An Empire Forged

by Michael Greenfield

  “Agreed,” Periman looked at the assembled nobles, “and that means we need to get someone who the population in general will accept as the voice of authority.”

  “There’s really only one person we can turn to. Jerito.”

  “I don’t particularly like the man, but Kormick’s correct. The army will follow Jerito, that’s probably why he was exiled to Dorn.”

  “Gentleman, until the General is able to provide direct orders, I propose to send some of you to the outer garrisons. I’ll give instructions under my seal to begin moving toward Mid’gra.

  The message we received also tells us that the city us under effective lock-down, so it’s safe to say that the city garrison is backing Baridon. We’ll need to know what’s happening and we’ll need the outer garrisons in case we’re forced to do this the hard way.”

  Myriana looked on the verge of interrupting but Kormick saw her expression. “I know you need those armies, but we need control of the Kingdom before we can even begin to contemplate moving out to support your forces.

  Besides, we don’t even know if you’ve got control of your own armies yet?”

  Cal could clearly see the crestfallen expression on the young Queen’s face, and completely agreed with her, but he could also see Kormick’s point of view. He could also hear the other Lords mumbling agreement under their breath.

  “Then we need to send messengers to Boraan to find out the situation there, and we need to get a message to General Jerito.” The others looked toward him as he spoke, “Why not do both at the same time?”

  Periman looked intrigued, “Say on.”

  “Whoever we send to try and speak to Jerito, also takes a message for Collett. They’ll be passing through a port of some description; all they have to do is find a ship bound for Bor’a or Nibar’a. If they took some pigeons, they would be able to get a reply back to us quicker than waiting for another ship, the same as we did with the messages from Mid’gra.”

  Realising the company he was speaking to, Cal suddenly started to look embarrassed and started to utter an apology, but Kormick cut him off.

  “So obvious once someone says it.” He glanced at Periman, “What do you think?”

  “I think that you’re right. So obvious.

  I’ve pigeons at one of my holdings just west of Mid’gra.” He coughed uncomfortably, “I would point out that the holding is, strictly speaking, not mine, but I’m sure I can rely upon your discretion gentlemen.”

  “Strictly speaking?” Myriana was smiling as she asked.

  “I have found that upon the rare occasion it is sometimes better to have a location that the Excise people are unaware of.”

  Kormick threw back his head and laughed out loud. “We’re planning what is technically treason, as we still don’t know for definite that the King has been removed from the throne, and you’re worried about whether we hand you in for a little smuggling?”

  “It is a bit silly isn’t it?” He looked toward the other men in the group, “Gentlemen, if you would be so good as to go and get the rest of the army, I’ll take Kormick, Astridson and our two friends from Boraan to my little hideaway, where we can instigate more mischief for our esteemed Chancellor.” Abruptly realising that he wasn’t talking to a group of his factors, he looked quickly to Kormick.

  “If my Duke agrees?”

  Kormick was still smiling, “I would have ordered exactly the same, so I think we are in agreement.” He paused a second, “I think that it needs to be one of us that travels to Dorn.

  Cal, you seem to be getting dragged into all sorts of mayhem that you hadn’t planned for.” Cal started to object, but Myriana cut him off.

  “My Uncle’s right. Hardly any of our enemies no you by sight, and those that do are either in Mid’gra itself, or north of the mountains around Churek.

  I can’t go, obviously, and uncle Kormick is too well known to be able to pass un-noticed. Not trying to sound offensive good Master,” she winked at Periman, “but I doubt you would be able to outrun any pursuit should the need arise.”

  Periman grinned in return, “It’s been a while since I’ve had to run anywhere, one of the nice things about being successful. Nowadays I get others to run for me.”

  Cal nodded once in acceptance, even if he didn’t like it. “I would like to make something quite clear before we start.

  If I’m the one who has to travel to Dorn then I’ll be holding the two of you,” he indicated Kormick and Periman, “personally responsible for the safety of Her Majesty. Collett would have a fit if he knew I was even contemplating leaving her.”

  “Understood Cal.” Kormick turned to his niece, “I guess we have another message to write.”

  “We?” Myriana looked slightly confused this time.

  “If we affix both my signet seal and yours, Jerito will have to come and at least meet with us, his own curiosity would allow nothing less.”

  They all laughed at the Duke’s obvious attempt to lighten the mood.

  The evening meal had been eaten in near silence, with Myriana and the Duke both absent. Cal had kept his own council, and no-one had seen fit to disturb him. He’d excused himself early and headed to bed, but sleep had been difficult coming. His thoughts were racing as he contemplated the task ahead of him. He knew the trust the others were showing in him, but he was struggling to find the same trust himself.

  Yes, he’d travelled over half the continent in his search to rescue Myriana, but every step of the way he had always had someone he could fall back on when tough decisions needed to be made. This time he would be on his own.

  Eventually sleep did come, but it was troubled, and he wasn’t truly rested when he awoke the next morning. He packed his things into his travel bag once he’d washed, then headed to the dining hall where he was surprised to see that he wasn’t the first for once.

