army to reach Duke Olasi’s residence?”

  “His name is Mase, actually,” said Elyse. “And he said that many were in the fields working while daylight allowed, doing their part to provide supplies to Olasi’s forces for when they have to take the field. Olasi is an honest man, Kroke.”

  “What about his son? I was there when Illyan warned you about him. I’m beginning to think that shifty little man is the only one who truly knows what’s going on in this country.”

  “Enough!” Elyse hissed. Elyse glanced over to Lobella who nervously played with her fingers as she watched the twirling blade dance in Kroke’s hand. Elyse rubbed at the bridge of her nose. “And please, if you must have a knife in your hand, at least keep it still.”r />
  Kroke frowned and shifted in his seat. He began to clean his nails while keeping his eyes on the passing cobbled road.

  Elyse sighed. Truth be told, she felt uneasy as well, but the last thing she wanted to do was admit she had made a mistake.

  * * *

  When they arrived at Duke Olasi’s estate, Mase ushered them through the castle and into the duke’s audience chamber. He insisted that Elyse’s guards wait outside the door, but allowed Kroke and Lobella to accompany her.

  A troubled feeling haunted the queen as the door clicked shut behind her. She noticed Kroke’s fingers wiggle as he eyed the countless members of the city watch lining the walls of the chamber. The dozens of armored men stood at attention with such rigidness, they resembled the bronze-plated columns supporting the high ceilings. Lobella’s heavy breathing sounded over Mase’s footsteps as he brought them to the center of the chamber.

  Mase bowed. “Your Majesty, I’ve been told that Markus should be here at any moment. By your leave?”

  Elyse nodded. “Yes, of course.”

  Mase left through a side door and a minute later Markus entered through the same opening. Soldiers clicked their heels together and stood taller as he strode across the space.

  In his late fifties, Markus maintained a neatly-trimmed scalp and beard of salt and pepper hair. Elyse had not seen Duke Olasi’s son in years, but the man obviously favored his father. He took his seat in a large chair against the back wall. Only after he appeared satisfied with the positioning of his rear did he even look up to acknowledge Elyse.

  She spared a glance at the city watch. This isn’t right.

  She remembered the formality and kindness Olasi showed at the dinner following her father’s funeral in everything the duke did. Then she looked at Markus and felt angry. Olasi’s son wore his arrogance brazenly.

  Suddenly he no longer looks like his father.

  Elyse started to speak, wanting to voice her displeasure in Markus’s behavior when he began.

  “Your Majesty, I beg your pardon if I don’t kneel or bow, but this old leg injury of mine is acting up and I’d rather not make a fool of myself by tumbling to the floor,” said Markus. His tone lacked the sincerity Elyse desired to hear. He continued. “Your visit is quite unexpected, Your Majesty. What brings you to my corner of Cadonia?”

  Unexpected? Your corner?

  She inclined her head. “My lord, I’m here because of your letter.”

  Markus blinked. “Letter? I’m not aware of any letter.”

  “The letter stated that you were in contact with Duke Conroy and felt like my presence would speed up any discussions of peace. It also spoke of your father’s declining health.” She paused, concerned and frustrated at the lack of recognition on Markus’ face. “It bore your seal, my lord.”

  Markus looked away and rubbed his chin. “I’ll have to look into this letter.” He turned back to Elyse. “I beg your pardon, Your Majesty. But when may I expect the rest of your escort to arrive. I assume you’re bringing in other forces by sea to meet up with your commander as well?”

  Elyse looked confused. “No. Nothing like that. The bulk of the army is already with Kaz and Jeldor.”

  “Excuse me.” Markus rang a bell and Mase reentered the room, running past the queen. Markus leaned over and whispered in the herald’s ear.

  She took a step forward. “My lord—”

  He raised a hand and shushed her, stopping Elyse in her tracks, mouth hanging open. Markus then gently pushed Mase away with his other hand and the herald sprinted past her again.

  Elyse fumed. “Your father would never dare treat his queen in such a way!”

  “You are absolutely right. He would not and that’s why you’re talking to me rather than him.”

  “What do you mean? Your father is sick.”

  “He is. And what better time to make a change in rule that should have happened years ago?”

  Kroke cursed.

  I was wrong.

  “I don’t know who sent that letter, but there was some truth in it. Besides my father’s health, I have been in contact with Duke Conroy. However, the peace discussed would be of no benefit to you. He and I have formed an alliance. And thanks to your information about Kaz, I know that there will be no reinforcements outside of the army he and Jeldor now field.”

  Kroke swore again as fighting erupted from the other side of the doors.

  Markus motioned with his hands at either side of the room. “Guards, see that they are secured below. Make sure no harm comes to the queen or her servant unless I say otherwise. If anyone else gives you trouble, hurt them, badly.”

