The Heart of Trelyssia

by Lisa Chitty

  Tomak came and stood in front of James and placed his hands on James’s shoulders. ‘It’s a good plan, don’t worry about that. We are all sure it will work, and we also believe that we will not be the only ones to die tomorrow. We have just chosen a different way to meet our maker. Everything is in place, so now it is up to you and your companions to complete what you came here to do. Don’t fail us, and make our sacrifice worthless. That’s all we ask of you.’ Tomak then pulled James into an embrace, before releasing him, and embracing Steve. ‘Now go! You need to be outside the city walls and they will be shutting the gates soon!’

  James, Sasket, Marldon and Steve scrambled into place in the cart whilst the gates were opened. Marldon expertly steered the cart out into the street.

  ‘Good luck and farewell!’ Tomak called after them. ‘It was an honour to have met you!’

  The yard gates closed behind them and an air of seriousness descended over them. To meet the people who were willing to die the following day for the rebel cause had deeply shocked James and Steve. The gravity of the situation that they were in was becoming ever more obvious. They remained silent as they approached the main gates. They were still open, and as they were leaving the city, they weren’t stopped. Marldon quickly steered the cart back to where they had found it and handed the care of the horse over to its owner.

  ‘I guess this is goodnight,’ Marldon said. ‘I need to get back and give the battle plans a final polish.’ Marldon paused for a long time before continuing. ‘Whatever happens tomorrow, I want to say thank you for everything you have done here. We were beginning to think that this day would never come. Of course, it could all go wrong, but hopefully our plans will work and we will triumph and we will all see one another again.’ Marldon paused again before turning to Sasket. ‘You know what to do tomorrow?’

  ‘Everything is in place,’ Sasket replied.

  ‘Good! Well I’ll be off now.’ Marldon took a few steps before turning and looking back at them. ‘Tell Randall I’m glad to have met him too, and pass on my gratitude that he is here alongside you, taking part in all of this.’

  We will,’ Steve promised.

  Marldon turned back and walked away again, disappearing into the night. The three of them watched for a while before turning and heading back up the slope to where their tent was pitched. There was silence between them all as they contemplated what was about to happen. In a matter of hours this whole area would be a battleground, with people badly wounded and dying, and even the dead littered across the grass. That much was inevitable. But would they be amongst the dead and wounded or would they survive and prevail? At this point no one knew and the outcome could go either way. They would all just have to wait to see what tomorrow would bring.

  Chapter 17

  It was still dark, but on the horizon there was a glimmer of light. A new day was soon going to begin. The ghostly silhouette of an owl floating on silent wings went unnoticed by the multitudes below. It banked round over the Citadel, then folded its wings to settle on one of the walls. Far below it, movement caught the eye of the owl, and it swivelled its head to get a better look. For a moment the attention of the owl was focussed on what was happening, but soon, realising that it wasn’t prey below, it lost interest. The affairs of men were nothing to do with him. The owl preened a few of his feathers, was still for a moment, then suddenly lifted off again on his silent wings. It soared on, over the city walls and out over the grass beyond. It was clear for a way, but the owl could see no prey there, so it flew on, but was frustrated by what it found. Instead of rolling grasslands ideal for hunting, the entire area was covered with foreign objects. The owl hooted in frustration, but it went unnoticed by those below, except for one man, who looked up, saw the owl and dismissed it, returning to his own thoughts. The owl flew on, to another place where he had hunted well in the past. A small knoll on the edge of the grassy area, just before the forest, with a few trees on top where he settled to take stock of the area. Again he was frustrated, for even here there was evidence of humans where there shouldn’t be. There were less here, only a small tent and less outward sign of the human presence, but the owl knew that even this small camp would mean no hunting for him here. He decided to give up for the night and flew off again into the lightening sky and towards the great forest to roost for the day. It had been slim pickings for him, and as he settled himself to sleep, he could only hope that things would be better the following night. Little did the owl know that due to events about to happen, his hunting the next night would be far more successful.

