by Alex Janaway
The dwarf looked at her hand like it was a snake. ‘And your fellows? They share that notion?’
‘Trust me, they won’t have a choice.’
The dwarf grunted again, a grudging respect shining in his eyes. He reached out and Cade took his rough-skinned paw in hers.
‘The name’s Cade.’
‘Marmus.’
‘There’ll be no battle today, or any other day.’
‘I can live with that. But there are others who won’t.’ He raised both eyebrows and his eyes rolled to the left. ‘Look to the Heartlands,’ he whispered.
Cade nodded. One thing at a time. Marmus released his grip and turned to go. He stopped and looked back.
‘You have a vineyard, you say?’
‘Uh huh. Got a bunch of ’em here, as it goes.’
‘Hmm. I spent some time in Vyberg. Learned your language, learned your wine. Word of advice? Don’t play at empires. Stick to trade.’
‘I can use that advice.’
He smiled. At least, she thought it was a smile. ‘If you make it, if we make it, send a bottle or two my way.’
With that, he marched off back to his lines. Cade folded her arms and took a deep breath. Marmus halted by the wood elf rider. There was another terse exchange and the rider looked towards Cade. He spat in her direction, then shouted something, wheeling his horse around as he did so. The wood elf cantered off, his comrades falling into line behind him. Marmus watched him go before addressing his own troops. A barked, guttural command was repeated along the line and the dwarf ranks turned around in parade fashion and marched off. Marmus lingered to inspect Brevis one more time, then followed the others.
Cade stayed where she was for a while, waiting for her heart to calm down, half expecting to see the dwarves change their minds and have a go anyway. But they carried on, the vibrations of their footfalls finally fading. She slapped her hands together. ‘There you go. Job jobbed.’ She spun about and sauntered back to her troop, feeling very pleased with herself. She had to stop herself laughing when she saw the faces of her companions. Issar looked like he was going to faint. Devlin was rolling his eyes, Captain Rashid – Rashad? – was grinning fiercely and Killen’s mouth was agape.
‘Damn girl,’ he said.
‘What’s up?’ she asked, all innocence.
‘That, Major, is why we put up with her shit!’ said Devlin proudly.
‘Don’t know what you mean,’ Cade sniffed. ‘Besides, it sounds like we have another problem. The dwarves are cashing in their chips. But the elves still want to play.’
‘They scare me more,’ said Devlin. ‘They’ll play for keeps. Damned sorcerers,’ he muttered.
‘Well, they ain’t coming today. Do what you need to do but I reckon it’s best you keep those eagles busy.’
‘We’ll put something together, Cade, I’ll make sure me and mine give us as much warning as we can,’ promised Killen.
‘Great. Now, if you’ll excuse me. I need a drink.’
‘I’m buying,’ said Issar, falling back in next to her as she strolled to the gate. Those on the walls looked on in disbelief. Cade couldn’t blame them. But the bluff had worked. The dwarves already had bloody noses and they knew any fight wouldn’t go all their way. Cade had figured they might just be as damn tired as her people were.
The gate opened, and she entered the barracks, her crew falling in around her.
‘We not fighting today, Cade?’ asked Anyon.
‘Looks like it.’
Rula appeared at her shoulder. ‘What did you say?’
She started to reply but Issar got in there first. ‘She scared the hell out of them! Told them to piss off home!’
This garnered a few laughs and an ‘oh, really?’ stare from Rula. Cade was going to say more but the word was getting around, shouted from group to group. A few cries of appreciation and relief erupted from the battlements. As she crossed the bridge a whole gaggle of people were following her and on reaching the barricade wagons, there was full on cheering. A crowd gathered about her and the crew did little to stop them, hells they were encouraging it. Evan was shouting that Cade had actually made the dwarves surrender. There was much back slapping and even a hug and a very forward kiss from one female admirer. She made a note of that one as she pushed her way through. She caught Sent’s eye. He looked sceptical.
‘You’d think we’d just won the war,’ she muttered to Issar, who had taken post just in front of her.
He turned his head and grinned. ‘Your legend grows, Cade. Keep doing this and you’ll never have to pay for a drink again.’
She didn’t anyway but she took the point. She looked at the faces of those smiling, waving folk around her, genuinely happy and apparently genuinely pleased with her.
