Chapter 13
Arthur had to lie on his belly and squirm through the narrow opening beneath the wall. Betty kept encouraging him but the darkness and the very narrowness of the tunnel added to his anxiety. He was sweating profusely when he finally felt the fresh air on his face as he exited the tunnel. The darkness was still complete enough that he had only a vague sensation of Betty standing in front of him. When he stood up Betty took his hand and led the way away from the wall. They had traveled only a short way down the steep slope before they were joined by another person who announced their presence with a quiet, “Betty, we knew you would make it.”
Betty replied, “This is our new friend Arthur.”
Arthur felt someone take his other hand and start shaking it saying, “A friend of Jason’s is a friend of ours. My name is Jeremy and I’ll be guiding you to our camp. One thing though, I’ve been asked to keep you blindfolded.”
Arthur understood the need to doubt his trust, but that didn’t mean he liked it. He accepted the blindfold and followed along with one hand on Jeremy’s shoulder and Betty holding his other hand. They continued down the steep slope onto some level ground. After a half-hour or so of walking he heard the sound of a horse. Jeremy helped both Jason and Betty to mount the horse. Jeremy took the reins and began leading them off at the loping run of the hunters. Arthur just held on and thought about what meeting Jason again would be like. They traveled for what seemed to be a couple of hours. The sun was definitely up and Arthur could feel when they were passing by shaded areas. When they finally stopped Arthur could hear the sounds of a camp. Jeremy helped him dismount and removed the blind fold.
He was greeted by young woman with blond hair surrounded by those of the forest. Betty was greeted warmly before the young woman stepped up to him and held out her hand saying, “I am called, Heather of the Northern Palace, and I welcome you to our camp.”
Arthur responded, “I am, Arthur of Dindy, the one you sent for.”
Heather said, “I am sorry for the blindfold but you need not know where we are. Come, there is one waiting for you.”
Arthur followed Heather to the campfire where he saw Jason. Now he understood why Betty had giggled when he had asked why Jason had not come himself. His friend had grown in girth quite dramatically. Jason looked up from his book when they approached and his face lit up when he saw Arthur. Jason said, “My friend, I am so glad you came.”
Arthur walked up to Jason and knelt on one knee before him. Jason responded, “Arthur, we are among those of the forest just come and sit by me. I would hear your story but first we shall share a meal.”
The simple meal was almost complete when Arthur asked how Jason’s health was. Jason replied, “Well, as you can see, for the past three years my only joy has been eating and reading my books. Daniel says that my lack of sacred water also contributed to my weight gain but living with these of the forest sure changes things. Their idea of travel rations would not have made even a reasonable snack for me.”
“You are feeling better?”
“Arthur, my life again has meaning. I feel alive, hungry but alive.”
The conversation then revolved around the intrigue of the palace. Anyone who was thought loyal to Jason or his father had been transferred out of the palace. It had become a place of rumor and suspicion. Arthur had been transferred to the least important command in the city and placed under an incompetent commander who had connections in the palace. Taxes had been raised repeatedly for the building of the bridge and for the war effort. Nobody was happy except those in the palace.
Jason asked about many individuals only some of which Arthur had been able to keep in contact with. The old palace guard had maintained contact with each other despite their dispersal. The political climate with the outlying villages had deteriorated because of the taxes and many rules propagated by Alvin. The shortage of sacred water even in the city was the greatest problem. Soldiers were receiving only one-fourth their normal allotment and most citizens were not receiving any at all. Hard times were upon them.
Jason listened with obvious sadness to Arthur’s report. He stood up and said, “I have partnered with these of the Forest and formed an alliance with the King of the Northern Kingdom in order to reclaim my throne and restore normal to our land. I ask you, Arthur, to join with me.”
Arthur arose and with dignity withdrew his sword and offered it to Jason. Jason accepted the sword and Arthur knelt on one knee before him. Jason touched him on each shoulder with the sword and said, “Arthur, I accept your pledge of loyalty and confer upon you the position and title of Commander General of the Southern Kingdom.”
With this simple ceremony Jason accepted his role as the rightful King of the Southern Kingdom and established his army to regain his rightful position. Those of the forest watched the ceremony and knew it was important but only Heather and Elrod understood the full meaning of what had transpired.
