by Martin Ash
‘This is a strange tale,’ observed Gully drily.
‘Aye, and it’s but the half of it. But I see there’s activity at the blue pavilion.’
They peered across the field to the great tent, now lit by bright sunshine. Sure enough, figures were emerging. Sildemund thought he recognized Prince Enlos among them. Dinbig was nodding to himself. ‘I would guess that a decision has been made.’
XXII
A squad of Darch guards tramped across from the blue pavilion to where Sildemund, Gully and Dinbig waited. Dinbig rose to greet them.
‘Ah, good men, I see by your faces that you are the bearers of bright good news! We’re to be released, is that not so? Given full and proper recompense for the inconveniences we’ve suffered, and set upon our way with a full military escort to protect us through these wild and dangerous lands! This is welcome news indeed! Worthy of celebration!’ He turned to Sildemund and Gully, grinning broadly, his arms spread. ‘Come, let’s gather our belongings and be off!’
The captain of the guard addressed him tersely, without humour. ‘You are requested to report to Prince Enlos forthwith – sir. And you two…’ he looked at Sildemund and Gully, ‘make ready to move.’
‘Where are we being taken?’ Sildemund asked.
The soldier ignored him and strode across to confer with the guards around Sildemund’s tent.
‘My good man,’ said Dinbig, stepping over to him. ‘My young friend here has just asked you a question. Have the courtesy to answer him, would you?’
The captain turned slowly, straightening, with a sour expression. Dinbig returned him a smile of airy goodwill. ‘His enquiry was perfectly reasonable under the circumstances, was it not?’
The captain wrestled for a moment with his thoughts, then the challenge faded from his eyes. ‘I have not been told where you are to be taken,’ he said to Sildemund. ‘Merely that you are to be ready to leave.’
He scowled at Dinbig but was unable to hold the Khimmurian’s gaze.
‘Thank you, sir,’ said Dinbig. ‘That’s all that was required of you.’
He grasped the captain’s arm conspiratorially, and steered him away, out of earshot of his fellow soldiers. ‘I trust you will take it upon yourself to ensure the wellbeing of my friends while they rest under your aegis?’
The captain thrust forward his chin. ‘I follow the orders of my superiors.’
‘Quite so, and quite proper. However, remember, I am a sorcerer. It would not please me to learn of the mistreatment of those who I hold in high regard.’
The firmness left the captain’s jaw. He eyed the Khimmurian with unease.
Dinbig leaned closer to his ear. ‘A hex upon any who offend me is a simple matter. The Chant of Perpetuity’s Itch, for instance. Or Rutholt’s Curse of Flaccidity. Even graver: an Assignment of a Tormenting Vapour; an Insidiate Discomfort; a Visitation of the Qinkule or even a Notule of Scampering Dementia. The possibilities are virtually without limit.’
Dinbig lifted a hand and performed a complex gesture with his fingers. The captain took a sharp step back, concern upon his face. Dinbig gave a broad smile. ‘Do not fear, captain. I jest only. Unless sorely tried, I would not do these things - though I am able. Go about your business now, in your best manner, without worry and with my blessing.’
He turned, still smiling, and nodded to Sildemund, then made off across the field to locate Prince Enlos.
Sildemund and Gully gathered and packed their few belongings. Their guards dismantled their tent and took it away. Their horses were brought and tethered close by. Across the encampment there were signs of activity. Masked Darch knights had formed up on horseback outside the white pavilion where Queen Lermeone waited. Others attended Prince Enlos’s command tent and the tents of the Supreme Haruspices. Closer by, Sildemund saw Picadus seated glumly on the ground, watched by guards. He waved, but Pic’s eyes were on the earth before him.
Perhaps an hour passed, and then Dinbig returned. He pushed between the guards and squatted at Sildemund’s side. His air of levity had gone. ‘It’s as I’d thought. King Lalvi was persuaded as to the urgency of the matter. He has given his permission for a company of limited number to enter Garsh. We will be among that number. The next step is to persuade the Revenants to grant us access. They will be suspicious.’
