by Nova Rose
Chapter IV
New Recruits
Three identical young men stumbled clumsily through the thicket. The snapping twigs and crunching leaves echoed through the forest. Though well-armed, they walked with vacant expressions on their faces. Drool streamed from their dangling tongues onto their chests. Unaware of the world around them, they followed two beautiful women. The women laughed and giggled childishly relishing in their fun as they galloped through the woods.
Yellow eyes watched them, regarding their prey with interest. Oblivious of the danger, the women trotted merrily leading the confused men. One of the women pulled back some brush revealing a group of hideous beasts. Shocked, the women vanished. Their spell broken, the three men regained their senses while staring at the beasts in bewilderment. Slowly, realization of what had just happened dawned upon them.
They brought their swords up just in time to block an attack. One clonked a creature in the ear and pushed it aside. He dashed away with the other two.
They paused in a small clearing standing back to back and facing their enemy. Orcs chased after them. For a few moments orcs and men just stared at each other. The orcs snarled and growled in anticipation of a kill. The three men linked their arms and swung each other around in a fashion that allowed them to block and strike with precision. Their maneuver prevented the orcs from inflicting any damage while bodies piled up in front of them.
Arrows fell from the sky piercing the remaining beasts with precision. Three older men burst from the trees and surrounded the others. They callously inspected the carcasses of the orcs making certain that they were indeed dead. One of the men grabbed one of the younger ones and dragged him a few feet away. “Just what did you think you were doing?” he growled.
“Nothing…we…we,” stammered the man.
“We were following two women,” replied one of the remaining two, “Though I think they may have been fairies. To be honest I don’t remember much after that first instant we decided to watch them.”
“Fairies? You expect me to believe that?” said the older man.
One of the other strangers approached. “Yes, Tesnayr, that would make sense. Fairies are known for putting men under a spell and toying with them until they tire of their fun. And they have obviously been put under one. Let the man go.”
Tesnayr released the young man he held in his grasp.
“My name is Nigilin and this here is Arnin and you know Tesnayr,” said Nigilin.
“My brothers and I thank you for saving us,” said one of the triplets, “I am Nedis, this is Nular, and he is Nylin.”
“You are quite welcome,” said Tesnayr as he walked away. “Let’s move,” he said to his companions.
They moved into the thicket followed by the three brothers. “Where are you going?” Tesnayr asked them.
“With you,” replied the triplets in unison.
“No, you are not,” said Tesnayr.
“Why,” said Nedis, “We can—.”
“—fight,” said Nular, “After all, you need—”
“—help, mate,” said Nylin.
“You three let yourselves become dumbfounded by two women and walked right into that company of orcs,” argued Tesnayr, “I need people with more—”
“Intelligence?” said the three in unison.
Nylin spoke, “Tesnayr. That name sounds familiar. We’ve heard about you, mate.”
“We do not like these beasts any more than you,” said Nular.
“And we might be able to help you,” said Nedis.
Nigilin stepped forward. “They have a point,” he told Tesnayr, quietly. “Their hearts are in the right place.”
“Yet, they walked into a trap,” said Tesnayr, “If we hadn’t come along—”
“‘If’ is a word with little to no outcome,” interrupted Nigilin. “These three may prove useful.”
Tesnayr relented. “If you three choose to join us you must do one thing.” The three brothers looked at him curiously. “Wear different colored tunics.”
“Why?” they asked in unison.
“Because I cannot tell the three of you apart.”
“That is part—,” began Nular.
“—of the—,” Nedis said.
“—fun, mate,” finished Nylin. “What do you say?” he asked his brothers. “Should we oblige him in his request?”
Nedis and Nular looked at each other and smiled. “Why not,” they said together in agreement. Tesnayr rolled his eyes in annoyance. Arnin and Nigilin smiled at each other as they tried to keep from laughing.
Nedis, Nular, and Nylin led their new friends back to their camp where a few more men awaited them. From the state of the fire pits, it was clear that they had been there for some time. Men stood up from washing their clothes. Other watched with interest as the triplets led three new faces into their midst. Tesnayr eyed one particular man with a red beard. They glared at each other for a moment before the man broke contact.
The brothers led them to the very center of their camp where everyone could see them. “Everyone gather around,” yelled Nedis. “Tesnayr has come to help us.”
The triplets eagerly introduced everyone. From what was said, Tesnayr gathered that these men had abandoned their homes and formed their own army after orcs had attacked them. They had camped when possible, but had to always remain vigilant lest the raiding bands of orcs attacked them.