Heather led the discussion of possible military actions. She told Arthur that the siege was about to begin. It was her hope that the destruction and killing of the siege could be prevented. They would need to destroy Alvin and his power structure from within. She needed to know what resources Arthur could command.
Arthur said, “The old Palace Guard can be reassembled within a few days. I will need to take direct command of the Southern Defense Section and we will build on it. Most of the officers in the Southern and the Eastern Sections are people who were loyal and forced into positions without authority. Those in command are incompetent and we will simply replace them.”
Heather asked, “If we maintain the element of surprise how difficult will a direct assault on the palace be?”
Arthur explained that the palace was a miniature walled city within the main city. It was fortified and heavily defended. There was only one gate leading into the palace and it was powerfully built. Even with the element of surprise the assault would be difficult and costly.
Daniel spoke up saying, “I can help with the gate. I have enough powder for a small explosion.”
Arthur asked, “Is this the magic you used to destroy the great bridge?”
Daniel replied, “It is what I used. The quality of the powder is not ideal but it should be sufficient.”
Arthur said, “I would know more of your powder. If you can bring down the gate, my troops will be able to regain the palace. I am not sure we will be able to maintain control if the remaining defense sections turn upon us.”
Heather said, “My father’s army will keep them occupied. We will need to coordinate our attacks.”
The planning went on through the day. An envoy was sent to the northern army asking them to postpone the start of the siege for four more days and to begin the siege immediately on first light. Arthur would return and claim command of his defense district. They would allow him two days to organize his troops before they entered the city. Concern was raised about finding a tunnel suitable for Jason but Arthur insisted that the King would return through the gate. The moon would rise two hours after sunset and they would be ready at the gate. From the southern gate they would go directly to the military camp under cover of darkness. Jason’s presence would be kept as secret as possible.
Heather insisted that Arthur take time for some sleep prior to departing. It was approaching midnight before he left being guided again by Jeremy. Those of the forest were preparing for the new phase of their war. Everyone was instructed to rest but the anticipation made resting difficult at best. The traders agreed to stay behind with the priest and maintain their camp. The hunters worked to perfect their bows and supply of arrows. Elrod and Betty worked on a project which they kept secret. It was not until they were leaving for the gate that they presented Heather with their creation. They had made her a traditional fighting cape out of the materials and colors used by those of the forest. When she donned the cape she appeared to be truly a warrior of the Forest.
; Heather was not willing to put her full trust into the plan. She sent Jeremy and Randy ahead to penetrate into the city and observe the gate from within. If there any concerns she would not enter. They would respond with the sound of the owl if it appeared safe. Jeremy offered to check out the tavern but Heather thought it would be best if they accomplished their mission first.
Heather was accompanied by her small army of less than a hundred men along with Betty and Elrod. They traveled as a loose pod keeping Jason in the center. There was little cover near the gate. Heather did not feel comfortable being exposed with only the cover of darkness separating them from the arrows and catapults of the defenders. As the moon began to rise she waited for the safety call. The moon was clearly visible before the gate began to open and she heard the call of the owl. She moved her troops quickly through the gate. They were met by a junior officer who asked them to follow. They worked their way through the deserted streets to the army camp.
They had no sooner entered the camp when Betty went off to find Ally. Everyone in the servants’ section was asleep except for one figure next to the campfire. Betty approached and said softly, “Ally is that you?”
Ally responded, “It’s me. I heard we were getting guests tonight and I figured it meant you were coming back.”
“Come be with me and my friends.”
“Are you sure they want someone old like me?”
“Ally they know you helped me. We want you to be with us.”
Ally picked up her small pack and they rejoined the rest of the hunters who were setting up camp on the parade grounds. Betty and Ally began helping Daniel set up his tent. When he found out whom Ally was he said, “We owe you much for helping our Betty. Your treatment of her burn was excellent. I am glad you are joining our camp.”
Ally just nodded in response to the complement but her face was a glow with happiness and her posture was much more erect. Betty asked Ally what had been going on. Ally responded, “Lots of the important ones were locked up in a building. The one you called Arthur seems to be in charge now. Everyone is busy and there’s lots of work for us little ones.”