Sildemund felt a crawling nervousness in his gut. He ran a hand over his satchel. ‘The time when I can relinquish this hateful stone must be almost upon us. When I do I shall also be signalling the end of my relevance in this affair. Gully, Pic and myself will no longer be of account. Our lives will be forfeit.’
The Khimmurian’s face was sombre, but he made no immediate comment. Sildemund looked at the sky, then back. ‘And yours, Dinbig? You share the same knowledge as us, but are you condemned to the same fate? I don’t believe so.’
‘You’re correct in that. Much as they would like to be rid of me, they can’t. I’m too important. Darch won’t risk the loss of trade with Khimmur and the northern nations, nor the hostility of Khimmur which my death as a foreign emissary would incur. Wealth is power, my friend. In this world it is everything. Remember that, should you live beyond this day. All laws may be broken by wealthy and powerful folk, if they know how to use such wealth and power. It’s a fact, nothing more nor less. You may not like it, but to deny it is as foolish as denying that you stand here now. Poverty holds no virtue, and let no scoundrel persuade you otherwise. It is merely a gateway to servitude. And our world will remain that way until the sun rises on a day when all wealth may willingly and in equal measure be distributed among all folk, everywhere. That would be a blessed day, and, alas, that day is never, as long as humans walk this earth.’
Sildemund eyed him for a moment, contemplating his words, then said, ‘Might you not be susceptible to “accident”?’
‘Indeed, upon the road, far from Darch – for they wouldn’t risk it within their own borders. I will need my wits about me. But I think it unlikely that the Haruspices will go to such lengths. The road is perilous, anyway. I’m cautious, experienced, and accompanied by good and trustworthy men. What is one more hazard among the many? And besides, I am Zan-Chassin.’
Sildemund nodded. The powers of the Zan-Chassin were the subject of much debate, and few would willingly subject themselves to their unwanted attentions. The attitude of the captain of the guard an hour earlier had provided perfect testament to the power of their reputation.
‘However,’ Dinbig added, ‘I shall nevertheless sleep with one eye open.’
Sildemund took a deep breath, then said in a low voice, ‘I’m going to take you into my confidence. We intend to escape.’
‘Good.’
‘Will you help us?’
‘If I can. What is your plan?’
‘We have none.’
‘Ah. An unfortunate omission, but not entirely surprising.’ Dinbig scratched his whiskers and stretched his jaw. ‘Your chances of success are remote.’
‘They’re no worse than the prospects already facing us.’
Dinbig kneaded his chin pensively. ‘Do as you think best. For my part, I would do nothing before we’ve entered Garsh – if we do. I don’t think there will be any opportunity before that.’
‘And inside?’
‘Who knows? Anything could ensue. There will be interesting exchanges, that much I can guarantee. But for you… you’re surrounded by enemies.’ He shook his head. ‘You must remain alert. Stay close to me if you can. Now, Prince Enlos has appeared. I should join him.’
As Dinbig departed, the captain of Sildemund’s guard reappeared. Sildemund and Gully were ordered to mount their horses. A troop of Darch soldiers flanked them. They were led across the field to wait beside the track which wound towards Garsh.
In due course they were led forward to join the group consisting of Prince Enlos, the two Haruspices, Master Kemorlin, Dinbig and several knights. Picadus was close by, as was the female Revenant who had travelled with them from Dharsoul. An ornate
palanquin, its windows draped, was borne by eight attendants and surrounded by masked guards. This Sildemund assumed to contain Queen Lermeone.
Almost immediately the group moved off along the track. Sildemund, Gully and Picadus, with their guard, brought up the rear. Further down the track another group joined them, comprising about thirty Tulmu knights plus footsoldiers to the number of perhaps fifty. At the head of this group rode a huge, bluff figure clad in silvered lamellar: King Lalvi of Tulmua.