  * * *

  Randall, unable to sleep, was standing outside of the tent and gazing towards the city. It was still so dark that he could barely see it. It was just a darker mass in the already dark night, but as Randall watched he knew it wouldn’t be long before he would see more clearly. He glanced over to the east, where the sky was beginning to lighten. It was only a matter of hours now before the battle would begin. Far above him an owl hooted and for some reason sent shivers down Randall’s spine. He glanced up, acknowledging that it was nothing more sinister than an owl, before letting his gaze rest once more upon the Citadel. He sighed deeply. It was no use standing there and wishing things were different. He was here, about to join in a fight and he needed to make sure that he was prepared. Randall turned and went back into the tent. As he entered James stirred and opened his eyes a crack. Upon seeing Randall up and about, he sat up. ‘Is it time?’ he asked.

  ‘Not far off,’ Randall replied. ‘The sky to the east is getting lighter so I’m sure it won’t be long before the camp guards get taken out.’

  James was silent for a moment. Even now, when the battle was so close, he wasn’t feeling much fear. He was still resolved to face the Baron himself. James looked round and saw the sleeping forms of Steve, Zaria and Sasket. ‘Should we wake them? After all, Zaria and Sasket probably need to prepare more than we do.’

  ‘I’m not sure,’ Randall shrugged. ‘I couldn’t see that anyone else was up just now, but a little extra time to get prepared can’t hurt.’

  James regarded Randall shrewdly for a moment. ‘Have you slept at all tonight?’

  ‘With your snoring, no chance!’ Randall retorted.

  ‘That’s the reason is it? Not because your afraid, then?’ James taunted.

  Randall was about to reply, but their raised voices had disturbed the other sleepers in the tent.

  ‘Wassup?’ Steve asked sleepily turning onto his back and rubbing his eyes. His hair was tousled and as he stifled a yawn, he ran his hands through it as though trying to make it look tidier.

  ‘You need to get up and start getting ready,’ Randall told him.

  As realisation dawned, that today was what they had all been striving towards, Steve shot up, elbowing Sasket in the process.

  ‘Get off!’ Sasket cried out, instinctively whipping out a short knife and wielding it in Steve’s direction.

  ‘Watch what you’re doing with that!’ Steve exclaimed. ‘You’ll kill me if you’re not careful.’

  ‘Sorry,’ replied Sasket. ‘I forgot where I was for a moment.’

  ‘Well, remember now and try to be a bit quieter,’ Zaria admonished. In all the commotion she had been woken and was now on her feet and heading to the tent entrance. ‘I don’t think anyone else is about yet, and the last thing we need to do is disturb everyone and get the guards’ attention.’ Zaria cautiously peered out of the tent. ‘Hmm. It’s still a little early to be doing much.’ She dropped the tent flap and turned to face the others. ‘However, as we’re up we might as well have something to eat.’

  She went over to where they were keeping their food and got out some bread and cheese. ‘You might as well try and eat something,’ she said upon seeing their faces at the mention of food. ‘I know that you’re all nervous, but you’ll need your strength later.’

  Reluctantly, Randall, James and Steve took the rations that Zaria handed out and attempted to eat. James and Randall only managed a f
ew mouthfuls, but Steve was soon tucking in with relish. ‘What!’ he exclaimed upon seeing Randall’s look. ‘I’m hungry, and I’m just doing as Zaria said to.’

  Randall just shook his head and turned away, looking towards the tent flap. He just wanted to know what was happening outside and when the action would begin. Part of him didn’t want the battle to happen but a much larger part just wanted to get it over and done with.

  It seemed like ages before Sasket went to look out of the tent. He stood outside for a while before turning back to the others. ‘We might as well start to get ready. It won’t be long now. I just saw a couple of the assassins crossing the camp to take out the guards. The ones inside the city will be doing the same shortly.’