The camp was set up with Jason in the center. Arthur arrived with two of his lieutenants to discuss their plans. Heather, with Daniel, joined them. Arthur presented his basic plan of first completing the takeover of the Eastern Camp during the upcoming late afternoon. When the loyalists, from the two camps were joined, they would march to the palace arriving just before dawn. If Daniel was successful in destroying the gate the siege would be brief. If they needed to attack the fortifications directly it would be much more costly but they would prevail.
Heather listened as Jason and Arthur discussed the defenses of the palace. She was having trouble formulating a clear picture of the palace and said, “I would see this palace before the attack.”
Arthur objected that they had no time for a special scouting mission. She replied, “I mean not to disrupt your planning. It sounds as if we may be able to position those of the Forest on the high wall you described. With archers occupying this advantage the defenders will be sorely challenged.”
Again Arthur objected, “How would you place your men on the wall?”
Jason interjected, “Your Jeremy may be able to scale the wall. It is built of bigger stones than the Summer Palace. Having archers positioned on the high wall would be much to our advantage.”
Arthur asked, “You would have your men climb the high wall?”
Heather responded, “I need to see the wall.”
Daniel spoke up saying, “I would see the gate.”
Arthur said, “We of the Southern Kingdom do not appear as you do. You must not show yourselves during daylight. My uncle has a house not far from the palace; he has sought refuge in the village of his mother. You could seek cover there.”
The planning went on but Heather could not contribute much because she did not understand their target. When the planning session ended and Arthur prepared to depart she said, “Can you provide us a guide?”
Arthur said, “You will need to leave soon. I will have Samuel guide you. He is a trusted soldier and knows the way of the city. I will seek you out when we arrive tomorrow night.”
Heather finished her planning by giving instructions to Elrod, “Keep Jason in the center of the camp at all times and allow no one to approach except Arthur. When you travel tomorrow night do the same. We will join again on the next night.”
Heather and Daniel prepared to leave and were joined by Jeremy who said, “Figured I had better come along. Somebody needs to look after you two.”
Heather had to agree that having Jeremy along made sense but when Betty and Ally arrived she was adamant that they should stay behind. Betty said, “I think you should take us. Ally knows the palace. She worked there until the new ones decided she was too old and sold her.”
Daniel and Jeremy supported the idea and Heather finally agreed. Samuel arrived. He seemed too old to be a soldier but his gait was still lively and his eyes clear. The brief introductions were made and they headed off towards the palace. They stayed mostly to the side streets and alleys. It was several hours of walking before they arrived at the small stone house in the trader’s district. The first hint of dawn was showing to the east. The one problem they hadn’t considered was that the house was locked. Houses were not locked in the forest and the palace of the Northern Kingdom was always guarded so locks were unnecessary. Samuel solved the problem by using a small metal pick to work the lock and open the door. They stayed just inside the door until the daylight developed enough for them to explore the house without a light. The house was vacant and the small bedroom upstairs provided a clear view of the palace.
They watched the city around them come gradually to life. Many had fled the city but most had no place to flee. These were the ones who would suffer the most from the siege. Daniel’s fatigue was still an issue and Heather insisted on a period of rest. When they awoke it was midday. They found Samuel and Jeremy discussing the need to explore the wall. Jeremy was insisting he needed to examine the stonework more closely to see if it allowed adequate toe and finger holds. Samuel was adamant that he was ordered to keep them hidden.
Heather said, “Jeremy of Issip, much depends on your ability to scale the wall. Can you not plan your ascent from here and wait to explore the wall until darkness?”
Jeremy responded, “What you suggest is reasonable but it would be better if I had something to do. I don’t suppose visiting one of the local taverns would be a good idea.”
Heather had to smile at Jeremy’s suggestion and said, “Perhaps it would be better if you helped Daniel figure a way of inspecting the gate.”
Jeremy perked up and said, “We could try the bear routine again.”
Heather just rolled her eyes upwards and Daniel told Samuel, “It is a long story which will have to wait until later. My friend’s suggestion of a diversion has some merit.”
They watched out the windows as people passed by the palace. An elderly man walked very slowly to the market area with the help of a half brain. Daniel said, “If I were like one of age nobody would notice me.”