They proceeded on down into the valley, passing the main Tulmu encampment, then began the ascent towards beleaguered Garsh. As they drew closer they came upon Tulmu troops dug in on the slopes beside the road. The incline grew steep, steeper than Sildemund had guessed when viewing it from the far side of the valley. The stone curtain wall that encircled the town, though worn and in places beginning to rot and fall away, yet presented a formidable obstacle. To a considerable extent it augmented natural, sheer walls of rock, making it virtually impossible to scale and too lofty to batter. The slopes were rugged, allowing few channels for assault. Garsh would not be an easy location to take by storm.
They arrived at the edge of an attenuated plateau, about seventy paces from the town’s fortified main gate. Before the gate, Sildemund saw four Tulmu knights on horseback. They appeared to be in conversation with the guard or guards manning the gatehouse. After some moments he realized that one of the knights was familiar. It was Count Draith.
Presently the Count and his knights withdrew from the gate, turning their horses about and trotting over to the main group. He conferred with King Lalvi. Prince Enlos joined them, and then the Revenant was called forward. Moments later, Enlos, Count Draith and the Revenant, accompanied by two Tulmu and two Darch knights, rode to the main gate.
‘They use the Revenant to plead their case,’ murmured Gully. ‘She will perhaps be more effective at persuading her own people to allow us inside.’
Sildemund looked around him, then back down the track, his thoughts on escape. It was impossible. Too many soldiers were positioned at his rear. Even should he break through them, where would he go? The one route was back into the valley, running the gauntlet of besieging troops and the Tulmu camp below.
He turned and saw Dinbig watching him, a slight, quizzical frown on his brow. Sildemund shrugged. The Khimmurian raised a cautioning finger, then returned his gaze to the group at the town gate.
Presently Prince Enlos and the others returned. Sildemund was able to urge his mount forward far enough to allow him to hear most of what now passed.
‘The elders are willing to speak to us,’ said Enlos to King Lalvi and the others. ‘To that end they will open the gate. But there are conditions: we may be no more than ten in number, plus a maximum of six guards.’
‘Unthinkable!’ declared the Tulmu sovereign. ‘They are more than four hundred! We would be defenceless!’
‘We enter, remember, not for conflict but for peaceful resolution,’ Enlos replied soberly.
‘As did my previous delegation, all of whom are now dead.’
‘I raised that matter. The Revenants claim the incident was not what it appears.’
‘Death is death. It was served upon my people. There is no question.’
‘They insist there is a story to tell.’
‘They seek to save themselves.’
‘It might benefit us to listen to what the Revenants have to say. And might I remind you again, sire, of the full and intricate scope of this matter, of the level of our mutual interest and the possible ramifications?’
King Lalvi puffed his cheeks and expelled air, but seemed to lack resolve. ‘Are there other conditions?’
‘That the remainder of our retinue return to the valley floor before the gate is opened. And that, once within, we relinquish all weapons.’
‘Are they insane?’ King Lalvi raised loud and vehement opposition, and was supported by the two Supreme Haruspices, who argued that they could not allow their two royal heads of state, and themselves, to enter unprotected.
‘Consider,’ said Prince Enlos calmly. ‘Even were we armed we would be but sixteen in number. Easily overwhelmed should the Revenants wish it. Unarmed, we will be hardly more vulnerable. But I have negotiated a compromise. Our six guards may retain sabres and shields. You and I, sire, but no others, may carry a single dagger at our belts.’
‘Asinine!’ blurted the king. ‘Hare-brained! I am having terms dictated to me within my sovereign territory! Who do these simpletons think they are?’
‘The situation is without precedence,’ Enlos replied. ‘I am willing to accept the conditions, as, I have no doubt, is my mother, the Queen.’ He directed a level stare at the two Haruspices, silently daring them to challenge his decision. They exchanged uneasy glances but raised no further protest. Prince Enlos addressed the King again. ‘If you prefer, sire, you may remain outside.’
King Lalvi shifted in his saddle, nettled by the concept. He hummed, then hawed, then said, ‘What of your prisoners, who you deem so critical to this mission? They require a guard!’
‘I have discussed that. Their guard may accompany them through the gate, where they will then be escorted by Revenant fighters. The guard will be permitted to wait there, inside the gate, for our return.’
