He suspected that the war with his people was a subject discussed in their schooling, and most Dwarves probably knew the important parts of the lore. The fact that the one that gave him the name did not know the exact location was a problem, but he did know that it was in what was now in the west, south of the mountains. That was more than they had ever known before, which is how he had talked more of the clans into aiding them. The last attempt had been Raven clan, and a company or two from some of the other clans. That had been why the invasion failed; they had underestimated the humans, and had not had enough warriors. With nearly all of the clans agreeing to have a more direct involvement, and a significantly larger force they would succeed where Raven had failed.
Standing in the silent hall and reminiscing about how he had gotten to where he was, Veesha decided that his vision for the people was indeed the right one. He would do whatever it took to see that vision come to pass, even if that meant conspiring with would-be slaves; his deal with the human King coming to mind. The humans were nothing more than livestock, but he would swallow his disgust at having to allow some of them to think they were equals for as long as he needed them for his plans. Then he would put them all in their rightful place.
He turned away from the faded glory of the "Great Hall" and left the room in search of a scribe. He needed to send out messages to those that had tasks to perform before the actual invasion began. He would contact the human King and let him know that he wanted an update on the progress of his plan, and also tell him that he would be preparing to come through the Pass in two months time. While he did not trust Xavier, he did believe the humans greed would keep him focused until it no longer mattered.
CHAPTER FOUR
A Beautiful Day to Start an Adventure
"One of Captain Ward's men said they were Orcs, but I never saw them myself. I thought we could rest here for the night, get some food, and then I would try to figure out what to do in the morning. The rest you know." Alyssa took a sip of her wine when she was finished with her story, her hands trembling only slightly.
Meric could not help but be impressed all over again with this woman. After all she had been through, she was holding up surprisingly well. She glanced at him again, and then quickly went back to her wine, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"Eric Ward was a good soldier, a good man. He will be missed," James said after a few moments of silence.
"Right then." Brody flattened out his hands on the smooth wood of the table. "What's the plan?"
James took a slow look around the room, probably buying some time to think. The common room was basically empty now save themselves, Marian, and Will behind the bar. Everyone else having left or moved on to their rooms upstairs while the four of them had been talking. He stood and looked at Alyssa. "We will get you and the children to the barracks. I hate to have them go through any more hassle tonight, but without knowing who is after you or the whereabouts of this 'Weasel' character, I would rather have you surround by plenty of soldiers to protect you. Besides, best not to put the people here in any danger if it is avoidable."
Alyssa agreed, looking worried. "I am sorry," she said to Brody. "I never meant..."
Brody patted her hand. "Never mind that. No one was hurt and I'm glad you were here so we could help."
"Tomas should be back at any time with a few more men. When they get here we can go, my Lady," James informed Alyssa. There had been a look of recognition in his eyes when Alyssa introduced herself and when he found out who the girls were, he sent Will after his second in command with orders to bring some soldiers back to the inn.
Meric stood and looked at Alyssa. "Let's go get the girls up and moving?" He made it a question in case she did not want his help.
"Thank you," she said quietly and he followed her up.
The girls were so tired that they barely stirred as they were picked up. Alyssa carried Sara, and Meric held Teresa. By the time they got back down stairs, Tomas had arrived with ten other men. James made the decision to leave two of the soldiers at the inn to keep an eye on things, since Brody announced that he would be accompanying them to the garrison. He was now armed with his leather wrapped, single bladed war axe and had grabbed his shield.
The storm had passed while Alyssa was telling her story, with several large puddles the only sign left to show for it. The captain sent two men out to do a quick check of the area before the rest moved outside. With Alyssa and Meric in the center still carrying the girls and Brody at rear guard, the captain and his men scanned the dark alleyways with caution. Meric had never before thought about how close together the buildings were here, and realized that this town would be a nightmare for an invading force fighting in the streets. They made their way to the garrison in short order and with no further trouble.
Once inside they settled Alyssa and the girls down in James' quarters, which was the only private room in the barracks. James ordered the watch doubled and began preparing the details for a proper escort for Alyssa and the two royal guests he was now responsible for.
Meric judged that there was nothing else he and Brody could do and told James that they were leaving.
"Going back to the inn?" James asked.
"Brody is. I think I'll see if that weasel is still lurking about."
"I wish I could think of a good reason to talk you out of it, but you probably have a better chance of catching him than any of my men, and I would feel better knowing he was in custody."
"As will I. Most likely he was watching the inn and fled when he saw his men being arrested, but I will sleep better knowing he is not nearby waiting to try something else," Meric informed as he shook James' hand and turned to go.
He and Brody returned to the inn walking openly down the middle of the streets as though nothing was amiss. As soon as they entered, Meric went straight out through the back way and entered the shadows silent as a ghost. He knew if anyone was watching the back of the inn he would be noticed no matter how careful he was, but there were only a few places anyone could be watching from and he checked those carefully for any sign before moving on.