Heather said quietly, “It would be a risk but if you can look like the one of age it would work.”
Now Jeremy had something to do. He rummaged through the clothes left in the house. He and Daniel were like boys again playing dress up. Daniel found boots that were too small for his feet which made him walk with a definite limp. He used a walking stick and practiced walking hunched over with a cape pulled tightly around him. They smudged his face and hair with ashes. Betty found the project entertaining and giggled frequently with the playacting. Samuel was the critic demanding perfection in the costume. Ally volunteered to be the servant. An old man and an old servant should be ignored.
They waited until the sun was casting shadows and moved quietly out the door. They moved slowly with Daniel limping and hunched over hi
s walking stick. Ally carried an old basket and helped support Daniel. As they crossed in front of the palace Daniel stopped to rest and look at the gate. A rider approached and entered the tunnel leading to the gate. They opened the heavy metal and wood gate inward. It appeared to be hinged on both the top and bottom by metal rods secured in the stones themselves. Other horses were approaching and Daniel continued his way across the access road. One of the riders yelled at him, “Get out of the way, you old fool!”
When they were safely across Daniel asked Ally who the people were who sat along the road leading to the gate. Ally said, “They are the beggars. They come every morning but I don’t know where they go at night.”
They again began moving back across the access road but even closer to the opening of the tunnel. The tunnel itself was just large enough for a large wagon and was almost one hundred feet long. The upper section of the tunnel merged into the defense wall of the palace itself. Daniel was pretty sure that the entire tunnel had defense positions built into it. The beggars sat against the walls with most concentrated at the two ends of the tunnel. The heavy gate was operated by some mechanism protected within the stone structure. Daniel stopped to rest and watched another rider approach the gate. A guard stepped out from an opening in the stone. He spoke with the rider for a minute before pulling on something which caused a bell to chime. The gate began opening.
Daniel and Ally continued their journey making there were slowly back across the roadway. They disappeared into the side streets and made their way back to the house. They were no sooner inside the house when Daniel began taking off the boots saying, “How can anyone wear these things?”
Heather who had been watching his slow torturous approach laughingly said, “Maybe if they were your boots they wouldn’t be so bad. I had no idea I was married to such an old decrepit man.”
Jeremy chimed in, “You’re really good as an old man. No wonder, I’m always having to wait for you.”
Daniel tried to explain how he had watched old people walking so he could figure out how to make it easier for them. But when he pretended he was one with feet that hurt and a back that was bent he ended up walking just like they did.
Jeremy listened to this explanation but rejected it saying, “No, I think you’re just naturally good at being old. Me, I’m going to concentrate on being good at being young.”
Heather interrupted the banter by asking, “What did you learn?”
“It appears the approach is well fortified and the gate quite strong. I expect Arthur is right, destroying the gate with a ram will be difficult and very costly. Beggars are allowed right outside the gate. I think by pretending to be one of the beggars I can get close enough with my powder to at least jam the gate open. Timing will be an issue.”
Jeremy spoke up asking, “How will you protect yourself from the effects of the powder? I remember the first time we were successful.”
“I will need to use a candle like we did in the tower to delay the powder. But it must not be so long that the gate closes. There are some archery positions along the wall which would offer some shelter. I think I will be okay.”
Heather asked, “Can no one else take this risk besides you?”
Daniel reached over and took Heather’s hand and said, “No, my love. Handling the powder is difficult and I would not trust anyone else. It is my responsibility.”
Jeremy changed the subject by saying, “I think the darkness has developed enough to explore the high wall. Does anyone else want to practice climbing?”
Heather thought of the times those of the forest guided her up cliffs in the darkness. She said, “I know not how you work your magic on the cliffs but I would think you are safest without us. I would have Samuel go with you as a lookout. Please be careful.”
Jeremy had obviously been checking and rechecking his climbing gear because with barely another comment he and Samuel were out the door. Heather said, “Your friend does not do well in doors with nothing to do.”
Daniel replied, “When we were younger, Jeremy was always taking me on adventures. His favorite thing has always been climbing. If anyone of the forest can climb this palace wall it will be Jeremy. And you even gave him a reason to do it.”