Soon after the introductions had finished, the sentries of the camp ran up to them in alarm. “People are approaching,” one reported to Tesnayr.
Tesnayr signaled for everyone to hide. Quickly, men dropped what they were doing and dove behind bushes, trees, even boulders. They watched and waited until those who approached reached the middle of the camp.
A group of twenty to thirty people entered the encampment. They moved cautiously prepared for an attack. One by one, they investigated the smoldering coals of the fires. One man sifted through dirty laundry with the toe of his foot. Tesnayr waited for the precise moment when he gave the signal. The men jumped from their hiding spots and surrounded the newcomers.
“Put your weapons down,” said a man.
Tesnayr drew near him. “Who are you? Why are you here?”
“Withdraw your weapons and I will tell you,” said the man.
Tesnayr gave the order. Slowly, everyone lowered their arms.
The man did the same. “My name is Jarown. We have traveled here from Belyndril. Word has reached us of your deeds, Tesnayr. Yes, I know who you are.
“There are rumors of beasts who move through the night laying destruction wherever they go. Many of us have already seen these orcs in Belyndril and have decided that it is only a matter of time until more come.
“We have come to offer our services. If we can stop the orcs before they go beyond the borders of Sym’Dul, then perhaps we can save all our homes.”
“How did you know I was here?” asked Tesnayr.
“We learned that some had gathered for the same purpose as ours so I led us here in the hope of finding you,” answered Jarown.
“That still doesn’t explain how you knew exactly where to find me,” said Tesnayr with the hint of a threat in his voice.
Jarown eyed him for a moment. He understood Tesnayr’s suspicions. He would have felt the same. “Rumors. Stories.”
“And why have you come?” Tesnayr asked Nedis.
Nedis took his time answering. “The people you see gathered before you have already had their homes destroyed by the orcs. We know of the king’s feeble attempt to fight them and of his failure. Many of our friends and family are already dead. None of us are going to stand idly by while these beasts turn us into slaves. Stories of what you did to the orcs reached us. A few days ago rumors of your coming to these parts reached our village and so we gathered here.”
“Rumors,” said Tesnayr. “You say that stories warned you of the invasion,” he pointed at Jarown.
“Yes,” said Jarown. “They told us exactly where to find you.
We had no other options so we took a chance and sought you out.”
“I’d like to know how the rumor got started in Sym’Dul as well,” said Tesnayr.
A black cat appeared out of nowhere and stood by Tesnayr. “I believe I can answer that,” he said. “Yes, the cat talks,” he added to a few who gawked at him. “It occurred to me that if you are to fight these orcs, then you will need an army behind you. So I visited a few towns and started the rumors.”
“That would explain your absence,” said Tesnayr. “In the future, consult me before you act on your own.”
Turyn stalked off flipping his tail.
“But that does not explain how they reached Belyndril,” commented Nigilin.
“A woman showed up four months ago in Belyndril. A rather mysterious woman told us of you,” said Jarown, “She is the sort you listen to.”
Nigilin leaned in close to Tesnayr. “Sounds like the sorceress knew what was going to happen long before we left for Drynelle.”
“Yes,” said Jarown, “It may have been her. She warned us of the orcs. She described you in detail, Tesnayr, and told us where to find you should we wish to save our homes. There is little of Belyndril left.”
“Ernayn,” spat Nigilin. “Leave it to the sorceress to meddle.”
Tesnayr hated the situation. He had barely left King Slyamal’s prison and had yet to decide on a course of action. And yet, here he stood with a bunch of people who already knew of his existence. They had decided his path for him. But perhaps he could use this to his advantage. If the King of Sym’Dul refused his warnings, and if the kings of the other kingdoms have done the same, he would need an army to call his own. One trained to fight against the invasion of the orcs.
“Listen up,” Tesnayr spoke aloud, “As you all seem so keen on following me you will refer to me as your captain. I am in full command of this group and my orders will be obeyed. Nigilin, Arnin, and Jarown are my lieutenants. You will report to them if there are any problems or questions and they will report to me.
“Everyone here is free to leave if he wishes. You are no longer people of Belyndril or Sym’Dul. You are my men.”
Tesnayr waited a few minutes for any sign of dissent. Nigilin pointed to Turyn. Evidently, there would be no getting rid of the cat.