  Kormick and Periman were both sat discussing something as he walked in, and both nodded their greeting when they saw him.

  “Good morning Cal,” Kormick rose as he approached and pulled out the chair next to his own, indicating for Cal to take it. “We were hoping to catch you before the others awoke.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes.” Sitting back down, Kormick continued, “We need to discuss your plans for once you reach Ren.”

  Cal smiled slightly, “I was hoping you’d tell me where the General’s staying. I don’t fancy searching the entire town.

  Periman snorted, nearly losing the fruit juice he had been sipping. Recovering, he replied, “That’s not quite what we meant.

  We’re pretty certain that Baridon will have Jerito’s residence watched, and that they’ll have certain instructions for any unknown person making a sudden visit… and yes, we will tell you where he’s staying.”

  Cal grinned, “Well that’s one thing off my mind.”

  “I’d be very surprised if you’re allowed to make a nice casual walk to the docks to catch a ship back here again.”

  “Then we’ll just have to hope I haven’t wasted my time practicing with my sword.”

  Kormick clapped him on the shoulder, “You’ll do.

  And as for my niece, believe me when I say that if any harm comes to her, it will be because Periman and myself are both dead.”

  “I know.”

  Reports

  The ride had been a hard one, but Edir and the three brothers were finally within sight of the Leefs’elm army’s camp. The smoke had been visible for several hours, but now they could actually see the beginning of the tent sea spread out on the plain just to the west of the vast inland sea known to all as the Deeps.

  Maargsson had sent messages via ship to Collett informing him that they would wait for his signal here, before moving to combine their two armies.

  South of the mines they had seen no sign of the J’dar, confirming to them that whatever they were up to, it was confined to that area. Even so, they had taken a cautious route direct through the mountains, using trails that probably hadn’t seen more
than one or two travellers in the last twenty years.

  Edir held her hand up for them to hold for a moment. “Tarron, ride ahead and make sure the guards are awake. I don’t want to be stuck with an arrow from one of our own.”

  Tarron grunted an inaudible reply, though Golt, who was closer, had to stifle a giggle. Edir ignored them and allowed her gaze to wander out to the body of water they would be camping by.

  It was only a few minutes before Tarron returned, grinning as he rode back up to them. “No need to worry, the guards are awake.

  They’d all been instructed to keep an eye out for us and let His Majesty know as soon as we re-appeared. At least that means there’s a reasonable chance of hot food and cold drink being ready by the time we get to his tent.”

  “I wouldn’t bet on that.” Reglan turned an amused eye on his younger brother, “More likely Maargsson will have us standing around a bloody map table all night telling him all the things that we have no idea of the meaning for.”

  Edir encouraged her mount to move on, “There’s only one way we’ll find out which of you is right gentlemen and sitting around here all night isn’t that way.”

  There was some light-hearted grumbling from behind her, but all four started toward the main camp.

  The guards that they met a short distance out directed them toward the centre, where Maargsson had set his tent. It was more of a marquee than a simple tent as the Helmer king liked to have everything he needed close to hand. This extended from easy access to his generals, through to having an area at the back of the marquee where food for everyone in the tent was prepared.

  In fairness, Edir thought Tarron had a good chance of being right in his hope that they would have food and drink ready for them. For all his bad habits, the King did like to make sure his men were well kept when they were out in the field. He would also like to make sure that the four of them didn’t have any excuse to try and leave before they had passed on all their information.

  They dismounted a short distance away, leaving their mounts with one of the multitude of stalls set up though the camp for looking after the horses of the army. When they reached the entrance the guards on duty outside both stood aside immediately, allowing them access.

  Inside was lit, but the shape of the tent made for odd shadows here and there. The interior was split into several areas, one of which Edir knew to be Maargsson’s sleeping quarters, but they were directed straight through the first partition into what was obviously his war room.

  Maargsson himself stood by the central table, conferring with one of his generals. Neither of them was looking at the trio of maps spread out before them, but where instead staring expectantly toward the curtain they had just passed through.

  “It’s about time, what took you?”

  Edir smiled, but Reglan couldn’t resist a response. “Well we took the scenic route. Couple of weeks into the mountains, a bit of cave exploring, dodging the occasional band of bloodthirsty bandits.”

  Maargsson let rip a loud, full bodied laugh. The general at his side looking horrified stepped forward, “How dare you speak that way to His Majesty!”

  It was the King himself who held up a hand to stop his tirade.

  “Don’t worry Vorn, these boys have done enough to be able to say what they think when they want to. As long as I don’t catch that one gambling.” He pointed straight at Reglan, who just grinned impudently.

  “You haven’t caught me yet.”

  “Gentlemen, Lady Edir, this is Vorn, our General of the Southern Reach. I don’t think you’ve actually met before, but I’m sure you know each other’s reputations.”

  Indeed, Edit did know Vorn’s reputation. He had spent the last few years ensuring that the Shaler never came very far north from their traditional holdings in northern Boraan. He was reputed to be very competent and the results backed up that claim.