They sat together in the darkness and just enjoyed each other. Several hours passed before the door opened and Jeremy’s excited voice could be heard. He was explaining his climbing technique to Samuel, who did his best to try and follow the explanations forthcoming. Daniel asked, “How did it go?”
Jeremy said, “It’s a great climb. The first part is technically difficult because of the size of the rocks. Maneuvering around the largest rocks was a challenge. The middle portion was easy. The upper section was tougher, the builders became much more precise with the smaller stones and for a while I wasn’t sure if I would be able to scale the upper section. It was tough to find toeholds and there wasn’t anywhere to tie off and rest. I ended up standing on the upper edge of a window just to let the aching go out of my hands and feet.”
“You did make it?”
“Of course. As long as no one discovers the rope I tied off we’re all set. I did work up an appetite. Don’t suppose a visit to the tavern would be acceptable?”
Heather said, “I think the tavern will need to wait another day. Some travel rations and a few hours sleep is the best we can do for now.”
It seemed like Daniel had just closed his eyes when he heard Samuels soft voice saying, “It is time we met with Arthur’s troops.”
They ate a small meal in the darkness and began retracing their way back through the city. After an hour they came to the appointed meeting site. It was an old church which was in poor repair. They waited only a short while before troops began arriving. Those of the forest came shortly thereafter with Jason riding in the center of them. Jason’s army had disbursed for their movement through the city. No call of alarm had yet been raised. While the soldiers continued to assemble, Heather met with Arthur and Jason. Their battle plans were finalized. Jeremy would lead forty of the best archers amongst the hunters to the top of the wall where they would remain concealed until the battle began. Daniel would attempt to destroy the gate of the palace with his remaining powder. Arthur would have command of the attacking force.
Jason could sense the anguish Heather was feeling with no major responsibilities. He spoke up saying, “Heather of the Northern Palace, I would have you and your troops be my personal guard. Our kinship with those of the Forest has united us. This phase of the battle is best led by those who know the palace well.”
Jason’s quiet logic and his simple request were not to be ignored and Heather replied, “I will honor your request.”
Jason then addressed those assembled. “I have learned that personal safety is of no value without freedom. The rule of the law is what gives our lives meaning. Without meaning life has no value. It is time we returned our land to the rule of law. I ask your help and your sacrifices so that your families can be freed from this tyrant. We must return normal to our land.”
With Jason’s short speech their attack was launched by first sending Jeremy and the others of the forest to the high wall. They were given two hours to secure their positions. The battle ram was in transit and would arrive about one-half hour after sunrise. This gave Daniel one-hour from the time of the first light to destroy the gate. If he was not successful a frontal assault would be used. Arthur suggested Jason remain in the church but Jason refused saying, “I am not a warrior and will not impede your progress by leading the charge but I will participate. My guard and I will bring up the rear and secure it.”
Daniel began working with his powder. It was less than a half cask. He covered the powder with a piece of paper through which he threaded a waxed string. He brought the string out the top of the cask. The string would take about five minutes to burn down through the paper and ignite the powder. The burning string would be concealed inside th
e cask. Once lit, he had five minutes to find safety.
Daniel left with Samuel as his guide. They work their way back to the palace gate area. The first hint of color was showing in the eastern sky when Daniel forced his feet into the tight fitting boots. He began limping slowly towards the gate. He carried the cask in a basket covered by a small rug. Once he entered the security tunnel leading to the gate the darkness increased. He lost his reference to the stars and could only see the glow of the guards’ light ahead of him. He stayed to the left side of the tunnel to avoid any interaction with the guard stationed on the right side of the tunnel. He had almost reached the gate when sounds of the battle began. The Northern army’s catapults initiated the attack by hurling large rocks towards the battlements. The Southern army responded with a return firing of their defense catapults. These catapults hurled burning oil towards the attacking catapults. They had the advantage of height. Messengers began arriving almost immediately on horseback carrying news to the palace.
Daniel methodically spread his small rug out as if to position himself for begging. The commotion at the gate was ongoing and the old beggar was ignored. After Daniel had positioned himself he set the basket in front of him and began working on the cask of powder hidden within. He used his flint and steel to strike a small fire which lit the wax string. He stood up and stretched before slowly sliding the basket towards the gate hinge. His movements were slow and unthreatening. The guard was much too busy to worry about the old man.