“And the cat will be respected as a member of this army,” added Tesnayr getting the hint, “Any who treat him otherwise will be dealt with accordingly.” Tesnayr dismissed his men and gave orders for sentries to be placed around the camp. Tomorrow, the real work would begin.
The next morning Tesnayr found a rocky cliff face perfect for climbing. His men needed to build their strength. With the help of Nigilin and Jarown he built harnesses to use as safety lines while men tried to scale the 300 foot rock wall.
Many barely made it twenty feet before losing their grip and falling. Tesnayr watched in frustration as man after man failed. Bruised, men grumbled about the stupidity of climbing a rocky cliff face. To them it was just a wall. To Tesnayr, it served as a test of their will, physical strength, and character.
Three more slammed into the ground. They muttered to themselves until they noticed Tesnayr staring at them with a very disapproving look. He watched as a couple more managed to get halfway up before quitting.
“There is no possible way to climb this thing,” said one. “And what does it matter if we can climb the side of a cliff?”
Having grown tired of their complaints and lack of will, Tesnayr didn’t answer the man’s question. Instead, he walked over to the cliff and strapped himself into a harness. He lifted a loaded pack onto his shoulders and tied a sword around his waist.
Tesnayr grasped the rocky mountainside. Expertly, he clamped his hands onto protruding rocks while placing his feet on stable slabs of stone. He slowly, but methodically, hoisted himself upward. When he reached the two men stopped at the halfway mark, Tesnayr ignored them. He concentrated fully on climbing the wall focusing on making it to the top.
His hand slipped. Quickly, Tesnayr grabbed the wall. He paused momentarily to catch his breath and settle his nerves from the fact that he had nearly fallen off. Each time he could, he rubbed his hands in dirt to soak up the sweat that encased them. He pushed himself onward with steady determination aware that all eyes were upon him.
A cool breeze welcomed him when he reached the top. With one last pull, Tesnayr heaved himself onto the ledge. He looked out at the crowd below. “If you are going to allow one rocky cliff stop you, how can you expect to defend your homes? The challenges you will face in this army will be far greater than any cliff.”
The men attacked the wall with renewed vigor.
“What was the point of that?’ Turyn crawled out of Tesnayr’s pack.
“Sometimes you have to show them that it can be done,” replied Tesnayr. He rummaged through the bag looking for some jerky that he knew had to be in there. “Where is it?”
A guilty expression crossed the cat’s face. “We ran out of jerky.”
Annoyed, Tesnayr settled for some water. He opened the canteen and lifted it up to take a drink. Nothing.
“We ran out of water too,” said Turyn.
Tesnayr considered chucking the cat off the ledge, but ruled against it. Instead, he grabbed his rope and lowered himself back down to the bottom.
The men had been training for weeks. Tesnayr settled himself on a rock away from the encampment. He pulled the chess piece out of his pocket, the black knight. Twirling it in his fingers, Tesnayr studied it and recalled his distant home across the ocean. The home no longer existed, but he still longed for it. Charred remains were all that was left.
Clang!
Tesnayr turned in the direction of the sound. He watched momentarily as Arnin instructed a group on the proper technique of swordsmanship. Tesnayr knew that eventually he would have to take them into battle. He hoped it didn’t happen too soon. A part of him quaked at the thought of facing the orcs again.
He stared at the chess piece. Black, like his mood. A sinking feeling that he was making a mistake plagued him. The last time he fought against Galbrok, he lost everything he cared about. What if he failed again?
A bird chirped beside him. Tesnayr looked at it. The golden creature gazed at him curiously. Once again, Tesnayr had the feeling of being studied. It cocked its head and flew away. Strange place, thought Tesnayr.
Footsteps crunched on the ground as someone approached. “Captain,” said Arnin, “You know those horses that you wanted?”
“Do not worry about it,” said Tesnayr.
“It isn’t that,” said Arnin, “It’s—”
Thundering hooves interrupted them. Tesnayr stood up to gain a better view at what rode into the camp. A herd of saddled horses galloped into the center of the encampment followed closely by three men whom Tesnayr sometimes wished he had never met. Nedis, Nular, and Nylin pulled the horses to a halt.
“Where did you get these?” asked Tesnayr running up to them.
“From nowhere,” answered Nular, “They followed us here.”
“Followed,” said Tesnayr, skeptically.
“Yes, followed,” said Nular.
“The poor things must have been so lonesome,” said Nylin.
“And I suppose they came with their own saddles,” said Tesnayr.
“Yep,” chorused the three brothers.