  Elyse noted that he eyed Kroke when he spoke and the queen saw the mercenary crouched with a knife in each hand as the guardsmen approached. “Kroke, put them away.”

  He didn’t move.

  “I said put them away. You are no good to me dead.”

  “And you are no good to the realm locked in a cell,” he answered back.

  “For my sake, please.”

  His arms relaxed and he sheathed his knifes. The guards rushed in and the butt of a spear crashed into the mercenary’s skull.

  Chapter 22

  Odala paced her tent, turning her nose up at the smell permeating the canvas—the smell of an army. She sorely missed the pampered life she knew in Juanoq. Rather than waking to flowers, fruits, and fresh bread, the jarring stench of blood, musk, and greasy stew woke her each morning. Yesterday, she called for a bath to wash away her own foul odor, but her servants explained that they could not waste resources on such frivolous things.

  The stink was only part of it. Clanging armor, shouting officers, and cursing warriors led to many restless nights.

  She let out a frustrated sigh.

  To make matters worse, Tobin spent less time with her as his obsession with the campaign grew. Day and night he drove himself, hoping to find an advantage over the opposition. She couldn’t help but feel neglected by his behavior.

  Odala jumped as Tobin barged into the tent, seething. Blood ran down his arm and mud caked his chest and face. She ran to him. “Are you alright?”

  He pushed her away and began rummaging through a trunk of his personal belongings. “I’m fine.”

  “But your arm?”

  “It’s nothing.”

  She waited a moment. “What happened?”

  Tobin stopped and slammed the lid to the trunk. He looked over his shoulder. “What happened was Charu. Somehow he knew our strategy. We still gained the ground, but our losses were great again.” He strode across the space to another trunk and searched. “It doesn’t make sense.”

  “How did my brother do?”

  “Fine,” said Tobin, his tone suddenly morose. “He did fine.”

  “What are you looking for?”

  “A map. It was one of Nachun’s and if I remember, it showed the details of the land differently. I need to think of something before this campaign falls apart.”

  “You’re being too hard on yourself.” She paused. “Why don’t we just go back to Juanoq?”

  He slowly turned and stood. He held a rolled sheet of parchment in his hand. “Why would I do something like that?”

  The look in his eyes startled Odala. “So we could spend more time together. There is more to life than war, isn’t there?”

  Tobin narrowed his gaze. “You don’t think I can do it, do you? You think I’m going to fail?” He lowered his voice. “I hear the whisperings in camp among some of the men. I know they feel the same.” He shook his head. “I thought you understood. I’m Warleader. If I cannot succeed at this, then I am nothing to my people. This is my life.”

  Odala felt her eyes well up. “What am I then?”

  Tobin stared intensely at her. She swore he would say the words she needed to hear any moment. Instead he brushed by without a word, leaving her alone again.

  She wept bitterly.

  * * *

  Tobin’s head pounded, muting the sounds of a frustrated
army. He didn’t have to hear his men’s irritation—he saw it everywhere as he strode through camp. He knew they questioned his ability to lead. If he could not find a way to more soundly defeat Charu, he did not doubt his fall from warleader would be more rapid than his rise.

  How does he stay a step ahead of me?

  Tobin quadruple-checked his plans and tried things he knew no one had ever done before. Yet, without the superiority of his warriors, the war would have already been lost.

  And now, even Odala doubts my abilities.

  Tobin had enough.

  He found Walor in the chow line. Tobin waited for the Kifzo to grab his bowl and then they met in an isolated part of camp, away from prying eyes and ears. He unrolled the map and explained his plan.

  Walor listened intently. The surprise on his face grew.

  “Are you sure about this?”

  “Yes. We need to gain some momentum before reaching Feruse. Do you think he will expect it?”

  “I don’t think even the Kifzo would expect this.”

  “Good. I’m telling no one else the plan until we’re on our way. I’m beginning to wonder if Charu has found a way to infiltrate our ranks.”

  Walor nodded. “How many are you taking?”

  “Five hundred. Only the best and most trusted. Wait until the camp settles down before you give Ufer his orders. Then we’ll rouse the others. I want to wait until the last possible moment before we leave. I’m leaving you in charge.”

  * * *

  Odala woke with a start as she heard her name shouted from outside. She had cried herself to sleep, pondering whether her relationship with Tobin was worth it. She never decided whether she truly had feelings for him or if she had simply been infatuated with the attention and power her position gave her. She felt the cold place next to her and realized Tobin had not come to bed.

  Soyjid burst through the tent flaps. “Where did Tobin go?”

  “He’s probably at some fire with his men,” she snapped.

  “No, he’s not.” He cocked his head to the side. “He didn’t tell you where he was going?”

  She scowled. “No. He tells me less each day. Why?”

  “He left with five hundred Kifzo in the middle of the night, but no one knows where he’s gone to except for Walor and he refuses to see me.”