Cassus grinned. “You’re a much better fighter than Jonrell.”
Kroke smiled. “That I am.”
The door smashed inward, bits of wood flying off in countless directions as men pushed inside. Cassus and Kroke stood side-by-side at the doorway, ready to meet them all.
Chapter 31
Soldiers huffed to either side of Yanasi, metal armor clanging with each step as she rode among the loose ranks. She had been pushing them hard through the night with dawn ready to break at any moment. Under normal circumstances she would never have dreamed of keeping such a brutal pace before battle.
But these aren’t normal circumstances.
Her black, long bow hung off one shoulder. She squeezed the wooden shaft, finding comfort in the familiar smooth surface, easing her anxiety.
Calm down. Kroke and Cassus can do this. You can do this.
A lone horsemen crested a nearby hill, galloping down toward the army’s front lines. Yanasi recognized Rygar immediately. He rode low and hunched in the saddle, slapping the reins with each stride, urging his mount faster. A part of her wanted to kill him for riding so recklessly at night. But then again, the other part couldn’t wait to hear the news he brought.
She spurred her mount and met Rygar ahead of the troops.
“There’s panic on the walls near the gatehouse,” he said. “I couldn’t make out all the details with just torchlight, but I saw enough to know that whatever is going on, it isn’t normal.”
“And the gate?”
“Still up when I left.”
“So we don’t know if they were successful.”
“Not yet.”
But they made it that far.
She spun her mount around, and called out orders to pick up pace. Officers relayed the message further down the lines. Her troops complied without a word.
No one wants to waste the energy.
They reached the hill moments later. Yanasi crested the rise first and paused. Her stomach clenched as the walls of Lyrosene came into view just as the night sky began to lighten.
Please be down.
Sure enough, the gate to the city stood open, the portcullis raised.
One Above, they did it.
Her eyes drifted to the walls where hundreds waited to welcome them. She saw soldiers disappearing near the gatehouse.
Crap. They’re forming ranks to plug up the gate. We need to get there before they dig in.
She wheeled in the saddle, yelling orders to attack.
Cassus and Kroke can’t hold forever.
“One Above, move it! I want that gatehouse taken,” she yelled as men sprinted past her, tired faces finding life with their goal in sight.
* * *
Elyse had ridden at the back of her army, silently marveling at the pace her men kept. She felt tired just watching them break into a run at their general’s commands.
Yanasi disappeared over the hill with a tide of infantry.
Elyse kicked her mount forward. Her personal guards followed.
The last of her army cleared the rise just before Elyse reached the top. What she saw brought her relief.
Thank the One Above, they did it.
Lyrosene’s gate stood open and her army swarmed inside. Many of those waiting to enter the city, loosed arrows at the defenders on the wall. Others held shields overhead for protection.
Elyse marveled at the comparative discipline of her army to those of the city’s defenders. Both sides took losses, but it quickly became apparent whose troops were the more seasoned. With dawn approaching, she raised a spyglass and squinted. Despite their tiredness and the seemingly chaotic state, her army maintained discipline while the defenders on the wall rushed around in panic.
Elyse ignored the din of battle, metal crashing, stone scraping, and voices cursing. Instead, she watched her army flow up onto the battlements. She expected the defenders to dig in like her army did so many times when guarding the High Pass. However, the soldiers at Lyrosene did nothing of the sort. Men fought furiously at first, but within a matter of moments were overwhelmed. Defenders already engaged died swiftly while those in the rear threw down weapons and raised hands.
Her officers accepted each man’s surrender without hesitation.
No sign of Gauge. Or the scepter.
Elyse moved the spyglass away from the walls and down to the gate. She couldn’t believe the walls had been taken with half of her army still outside the city. Yanasi was amongst those still clamoring inside. Rygar, on the other hand, rode back toward Elyse.
She lowered the spyglass and trotted forward until she met him.
“I never thought it would happen so fast,” Elyse called.
Rygar slowed his approach. “We have better numbers, more experience, and better leadership. With the gates open, they lost one of their few advantages.”
“Is Yanasi ready to take the palace?”
“Not right away. She wants to secure the wall and regroup before pursuing Gauge.”
“No. Tell her to split her forces. Keep half at the wall under someone she trusts. She is to lead the rest to the palace immediately.”
“But the power of the scepter—?” began Rygar.
“Is likely a bluff.”
“What?”
“If Gauge or someone he trusted could tap into the power of the scepter, they wouldn’t have let our army enter the city. In truth, they would never have let the gatehouse be taken. The fact that we not only won, but did so with ease, makes me think that Gauge hoped to do nothing more than play on my fears of the scepter while he marshaled his own forces.” She paused. “We got here before he was able to fully consolidate an army. He’d be a fool not to run. Now, go! He can’t get away.”
* * *
Yanasi finally made it into the city, shouting orders to her captains as she dismounted and entered the gatehouse. She ran up the stairs, stopped on the second landing, and hugged a nearby wall to get out of the way as her men dragged bodies outside a doorway leading to the gate’s mechanism.
“What in the name of the One Above happened?” she asked.