Hearing this, Sildemund felt a quick surge of hope. He was to be placed in the hands of Revenants, who had no claims upon his life. He glanced at Dinbig, but the Khimmurian was intent upon the exchange between Enlos and the Tulmu king, who had found cause for further demurral.
‘Thus, you have the advantage of as many as ten more soldiers than I!’
Enlos suppressed a sigh. ‘I anticipated your objection, as have the Revenants. The Darch guard will consist of four men only, and may be accompanied by an equal number of your own soldiers.’ Without waiting for a response, he turned to the others. ‘Who else will accompany myself and the Queen? Master Dinbig? Master Kemorlin? You are under no duress.’
‘I would not miss it,’ said Dinbig drily, and Kemorlin pressed his beard to his chest and gave a stiff nod.
Enlos regarded the Supreme Haruspices, who also nodded. He then approached Sildemund and Gully. ‘In truth, you have little choice but to enter this place. I regret that it is so.’
He turned away. ‘Come then, let us waste no more time.’
The main retinue returned down the winding track towards the valley floor. The group rode the short distance to Garsh’s gate, then all dismounted, passing their steeds into the hands of a pair of grooms. Queen Lermeone’s paladin-bearers set her paladin down and she stepped out to stand alone, regal and vulnerable, wearing an ankle-length pale blue robe with hood and full veil, her face wholly hidden. Three masked guards immediately fell in around her and the paladin-bearers departed. After an initial hesitation, King Lalvi came forward to join the group, accompanied by a guard of three Tulmu knights.
There came the sound of a weighted bar being raised, then the gate swung back with a laboured groan – not fully opened, just sufficient to admit them. They passed through, into a paved ward with cobbled streets that led off to left and right in the shadows of the high wall, and ahead, flanked by tall buildings, led away into the heart of the town. There were people here, as many as sixty or seventy, their faces curious. All were garbed in similar tatters ranging in colour from brown through to varying shades of red. Most were armed with axes, swords, clubs or field implements. Many were plainly trained fighters, their weapons supplemented by shields and armour of padded or boiled leather. A few had breastplates. A surprising number were women, and none showed obvious signs of malnutrition.
As the gate swung to, six fighters marched forward, headed by a woman. She bowed curtly, then demanded, ‘Where are those under guard?’
Prince Enlos nodded towards Sildemund, Gully and Picadus, and indicated to his men to move aside. The six Revenant fighters surrounded the three. The woman spoke again. ‘You will relinquish all arms, bar those agreed upon. These soldiers will remain here.’<
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This was done. A larger body of Revenant defenders fell in around the group. A litter was brought for Queen Lermeone, into which she climbed. The female Revenant took a position ahead of Prince Enlos and King Lalvi. She gave a signal and they began the march into the town.
The way led uphill along a crooked street to a wide, sett-paved square. At the centre was a well placed before a tall composite statue in green bronze, featuring heroes and phantasmagorical beasts locked in mortal combat. Revenants lined the street along which the group had approached, their faces taut and enquiring. Casting his eyes upwards, Sildemund saw archers on rooftops. No opportunity for escape presented itself here, and besides – despite what it might mean for him – he was intrigued to be present at the imminent meeting.
They left the square via an angled way which took them into a cloistered court. A wide flight of stone steps at one end delivered them to a lower yard, at one side of which was a tall, solid building of unadorned, streaked grey stone. They approached this, to confront a heavy timbered portal. The female Revenant leading them hammered three times on this with the pommel of her sword. The portal opened and they filed through, to find themselves in a chill, gloomy passage. Following this, they turned down smooth-worn stone steps, entered another passage, descended yet more stairs and arrived eventually at a wide double door. Through this they were admitted into a spacious chamber, almost a hall, lined with dark stone columns resembling the trunks of vast petrified trees. The chamber lacked natural light and was illuminated by hundreds of candles set in candelabras and torchières, which hung from the low, vaulted ceiling, or were mounted upon the walls or columns or simply stood free upon the stone floor. Flues in the walls and ceiling permitted egress for the candle-smoke, but even so the atmosphere was thick and warm.