Not wanting to know how they had really acquired the horses, Tesnayr let the matter drop. He just hoped that the original owners would not come searching for the animals.
“Captain,” said a messenger, “There is a group of orcs nearby. They are carrying dispatches.”
Perfect. “Where are they?” asked Tesnayr.
“South of here,” replied the messenger.
Tesnayr rubbed his beard thinking. It appeared the time for taking his men into battle had arrived. “Arnin, Jarown, Nigilin, choose some men and follow me. We are going after those dispatches.”
Tesnayr eyed the small group of orcs in the dim light. Five of
the beasts sat around a fire eating and drinking. They talked loudly confident that no one would dare assault them. Their lack of concern would make this easy, thought Tesnayr. Still, he wished to be cautious.
“Nigilin, choose two men and create a diversion while the rest of us move in from behind,” said Tesnayr.
A shout drew his attention back to the orcs.
“Drinking again,” said a man as he moved into the firelight. He snatched a flask from one of the orcs and threw it to the ground. “You fools! Put the fire out.”
One of the orcs reached for his sword, but the man stopped him. He grabbed the weapon saying, “Sit down. You are ordered to follow my commands. Perhaps you have forgotten that.”
Growling, the orc relented taking another swig from his flask. “Don’t get too comfortable, human.”
Arrows swooshed through the night sky. Most of them struck the man killing him instantly. The orcs jumped to their feet, but their drink had slowed their response. Swaying, they looked about them not registering what happened. A hooded figure darted through the night and into the light of the fire. This figure fought the orcs in a manner Tesnayr had never seen. The hooded warrior dodged attacks and deadly blows with ease delivering its own.
One orc bore down on the mysterious warrior. The figure swerved out of the way jabbing its weapon upward. The orc clutched his belly slumping to the ground. Without a moment’s hesitation, the stranger swung around. Swords clashed as metal met metal.
“Now,” ordered Tesnayr.
His men sprang from the bushes and ran toward the commotion. By the time they reached the fire only one orc remained. Arnin rammed his sword through it and blocked an attack by the stranger. A long moment passed before the hooded warrior lowered her weapon.
“You’re a woman,” said Arnin astonished.
“Brilliant,” said the triplets, smirking.
Tesnayr strode into the center of the crowd. “Find the dispatches they were carrying and put the bodies in the fire,” he ordered. “Who are you?” he said directing his attention to the woman.
The woman sheathed her sword. “My name is Nelyn.”
“And what is your business here?”
Nelyn did not answer.
“Answer me,” demanded Tesnayr.
“Perhaps I would be more forthcoming in providing answers if you told me who you are,” said Nelyn, sternly.
“As you wish. I am Tesnayr. We received information that these orcs carried with them a dispatch.”
Nelyn eyed him. “The dead you see here I have tracked for a month. I am from Belyndril. These animals arrived in my village. It was my wedding day. They murdered my husband and this man,” she pointed at the man on the ground jabbing him with the sharp heel of her boot, “Let his soldiers have their way with me. They killed many of my people. I have spent every day since tracking them. I will not rest until every last one of them is dead.”
The others listened in silence.
“They have begun burning Belyndril,” said Arnin, “It is worse than we thought.”
Tesnayr ignored him for the moment. “I have never met a woman who wielded a sword as you do. Where did you learn—”
“No need to ask, Captain,” said Jarown as he entered the conversation, “I taught her. Taught her everything I know. She is more skilled with a sword that most men.”
“Jarown?” said Tesnayr, questioningly.
“I have known Nelyn since she was a child.” Jarown turned his attention to Nelyn. “I thought I told you to stay put.”
“I waited for two months after you left. After that, I chose my own course,” said Nelyn.
“How much of Belyndril remains?” asked Jarown.
“Charred remains are all that are left of the eastern edge,” replied Nelyn. “You are Tesnayr?”
Tesnayr nodded.
“I have heard of you. I wish to join you.”
“It seems everyone has heard of me. No,” Tesnayr said to the woman and walked away.
Nelyn seized his arm and spun him around. “I can fight as well as any man!”
Tesnayr yanked his arm from her grasp and looked sternly upon her. “War is the world of men. I thank you for what you have done this night, but you cannot come with us.”
“You will not be rid of me so easily,” warned Nelyn.
“Move out,” ordered Tesnayr. “Young woman, I suggest you return home.”
Jarown paused by Nelyn’s side. He handed her an extra knife and smiled a knowing smile at her as he bade farewell. Nelyn was left alone in the darkness.