A private looked up, out of breath and startled by her voice. “There’s dozens of them, General. Bodies stacked almost chest high in front of the door that controls the gate. We had to move these just to get to it.”
“Is either Kroke or Cassus in there?”
The private smiled. “Yes, Ma’am. A few cuts and bruises, but they’re alive.”
Thank the One Above. A thought struck her.
“What about Niken or Geran?”
The private lowered his eyes. “Not here. Kroke said they were likely dead.”
Yanasi sighed.
A familiar voice caught her attention.
“If you make me fall, I’m going to kill you next, Cassus.”
“Don’t get mad at me. This is mostly your handy work.”
“You killed your share. The problem is you’ve let your boots go to crap while you were off with them Byzernians. You’re too cheap to get a better pair. You don’t see me losing my footing.”
Yanasi’s heart warmed at the familiar sound of friends bickering. She stepped by the private and looked inside the doorway. Cassus had Kroke by the arm to steady himself as they walked over the blood-slicked stone.
She rushed in and grabbed both, hugging them before either had a chance to notice her.
“One Above, I’m glad you’re both alright.”
“The same goes for you,” said Kroke. “Where’s Rygar?”
Yanasi noticed the concern in his voice. “I sent him back to Elyse until we gave the signal that it was safe for her to enter the city. The last thing I want is for her to get struck by some idiot with a crossbow.”
“Good call,” said Cassus.
“Yanasi!” Rygar appeared in the doorway.
“What are you doing here? I wanted you to stay with Elyse.”
“She sent me back. She wants you to leave someone in charge here and then push on with half the army
to the palace. She’s worried Gauge will flee in all the excitement.”
“Flee? When he has the scepter?” asked Cassus.
“Elyse thinks Gauge was bluffing. She said that if he was going to use it, he likely would have by now.”
Yanasi released Kroke and Cassus. “I need to go.”
“Wait,” said Kroke. “Do you have mounts outside?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Me and Cassus will need them.”
“What for?” asked Cassus.
“Elyse is probably right,” said Kroke. “I was around Gauge enough to know that he liked having whatever power he could grab. He might not even have the scepter for all we know. It will take the army too long to organize for a push to the palace. You and I need to ride ahead before he escapes.”
“No,” said Yanasi. “I have other plans for you.”
* * *
Yanasi rushed down the stairs, yelling orders. She put one of her captains in charge of the wall and quickly formed up ranks to lead into the city.
She assigned a cavalry unit to Cassus, Kroke, and Rygar and sent them to the city’s other gates. Yanasi hated separating them from her, but she worried that Gauge had already evacuated the palace and was looking for a way out the city.
Heavy breathing and heavier footsteps filled her ears as soldiers sped down Lyrosene’s main thoroughfare. Yanasi had been in such a rush to get moving that she hadn’t had a chance to consider what she would do once she reached the palace. She thought about all she knew of Gauge.
He’s smart and obviously deceptive to have fooled so many for so long. Kroke and Elyse think he might not be able to use the scepter, but I can’t count on that. He might be hesitant, but the more time I give him to think about using it, the more likely he will. Better to get in fast and keep him off balance.
Yanasi started working out the details of how to assault the palace walls as she passed a local brewery still closed from the night before. She made several turns, passing unlit forges, a silent marketplace, and smokeless chimneys. If she didn’t know any better, she might have thought Lyrosene abandoned.
No one wants to draw attention to themselves at a time like this.
After another quick turn which brought her to the palace’s gates, Yanasi came to a halt, signaling her troops to do the same. The gates stood open. Three men blocked her path.
Two wore the attire of Royal Guards and were armed with long spears. They flanked the third man, a short, trollish figure dressed in rich reds and vibrant yellows. Thick black curls bounced atop the noble’s head as he raised his hands in peace.
She recognized Illyan immediately.
He smiled. “I take it from that look, you remember me. It's General Yanasi now, isn’t it?”
“How would you know that?
The man’s smile grew wider. “I’m well informed. It’s what I do. For instance, I’ve already received word that you now control the city’s walls. I also know that the queen is remaining outside of the city until given the signal that all is clear. A wise move, I might add.” He paused. “Now, I presume that you are here to capture Gauge before he escapes, correct?”
A moment of silence passed as Yanasi reminded herself that Elyse’s opinion of Illyan had changed during last year’s campaign.
“Yes,” said Yanasi.
“Good. Then follow me and I’ll take you to him.”
“You already have him in custody?”
“Not quite. It’s . . . complicated. I’ll explain on the way, but we really must be going.”
Yanasi ordered some officers to follow her with their units while others secured the palace’s perimeter. She called up her mages, led by Janik, Lufflin, and Nora to flank her.
Illyan grunted in what seemed like approval. He spun on his heels and led them through the outer courtyard and inside the palace.
During their trek, Illyan explained that enough guards had remained loyal to the queen for him to mount an offensive against Gauge. It had taken him months to organize them without drawing notice.
They attacked Gauge’s supporters as she stormed Lyrosene’s gate.
“Why haven’t you captured Gauge then? You seem to have the palace under your control.” Yanasi asked, noticing an eerie stillness that preceded them.