His stealthy mission brought back a flood of memories. Meric had begun his training as a soldier at the age of sixteen, but his father had been a scout turned forester and he had started teaching Meric the skills of a hunter and woodsman from the time he was five years old. After his family was killed by Orc invaders before the beginning of the war, he joined the army looking to become a scout. He wanted to be on the front lines to ensure he killed as many of the enemy as he could, but during his training he was found to possess an exceptional grasp of tactics as well as skill in combat that his superiors decided would make him good officer material. While his knowledge of woodcraft was already the equal to even some of the most skilled Royal Scouts and his ability with a bow was without peer, competent officers were more sorely needed. However, he never let his old skills diminish and was putting them to use right now.
For two hours he searched the areas surrounding the inn, the garrison, and the route in between. He found the spot that he was sure the weasel had watched the inn from, but lost the trail quickly where his quarry went up to the rooftops and vanished. He was thorough enough that he felt sure that the man had not stayed in the area, and assumed that he left town headed north as Alyssa and the princesses would have to take that direction on their way to Dallena.
There was still several hours left until dawn when he made his way back to the inn. He decided to get some rest and be at the garrison first thing so he could accompany the party on their journey. The thought of what those girls had to endure made him angry, and he had to force himself to calm down before he was able to rest. He held no particular loyalty to the Crown of Glendon, as he was born in the neighboring kingdom of Rennick and had served in her military proudly and with distinction. Honestly it would not have mattered if those girls were from the poorest farming family, he would do whatever he could to see them to safety. It also had nothing to do with a pair of beautiful green eyes, but he di
d not mind admitting to himself that he looked forward to seeing them again. He was still thinking of what supplies he should take and what he would tell Brody as he drifted off to sleep.
He woke almost two hours before the sky began to lighten, and decided to go ahead and get moving. After dressing and strapping on his sword and dagger, he grabbed his bow, quiver and pack as he headed out the door. He went quietly down the stairs and wended his way through the tables to the bar, where he found Brody already dressed for traveling and busy sorting enough supplies for two. He pushed a steaming cup of coffee and a plate of bread, cheese and ham across the bar to Meric as he grinned.
"Beautiful day to start an adventure my friend," Brody remarked and looked at Meric expectantly.
"You are entirely too cheerful for so early in the morning," Meric grumbled. "And what do plan to do about the 'Rest' while you're gone?"
"I talked to Bertrand last night, and he agreed to help out Marian for me. You didn't really think I'd let you go getting into trouble without me, did you?" He chuckled and sipped his coffee.
"The thought never crossed my mind, and you had better be careful or Bertrand might decide he regrets selling the inn to you in the first place."
Brody just grunted.
"What do you think the good Captain will say?" Meric asked halfway through wolfing down his food.
"He'll say thanks if he's smart."
"Which we both know he is." He watched Brody finish preparing wrapped packages as he ate the last of his breakfast. "Well, are you ready?" Meric asked, standing up from his stool and brushing crumbs from his pants.
"Aye, just need to top off your pack while I do the same and we can head out," he indicated a pile of wrapped packages of food and a skin of water.
Meric filled his pack with a little rearranging, and headed for the back of the inn and out to the stables. He quickly went about getting his horse, Ferron, out and saddled before moving to Brody's big bay and doing the same. Morgan, like Ferron was a highly trained destrier from the King of Rennick's personal stock. King Xavier was probably still fuming over their loss, and that thought just made Meric grin.
Brody came over from opening the gate and giving some final instructions to Will, who had just walked up rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. Seeing Meric's grin he stated "Now who's too cheerful?"
"I was just thinking about how Xavier must still be missing his warhorses," Meric countered, causing both men to chuckle at the memory of the day they left with the animals.
"Ahh... now that was a good day of adventure," Brody said as he swung up onto Morgan.
"Indeed. Be good Will." Meric tossed off a lazy wave at the boy as he led his palomino out of the gate following Brody. Will assured him that he would as he closed and barred the gate behind them.
Meric breathed in the cool air deeply as he and Brody headed slowly toward the garrison through the light morning fog. They rode at a leisurely pace and in easy silence, both lost in their own thoughts. A short time later Meric reigned in as they approached the gate to the compound and waited for the guard to open up for them. He and Brody both nodded to the man and headed for the barracks building.
Captain Bridgewater came out to stand at the top of the steps as they were climbing down from their horses. He looked at them with one eyebrow raised and a questioning look as he took in their gear and dress. The light from several torches leaving few shadows on his stern face.
"Going somewhere, boys?" he said straightening to his full height and resting his hands on his hips. The pose had intimidated many a soldier under his command, but was wasted on the two men before him. Brody was half a head taller and about fifty pounds of muscle heavier, not to mention he was formerly one of the toughest sergeants in the Rennick army and was used to dealing with officers of all shapes and sizes. Meric had himself had once been the youngest man in Rennick's recent history to attain the rank of Commander. Yes, it had initially been a field promotion due mostly to attrition, but he had kept the rank once infrastructure had been reestablished as his tactics had been the deciding factor in a few key battles.
"James," Brody called. "How are you this fine morning?"
"I would be better if I knew what you two are up to," he stated as his brow furrowed.