Well, this wasn’t so bad. She had just saved them all from being slaughtered after all. Cade smiled broadly and started to wave back.
CHAPTER 37 – OWEN
Owen looked down at the saddlebag to his right. It was still closed, cinched tight by the buckle. And it was held securely in place against the saddle as they cruised through the air; like it had been the last half dozen times he had looked at it. He was at something of a loss as to what to do. This was something he had not been expecting. He was a general of the Empire. Alright, so plenty had started calling him general but he’d never actually taken that seriously. What was in that saddlebag changed everything.
‘What do you think, Arno?’ Owen asked out loud. ‘You’re a general’s eagle now. We’ll have to get you a gold shaffron for your head or something. You’ll be quite the show flying into battle.’ Arno, of course, didn’t care. But Owen did.
He’d wanted the war, but he’d never thought he’d be taking his orders directly from the Emperor. He’d always just expected it would be him. And now he had to answer to someone. He’d gotten used to being the boss, truth be told. Though, on seeing Cadarn, he’d found himself becoming almost deferential, like he’d gone back to being the new wet-behind-the-ears Rider. Yet it was Cadarn who had treated him differently. There had been a gentle respect, and Cadarn had spoken to him like he was an equal. Owen snorted. Now who would have thought that? Speaking of which … he looked behind to check on his companions, Jussi, flying to his left and Cadarn on his right, along to scout the route for him and act as an emissary for the returned Tissan peoples. Bryce had volunteered but had been universally shouted down.
Owen checked the ground below, looking for landmarks. He was getting used to this route now, he understood the flying times and distances travelled. He spotted a tributary with three smaller links feeding into it. He called it the Trident and it meant they would be back at Brevis tomorrow. And then the fun would begin. He had no doubts that his Highlanders and Erebeshi would back him, but how would Cade and her people feel about the change in the situation? In reality, would they actually have a choice? The Emperor had returned, and he wanted them to prepare for a war. It was their duty, after all. He glanced down at the saddlebag. He hoped he wouldn’t have to pull rank, that was just absurd.
The three eagles glided in to land just outside the barracks which barred the way to the Big Island. There had been some changes. The walls had been reinforced with some timber-framed towers and more walkways had been added inside the perimeter. The flanks of the walls were in the process of being extended out to encompass and encase the first twenty yards of the bridge, just a screen of vertical planks fixed to the bridge itself, but that gave cover from any enemy projectiles. Smart move. And, as Devlin had promised before Owen had left, there was the start of an extension to the barracks, a simple framework laid out along the western edge, which in time would become a new roosting barn for the eagles. There were several people working on it right now, two of whom downed their tools to wander over – Erskine and Ernan. As they approached, Owen waved to them, ‘Good to see you two actually working for a change!’
‘Nice to be doing something other than sitting on my arse on a saddle,’ responded Ernan.
Behind them Owen saw the gate to the barracks open.
‘How are you doing?’ asked Erskine, then he stopped in his tracks as he realised there was one Eagle Rider too many.
‘Erskine, Ernan, I would like to introduce you to Leader Cadarn.’
‘Gentlemen.’ Cadarn nodded to them both. ‘Owen tells me you have both become commendable flyers, even without Gifts.’
Erskine, his mouth open, looked at his brother. Ernan looked back at Owen then at Cadarn.
‘Hang on. Cadarn. Owen’s old boss? That Cadarn?’
‘I’m not that old.’
‘Yes, Ernan. Just the one. Erskine, your mouth is still open.’ Owen laughed.
‘But … how?’ asked Erskine.
‘I’d like to ask the same question,’ said Devlin as he approached.
‘It’s a long story, but not mine to tell,’ said Owen.
‘I’m sure,’ replied Devlin, halting in front of them. He held a hand out to Cadarn. ‘Devlin.’
The Eagle Rider took it and bowed. ‘Leader Cadarn.’
Devlin’s eyebrow rose. He turned to Owen. ‘Thought you were off to find some ogres.’
‘Things have changed.’
‘No doubt. You might want to hear our news before you share yours,’ Devlin suggested.
Now it was Owen’s turn to raise an eyebrow. He looked at the barracks. Had the enemy been sighted? ‘What is it?’
‘Let’s walk and talk.’
‘Alright, will you give us a few minutes, we just need to settle down our birds.’