Illyan’s deep voice echoed off the marble walls and floors of the long hallway. He made no effort to whisper. “As I said, it’s . . . complicated.”
“Why?”
“Because many of the guards I gathered to the queen’s cause remember the grisly scene here after High Mage Nareash’s last use of the scepter. As someone who grew up in a life of war, I’m sure you have seen your fair share of horrors, but I’d wager, it would have given even you nightmares. What do you think happens to those unaccustomed to such things?”
They hesitate.
“Where is Gauge now?”
“Cornered in the east wing. That’s where I’m taking you.”
Illyan led them past the kitchens and servants’ quarters. All the while their pounding boots reverberated off the high ceilings. He stopped when they reached a small force of seven guardsmen crouched at the entrance to the east wing. Two of the seven bore wounds, though none looked fatal. All wore frightened and tired expressions.
“What’s happened?” asked Illyan.
“We tried twice to push ahead, hoping to take one room at a time, but they have a black-robed mage with them who set traps on the doors. We’ve lost six men in the process of checking them,” said one of the guardsmen.
“You waited too long,” said Yanasi. “They’re probably all like that. Who else is in there with Gauge besides the black-robed mage?”
“Two yellows and a half dozen guards.”
“Then why haven’t they attacked you?”
“I don’t think they realize we are so few. We really took them by surprise. What do you want us to do next?” asked the guard.
“Stand down,” said Yanasi. “You’ve done your part. We’ll handle this now.”
I hope.
She faced the mages at her sides. “Nora. Get a defensive shield around all of us. Lufflin and Janik, you’ll both be checking the doors we pass. Make sure all the traps are triggered and there is nothing behind them. I don’t want any surprises.” She looked at the three yellow-robed mages behind them. “The rest of you stay on your toes.”
Yanasi waited until Nora nodded she was ready. Then she guided them down the hall. Her troops followed several paces behind.
Lufflin and Janick worked well together, negating all traps previously set at each door. They made it all the way to the far end of the east wing before discovering the room Gauge had holed himself in.
The council chambers. Of course.
Yanasi paused fifty feet from the closed double doors. “Do you any of you feel anything?” she asked.
Nora answered. “They’re ready for us.”
“With something big,” said Lufflin.
“But anything out of the ordinary? Like the scepter?” asked Yanasi.
Janik shook his head. “If they’re using it, then they’ve discovered a way to mask the power it can draw in.”
“Is that even possible?”
Janik shrugged. “I really don’t know, General.”
“Amcaro never told us much about the scepter. I think he was afraid of what might happen,” added Lufflin.
Figures.
“Too bad Krytien isn’t here just in case,” snorted Nora.
Yes, too bad.
Yanasi chose not to address the comment out loud. “Nora, your role is to continue maintaining our defense. Janik, I want that black-robed mage taken out right away.”
“By myself?”
“Krytien told me you were ready for your black robes. Now is the chance to prove it. Lufflin, I want you to take out the two yellows.” She looked to the yellow-robed mages behind Nora, Lufflin, and Janik. “Support Nora where she needs it and eliminate the threat of Gauge’s guards. Everyone understand?”
“What’s that for, General?” Nora asked.
“Someone has to take out Gauge.” Easier said than done. “Lufflin, when I give you the signal, blast those doors apart. Janik and Nora, get up next to Lufflin. You three will lead the way. I’ll be right on your heels. Everyone else behind me. Remember, we have to move in fast.”
Ten heartbeats later when her mages had readied themselves, she signaled Lufflin forward. He separated himself by five paces, then brought his hands to his chest. Yanasi couldn’t see much except a pulsing red glow over the mage’s shoulder. Her nervous sweat intensified as the temperature in the hallway grew warmer.
The shirt under her mail clung to her skin. The air thinned. Lufflin thrust his arms forward and a streaking ball of orange and red flame raced toward the door.
A boom sounded at impact. Splinters of wood and gouts of flame flew outward, bouncing into the shields Nora had erected. The concussive force staggered Yanasi. Blinding smoke funneled into the hallway.
Focus.
“Go,” she shouted, barely hearing her own voice over the ringing in her ears. They rushed forward.
Tendrils of white and blue light arced through the doorway, crashing into Nora’s shields. Fire came next as Yanasi reached the door to the council chambers a step behind Janik and Lufflin.
The flames dissipated quickly and smoke rose toward the chamber’s high windows.
Yanasi quickly scanned the room. Three mages, one black and two yellow, stood at the round chamber’s center, protecting Gauge who crouched behind them. Guards stood in front of and behind the marble half wall encircling the drab space. All carried sword and shield.
She drew her bow, aimed, and loosed. The arrow sailed across the room, bursting apart as sorcery erupted once more. The force of the attack threw her backward into the hallway where her soldiers waited behind Nora’s protective barrier.
Yanasi instinctively rolled to her knees, grimacing.
Looking into the chamber, a conflagration of sorcery from both sides filled the space. The assault of light and fire blinded her to any of the details inside.
Can’t wait for it to clear again. And too many will die if I just order everyone to swarm inside.
Trial And Glory (Book 3) Page 35