"We are here to offer our assistance, Captain. Before you say no... we are fully aware of the possible danger and will in no way hold you responsible for anything that might happen to us. We also agree to follow any orders you give," Meric said to cut off any possible argument. "You know we are capable, and you could use the extra sword arms."
Brody cleared his throat expectantly.
"And his hard head," Meric dead panned.
"Hey!" Brody complained. "This hard head's axe has saved your scrawny ass more than once."
"Okay, okay. Sword arm and axe arm," Meric corrected.
Brody nodded his head once sharply, and grunted an affirmative.
"I, for one, would be happy for all the help we can get." The three men all turned toward the voice from behind the captain to see Alyssa walking out the door and pulling her long dark tresses into a ponytail. She was smiling as she looked at them, dressed in the same slightly tattered green dress from the night before, she still looked better for having had some rest. Brody approached her carrying a spare pack he had brought along and held it out to her.
"Marian sent these, clothes for you and the little ones. They're used and nothing fancy, but clean and Marian said the sizes should be close enough to be comfortable. A set for now and a spare." He stepped back after she took the bag.
"I do not know what to say," she said, hugging the pack tight to her chest. "You both have done so much for us already."
"Nothing to say. We were able to help, and happy to do it." Meric replied, as Brody looked a little embarrassed. "Now, go get changed so we can get this party moving."
The smile she turned on them almost took Meric's breath away and he could see Brody and the captain stand a little straighter. She turned away to head back inside, stopping the girls as they were just coming out the door. James turned to the two men and nodded his head. "Glad to have you along, and thanks."
Brody grinned at Meric and then gave him a smug look. He was just about to ask James what they could do to help with preparations when there was a little bit of a commotion from the gate. As they turned, they saw two people on horseback being let into the yard.
"Bout time you got here!" Brody boomed loud enough to wake half the town. "We were going to leave your sorry souls behind."
Meric just shook his head in disbelief, as James looked up at the sky letting out a groan. "I am going to get hung for treason before this is over with." he mumbled.
CHAPTER FIVE
A Personnel Matter
The two riders coming into the yard both grinned widely at Meric as he continued to shake his head. The one on the left was a man with an athletic build and shoulder length hair so blond it was almost white and made him look much older than his thirty-five years from a distance. He was a few inches shorter than Meric's six foot one, with a bit less muscle mass. Meric knew that what Silas Tarrint lacked in size, he made up for in skill, speed, and ferocity. Two well-worn hilts protruded over each shoulder from a harness strapped over his leather armor and Meric knew they could both be out and put to deadly use quicker than a blink of the eye. The lines at the corner of the man's eyes were a testament to the fact that he almost always had a smile on his face.
His companion was laughing openly now as she looked at James and Meric. Malina Faber was slender and short, just barely coming up to Meric's shoulder. She had very short brown hair and dark brown eyes, and while not considered a great beauty, she was without doubt very appealing. She had such an open, honest personality that you could not help but want to be around her. She was also the best damn scout Meric had ever seen or even heard of, surpassing even her father in many ways, who was a legend in the Scouts. At just twenty-nine years of age, her skills were already renowned in the kingdom of
Rennick and that was after two plus years of exile. Like Meric, Brody and Silas she had been falsely accused of treason and was now infamous and considered a traitor to the crown due to Xavier's machinations.
"Brody... would you like to explain?" James asked, resignedly.
Brody flashed the captain a sheepish grin. "I may have invited some friends along on this trip, sir."
James looked at him as if he had taken leave of his senses. "I am taking a risk as it is with just you and Meric; do you want me to lose my commission?"
"Now, Captain," Brody tried to calm the man. "We're only here to help."
"Perhaps we can share a cell in Dallena?" James' hands tightened into fists of frustration.
"Captain? What is the problem?" Alyssa asked as she and the girls came out of the barracks.
"Nothing, my Lady. Just a personnel matter we had to get squared away," James quickly stated.
"Well, in that case, will you introduce me to the new members of our group?" she asked sweetly.
Meric stepped forward, giving James some time to collect himself. "Lady Alyssa, allow me to introduce Silas Tarrint and Malina Faber. Both possess skills we will find useful on our journey, and are happy to lend their services in this time of need."
Alyssa bowed her head graciously and thanked them for their assistance. She turned to James and informed him "We are ready captain."
He nodded, a pained look still on his face, and then whistled loudly to get the attention of his men. "Escort detail, assemble at the gate.
"We have a wagon for you and the children," James said, turning to face Alyssa. She smiled her thanks to him, and ushered the girls forward to where Meric was standing at the back of the somewhat weathered looking cart loaded with supplies. He looked at Sara and held his hands out to her.
"Are you ready?" he asked as she took his hands. She nodded shyly and he hoisted her up high above the wagon bed, causing her to squeal with delight as he set her down lightly on her feet. When he turned back, Teresa was already waiting with her arms outstretched and smiling. He deposited her in the same manner and the two children shuffled around the supplies to the front of the cart still giggling intermittently. As Meric turned back to Alyssa, she had an almost imperceptible smile on her face.
A Soldier's Honor: The Scepter of Maris: Book One Page 3