  Apart from a few groans and expletives they were silent as they prepared. The armour wasn’t easy to get on and they had to help each other out, sometimes hurting one another in the process. But despite their inexperience they were soon all ready. James, Randall and Steve stood together looking professional in their armour with their swords by their sides. Zaria and Sasket, were attired differently, in thick leather trousers with chain mail shirts and helmets. Sasket carried a sword, whereas Zaria had a longbow. Sasket would be fighting on the front line with James, Randall and Steve. Zaria would be towards the back with the other archers, but in case she was attacked she wore a short sword at her side.

  ‘Well, I guess this is it,’ Randall commented. ‘The final battle!’

  ‘Yes it is, and in case I don’t get the chance later, I just want to say thanks.’ Sasket held out his hand to Randall, who grasped it instantly. Steve and James quickly followed suit, and even Zaria joined in. They were now standing in a circle their hands linking them all together in the centre.

  ‘It’s not us you need to thank,’ Steve told Sasket. ‘I think you’d have got to this point by yourselves.’

  Sasket grinned back. ‘But because of you, we got here quicker!’

  Before anyone else could say anything, the interior of the tent was suddenly lit by a bright flash from outside. The group quickly dropped hands and glanced uneasily at one another.

  ‘The first signal,’ Sasket murmured. ‘Three more and then we’ll need to get in position.’

  Silence once again reigned as they all turned to face the entrance and await the next few signals. They didn’t have to wait for long, as they came in quick succession. Once the fourth and final signal had pierced the slowly lightening sky, Sasket led them out. The five of them stood for a moment looking at their ultimate goal. On impulse, they quickly hugged one another, before Zaria went off to join the other archers and the men went down to the front line to become part of the infantry. People were emerging from all over and soon everyone was assembled with the camp at their backs, facing the walls of the city and the double gates through which the Baron was expected to appear with his army. The archers were at the rear, with the cavalry on the flanks. Between all of them was the infantry, and it was in this group that Randall, James and Steve stood side by side and waited. They didn’t look at one another, as all eyes were fastened on the gates and anticipation began to build.

  As the sun finally crested the horizon to the east, Zaria took a special arrow from her quiver and lit it from the torch that was being held for her. She notched it to her bowstring and then pulled it back as far as it would go. She aimed upwards and then let the string go. The burning arrow shot high into the sky and soared over everyone’s heads in a graceful arc. The final signal that everything was in place had been issued. It was time.

  Inside the city, Tomak and his friends saw the burning arrow and went into action. Those with fuses ran off to detonate their assigned barrel of gunpowder, whilst the archers quickly spread out ready to set fire to the specially selected areas of the city to drive the Baron in the right direction.

  The army outside waited anxiously, hoping that everything was about to go according to plan. A deafening roar suddenly split the air. The first barrel had exploded and it was soon followed by the others. All eyes were on the rising Citadel, waiting to see what would happen. At first, it seemed that everything had gone wrong as the Citadel appeared to be able to withstand the onslaught, but slowly, one of the outer walls began to crumble, and this set off a chain reaction. Soon, large parts of masonry were falling off. The waiting army began to cheer. Randall and Steve who were standing either side of James buffeted him on either shoulder, nearly knocking him over. Phase one had worked. Now they had to see if phase two would.

  The sound of hoof beats and running feet, as well as shouts and cries of alarm reached those waiting outside the walls. Smoke began to rise from within and the confidence of the waiting army grew. As the sounds got louder, approaching the still closed main gates of the city, the commanders of the rebel cause ordered everyone to prepare. As one, swords were drawn from sheaths, axes were wielded, and archers strung their bows and readied their arrows. What had just been a patiently waiting group of people had just turned into a deadly army ready to attack.

  All eyes were fastened on the gates, and as pandemonium broke out within the city, the gates began to open. The Baron’s mounted guard was first out, with the Baron at the centre of the group. At first, they were so intent on getting out of the city they didn’t realise what was waiting for them. It was the Baron who noticed and cried for everyone to stop. They all pulled their horses up short and gazed in horror at what was confronting them, but not for long. They were trained killers and after their initial hesitation they drew their weapons readying to attack. The army behind them fleeing on foot had more time to prepare and they already had their weapons drawn.