Daniel was counting to himself keeping track of his time. He positioned the basket and moved back to his rug. He kept shuffling back out the tunnel. Another beggar had already set up his position. Daniel whispered, “Come, we must leave immediately!”
The beggar did not respond other than to move his hands about. Daniel tugged on the beggar’s cape telling him that he must escape. Daniel’s time was running out so he kept moving at a shuffling gate. He almost made the outside of the tunnel when a flash of light filled the tunnel which was immediately followed by a loud roar. Daniel was knocked down by the explosion. He lay there a moment and collected his thoughts. Everything seemed to move okay. He sat up slowly and decided he was no worse for the wear. He remembered the other beggar and suddenly realized that the hand motions were some sort of sign language. His concern for the other beggar deepened because he realized his mistake. The tunnel was filled with smoke but he worked his way back into it looking for the deaf man he had left behind. Daniel found him lying on the ground where the explosion had knocked him. Daniel could not see very well because of the dim light and the smoke which made his eyes water and his breathing difficult. He felt for a pulse on the man’s wrist to no avail. He then felt the neck and again could detect no pulse. He laid his ear against the beggar’s chest and felt only the warm sticky sensation of blood against his face. There was no heartbeat.
The realization that he had caused this innocent man’s death hit Daniel hard. He instinctively reached up and closed the man’s eyes with his fingers. The tunnel was now filled with Jason’s soldiers and the sounds of warfare were everywhere. Daniel sat there holding the man’s head allowing the guilt of his death to encompass him. He was somewhat used to death but this was different. This man had died because Daniel hadn’t recognized that he was deaf, he should have identified the hand motions but he was to intent on keeping track of time. If only he had been more insistent and checked to make sure the man had followed him. There was really nothing else for Daniel to do so he simply sat and watched the war roll on. The deaf beggars hand motions seemed so obvious now and he could see their meaning with the clarity of hindsight.
Arthur led the charge through the partially opened gate. The resistance was initially light because of the confusion Daniel’s explosion had caused. Arthur’s initial plunge was reinforced with dozens of soldiers before the Southern armies call, “To the gate!” went out and was answered by an outpouring of the palace guards. They rushed out of barracks and guard posts. Despite their lack of preparedness their numbers began to push Arthur and his troops back into the tunnel. Jeremy and the other hunters now became active. Their first volley of arrows struck the enemy who fell without their comrades knowing why. This was followed by a second volley aimed at those exiting the barracks. The falling of their comrades without visible enemies caused those within to hesitate. Several more volleys of arrows struck the palace guards before they recognized the threat from above. Their archers were positioned to strike forwards towards the gate and were disadvantaged. The hunters had the high ground and their arrows were deadly accurate.
The momentum was reversed and Arthur’s troops continued to surge through the open gate. They began pushing back the palace guards. The dead were littered across the courtyard and blood stained the stones red. The intense fighting continued for only an hour. Arthur’s troops now had established their superiority and the captain of the palace guard finally surrendered.
While the war waged Daniel sat and grieved the death of the innocent man and his involvement. Daniel’s attention was refocused when the hunters started filling the tunnel. He heard Heather’s orders before he actually saw her. She was walking with Jason surrounded by his countrymen. He forced himself to stand in order to be seen. Heather was obviously searching for him and quickly spotted him. She and Jason moved towards him and she said, “Daniel of Issip, we have worried because you came not out of the tunnel. Are you wounded badly?”
Daniel instinctively began touching his chest which was covered with somewhat dried blood but found no injuries. He replied, “I seem to be free of wounds. The blood is of this innocent man who died because of me. He did not heed my warning and died from the explosion of my powder. I should have realized he was deaf.”
Heather took his hand saying, “We have need of your services. You must look after the living first. We will make sure this man’s death has meaning in victory. His burial will be honorable.”
Daniel followed along and was soon immersed in the care of the injured and dying. He treated those wearing the tunic of Jason first only because they were brought to him. He did his best for all.