  “General, this is Edir and the brothers Reglan, Tarron and Golt.”

  “Ah, yes. I’ve heard of the brothers, and yourself my Lady.” He performed a semi-mocking half bow.

  “Enough of all the niceties, what did you learn during your scenic little trip?”

  Edir stepped forward toward the map table. She glanced at the uppermost map and quickly discarded it, pulling forward the one that covered the area they had seen the J’dar in.

  “Here, east of Skellarsgate. That’s were we found the J’dar concentrated.”

  “What of the garrison at the fort? Didn’t they send anyone to raise the alarm?” Vorn took a step forward to stand beside Edir as she pointed to the map.

  “There’s no-one left at the fort. When we arrived, they had already been slaughtered.”

  “But there were two hundred men there.”

  “There were.” She pointed to place up the pass where they had left the trail and started up over the mountain. “We found lots of tracks around here, and followed the main grouping north, toward this valley.

  I note that on the map it’s marked as plain, and I’m guessing no-ones bothered looking at it closely.”

  “Why would they?”

  “Because, if they had they would have discovered what look to be old dwarven mines.”

  Maargsson’s head snapped up from observing the map at that, “Dwarf mines. There are no records of the dwarves living this far north.”

  “We need to speak to one of the dwarves, see if they have any record of their kind living in the mountains to the north. All I’ve heard of is the steadings to the west of where we’re stood now.”

  “I agree, but it will take weeks to get a message to Dwarfhome, and then as long for the reply to reach us.” The King slammed his palm down onto the table in frustration.

  “Maybe not Sire.” It was Golt who spoke, “I happened to talk with Dorrin whilst he was at Talek. He recounted some of the things that had happened to them, and one of the things he mentioned was that Vorston of Wendall’s Clan was travelling with them.”

  Edir looked at him in surprise, “You know Dorrin?”

  “We met a couple of times when I was part of Lord Drol’s trade mission the year before last.”

  “Oh, weren’t you supposed to be finding out what the construction on the west coast was all about?”

  “I thought getting Dorrin drunk would yield results. Turns out we both just got drunk.”

  Edir shook her head, undecided whether to laugh, or clip the heavyset brother round the back of the head. “If that’s true, then the information we need is possibly heading toward us as we speak.”

  Vorn nodded, smiling as he did. “We might want to send some riders toward Collett and appraise them of what we’ve learnt.

  Even if Vorston doesn’t know anything specific it would give him a chance to try and get his own messages to someone who might know what’s going on.”

  Maargsson motioned toward one of the junior officers who were hanging about in the gloom toward the back of the room.

  “Majesty?”

  “I want riders ready to set out toward Holdur first thing tomorrow morning. Each is to have an escort of a half dozen warriors to keep them safe.

  Even if everything has gone as Collett planned, they’ll still have to make their way through the J’dar to reach the Boraan army. We’ll have the details of the information we require ready for them before they leave.”

  “Yes Majesty.”

  Before the man could turn and head off to find someone to send, he was stopped by Edir’s voice.

  “Easier if someone they know were to bring them the news.”

  “Oh?” The answer came from Maargsson, but the expressions on the faces of the three brothers showed they clearly knew what she was about to suggest.

  “It would appear that Golt knows Dorrin, and so do I. If we meet with any difficulties, we give ourselves a fifty/fifty chance that someone he knows will deliver the message.”

  Reglan groaned as he shook his head, “Go on then, what time do we leave?”

  “Why, first light of course.�
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  Vorn leant forward, “It does make sense Majesty.”

  Maargsson grinned, “Guess you’re not gambling tonight Reglan.”

  The four of them left the tent, a pained look on Reglan’s face. “Who keeps telling him I’m gambling.”

  Having fun

  Aaron Helding had joined the Rangers over ten years before. He had been just short of his twentieth birthday on the day he had stood before his new Commander, though he would have been surprised to discover that Farsighter remembered the day almost as clearly as he did himself.

  Now, he was considered one of the most efficient and deadly members of the small grouping of the Kingdom’s best warriors. He would have agreed whole-heartedly with Commander Collett in the assessment that they were not the best ‘soldiers’, as soldiers were taught to obey their officers and only question the more ridiculous commands.

  Rangers were taught to question everything. If they thought they knew a better way of doing something, they spoke up. Then the new idea was considered and either accepted or rejected depending upon its merits. Perversely, this never caused any rancour between the officers and the ranks. Something many regular officers couldn’t understand was how this seemed to bond the Rangers together even tighter.

  In this particular case they didn’t have to worry about deciding which plan was the better. The instructions had been simple before they left Riversmeet, go and cause trouble. That was something they all knew how to do.

  They had left the fort in groups of eight but once they had penetrated the lengthy line held by the J’dar they had split into units of just four.

  Helding was the senior amongst his group of four, and he was currently lying beneath a small bush in a shallow depression just below its lower branches.

  Beside him, his long-time friend Marcus Lend lay also. They had joined at the same time and had formed a solid bond during training that meant that today they hardly needed to speak to know what each other was thinking. Although occasionally they did need to say something.