  The leaders of the rebel cause had waited long enough. ‘Attack!’ The cry went up along the massed ranks of their army and as they were suddenly released, everyone sprang forward eagerly, including Randall, James and Steve. In the heat of the moment all fear was forgotten. Adrenalin surged through the body creating its own crescendo and driving everyone towards their goal. A red mist descended and the only thought was to win the battle.

  The force of the attacking army, who with the advantage of surprise and they fact that they were charging downhill, drove the Baron’s army up against the walls of the city, effectively cornering them. To the two watchers up on the hillock, it looked as though the battle was going to be short and easily won. But appearances can be deceptive. Especially appearances from afar.

  * * *

  The morning seemed to arrive far too quickly for Abi. As Theldon shook her awake she could swear that she had only just gone to bed. Abi groaned as Theldon dragged the blankets back and the cold morning air hit her. ‘You have to get up,’ Theldon told Abi. ‘If you don’t, you won’t be ready in time, and that would be disastrous. Get ready and I’ll see you outside.’

  Abi sat up and nodded slowly. Today was the day. There were only two possible options for how this day was going to end. She was either going to kill the Baron and free the people of Trelyssia from a life of oppression, or she was going to fail miserably in the quest she had been brought here to complete and she was going to die, along with practically everyone who was on the side of the rebel cause.

  Abi struggled to pull about her the calmness that she had felt the previous night. Feeling at a total loss, she got up and looked around. Theldon had laid out what Abi was to wear today. The stiff leather trousers, the long, chain mail shirt, and the emerald green cloak. She pulled herself together and slowly got dressed trying to mentally prepare herself as she donned each item. Finally Abi was fully dressed. She shook her hair back, grasped it with both hands and quickly tied it in a ponytail. Lastly, she picked up the sword in its scabbard and fastened its belt around her waist. She took a deep breath and then pulled back the tent flap and stepped out to greet Theldon.

  He regarded her solemnly for a moment. ‘Yes,’ he nodded. ‘You almost certainly look the part, apart from one small detail.’ He quickly closed the gap between them, reached up and pulled out the ribbon that had been holding Abi’s
hair back.

  ‘Hey!’ Abi cried, clutching at her loose hair. ‘What did you do that for?’

  ‘You are called the Fiery Woman, and whilst in the main that refers to your temperament, it also refers to the fact that you are a redhead. By having your hair loose it shows much more clearly who you are, and we want the Baron to recognise you as soon as he sets eyes on you!’

  ‘Really?’ Abi was dubious. ‘Wouldn’t it be easier to sort of, sneak up on him?’

  ‘No,’ Theldon shook his head. ‘He will be too protected for you to do that. Once he sees you and knows you for what you are, he will come to you and the fight will truly begin.’

  Before Abi could reply the dark sky was suddenly illuminated.

  ‘The first signal!’ Theldon cried. ‘Quick, you haven’t much time. Get mounted!’

  Abi called her horse who had been calmly grazing nearby. With an ease of practice for which she was suddenly grateful, she mounted and settled herself on him. Abi made sure that the sword hung down loosely by her left side, and the cloak was draped over the horses rump, not hindering her. As she sat there, Abi suddenly knew what Theldon meant when he said that she looked the part. Theldon was walking away, and Abi quickly nudged the horse forward to follow him. He stopped at the edge of the tree line. ‘We’ll stay here,’ he said. ‘When it’s time, we’ll join the battle.’

  ‘When will that be?’

  Theldon looked up at Abi with an enigmatic smile. ‘You’ll know.’

  Abi shook her head, still not on board with the way this world operated, and nudged her horse further forward until they were beside Theldon. As she reached him, Abi felt the amulet grow warm, and suddenly she was locked in position unable to move, only able to watch what was happening below and she realised that she would know when it was time. When the amulet released Abi, allowed her forward, that was when the Baron and Abi would finally meet. Until then all she could do was watch the progress of the battle below.