Once the courtyard had been secured Arthur set up his defenses to secure their position against a counterattack. The gate was of no value now having been twisted from its hinges by the force of Daniel’s powder. They wedged the ram across the entrance of the gate tunnel and had archers positioned at every station. Once he was satisfied of his ability to defend their position he moved on to the residential building itself. His troops were engaged in hand-to-hand combat as they drove through the building looking for Alvin. The building was subdued by midday but Alvin remained unfound. A white flag was hoisted onto the flagpole adjacent to the flag of Jason.
When the white flag appeared the Army of the Northern Kingdom fell back. The commander of the Southern Army now approached the palace. He sent an envoy forward who was met by Samuel. Samuel delivered the message he had been given by Jason. The envoy could not help but notice the archers at the ready and the destruction of the gate. He returned to his commander with the message and his observations. The Commander withdrew to consider his options. Jason was demanding a surrender with a pledge of allegiance. The commander was unsure how Jason had returned but there was no doubt he had control of the well fortified palace and was in communication with the Northern army. If he, as commander, divided his forces in an attempt to regain the palace almost certainly the Northern army would breach his defenses. If he did nothing, waiting for word from his King Alvin, the attrition would weaken his army, which would be assaulted on two fronts. He discussed the situation with his subordinates but the decision would be his. He decided to postpone the decision until morning. He hoped King Alvin would appear and give directions.
Jason spent the time consolidating his position. He had the remnants of his father’s government sought out. Most of the technocrats had been retired or transferred out of
the King’s service. Those that remained were placed under one of Alvin’s appointees. Jason was glad when an elderly man stepped forward and offered his service. He recognized the man as his father senior adviser, Edward of Shilant. He accepted Edward’s offer and appointed him to the post of King’s adviser. With Edward’s help the major ministries were given new leadership. Jason asked about the status of the prisons and was told they were full of people who had crossed paths with Alvin. Jason directed the minister of justice to begin a review of all those held in the palace prison.
While Jason worked on creating a functioning government Arthur worked to fully secure the palace. When they located the secret storage site of the sacred water, they sent for Daniel. When Daniel arrived he found Arthur’s men trying to stem the flow of water from an underground lake. He tasted the water rushing from the pipe and it was obviously the sacred water. The attempts at plugging the pipe which had been broken with sledgehammers were mostly futile. The sacred water was rushing out and into a sewer drain. Daniel took his cloak off and climbed over the dam. He jumped into the lake of sacred water and dove underneath the surface. The salty characteristics of the water made diving difficult and the salt burned his eyes. He could sense the swirling of the water near the bottom. There was enough sediment that he could not see the end of the pipe but he could definitely feel it. He came back up to the surface and asked for something to plug the pipe with. He was handed a waxed cloth and dove back beneath the surface struggling to reach the bottom. The pipe was bigger than his hand. He began stuffing the cloth into the opening. Whenever he pushed he would float upwards. He got the cloth partially wedged and had to come up for air. After a few breaths he dove again and succeeded in stuffing most of the cloth into the pipe. The water pressure now helped wedge the cloth tightly into the pipe. The torrent of water was now a trickle. Daniel climbed down from the dam which had created the Underground Lake. The soldiers began packing the pipe with more waxed cloth and the lower pressure was now contained.
Daniel dried himself off the best he could and put his cape back on. He surveyed the situation and realized that probably three-fourths of the sacred water had been wasted. He wanted to know who had broken the pipe and two young and very scared soldiers were brought forth. Daniel asked, “Why did you destroy the pipe and waste the sacred water?”
The younger of the two replied, “We were part of the water guard who were entrusted with the protection of the sacred water. Our orders were very specific to destroy the drainpipe so that the water could not be captured. We were doing as ordered.”
Daniel wanted to shout at them about the many babies who were going to die because of their action, but instead he turned away. Tears again filled his eyes partially from the irritation of the sacred water and partially because of the deaths and deformities he could see.
It was well past dark before Daniel finished working with the wounded and sought out Heather. She had moved into the palace and was acting as Jason’s personal guard. Daniel entered the palace chamber and without acknowledging anyone slumped into one of the chairs. When Heather joined him his fatigue was obvious and she said, “You have done enough for today. You should rest.”
Daniel replied, “The healing of the injured I can handle. It was the deliberate wasting of the sacred water which has tired me. There must be a reason, for no sane man would deliberately condemn his own people like this.”
Half Brains, Sacred Water book 1 Page 16