‘Very well, I’ll see you inside.’ Devlin turned around and headed back to the barracks.
Owen shared a look with Cadarn, who shrugged.
‘Owen, you go, we’ll help Jussi get the birds settled,’ Ernan offered.
‘What’s happened?’ Owen demanded.
‘Something crazy,’ said Erskine. ‘Cade pulled off the biggest con job ever!’ The pride in his voice was evident. ‘Damn well talked down a whole dwarf army.’
Owen took a step back. ‘What? What are you talking about?’ The enemy had been here?
‘Owen, perhaps it’s best if Devlin talks to you about it,’ said Ernan calmly. ‘He was on the ground when it all happened.’
‘Yes, yes,’ said Owen, his mind racing. ‘Of course. Is everyone alright? Casualties?’
‘None. There was no fighting.’
‘Come along, let’s catch up with Devlin,’ suggested Cadarn.
Owen nodded and fell into step with the Leader. What was this about?
‘I recognise him, you know,’ Cadarn said as they walked towards the gate. It was still open, and Devlin was just passing through.
‘Huh? Who?’ Owen’s mind was elsewhere.
‘Him. Devlin. I knew the name but didn’t link the two, it’s common enough. But seeing him now. The beard threw me a bit.’
‘Oh. Yes, he was in the military, I believe.’
‘Yes, that’s it. I saw him when I was younger, a wet behind the ears Eagle Rider like you. When we were campaigning in the east.’
‘Uh huh. He was a major before he left.’
Cadarn was quiet for a moment. ‘A major? That doesn’t sound right.’
But Owen was in no mood to discuss it. All he wanted to know was what in the Hells had happened.
CHAPTER 38 – CADE
‘Are you crazy?’ Owen demanded, his voice rising, quivering a little.
Cade sat back and scratched her head. What was with this guy? ‘Owen, sit back, relax. We sorted it. No harm done.’
‘No harm done? Do you realise what’s going to happen? They know where we are now. And they’ll come back. They’ll come back with more numbers and the weapons to level this place.’
Cade shook her head. ‘I don’t think so.’
Owen, his face red, made fists of his hands. ‘How can you be so sure? How can you even think of trusting them?’
‘Never said anything about trusting them. But they’ve got other things to think about. Remember Owen, when it comes to dealing with dwarves …’ She tapped her head. ‘I got the march on you. All you have to do is appeal to their sense of self interest. Works every time.’
He didn’t respond, he barely moved. By damn if his jaw wasn’t working overtime. Cade didn’t really know Owen from, well, a stranger. She’d met him once and heard a lot more from his people. Especially from Naimh. She had views. Owen was driven and committed, but by the Gods Below, it was worse than that. He was actually upset they had not had a fight. Cade chewed her lip. Alright then, perhaps a different tack was needed. She leaned forwards and placed her hands out palms up.
‘You wanted us to fight, yes?’ The barest nod from Owen. ‘And for all of us to die, if necessary?’ Again, the slightest shift. Cade clapped her hands. ‘Well, then. That’s a bloody stupid plan, isn’t it?’
Owen’s eyes bulged a little. They really did, she was sure of it.
‘And!’ She brought one hand up, finger pointing to the sky. ‘I’ll tell you why.’
‘Please,’ Owen ground out. Yes, he’d been too long having it his own way.
‘How does it serve the Emperor to know his one and only functioning settlement has just been wiped out?’ She thanked her lucky stars Devlin had briefed her on that little nugget of information before Owen had arrived in her office. ‘How does that serve his purpose? Losing fighting men and women in a battle he had none of the choosing of? You know, I’ve done him and you a bloody favour.’
‘How so?’ Those eyes were still bulging.
‘I’ve just taken a major player off the board. At least for now. That means you can focus your efforts on getting ready for whatever campaign you fancy going on. The way I hear it, the elves aren’t giving up, so you can go play with them. Either way, you’re facing one less army.’ She pulled her arms away from the table and reached for a mug. That was it, the best he was going to get from her. At least, the best she could come up with barely two minutes after learning the Emperor had returned to reclaim Tissan. She didn’t even want to get started on what that meant for Brevis. ‘Now, have a damn drink, Owen. You looked like you’ve gone three rounds with a manticore and actually lived.’
Owen did just that, quietly taking his mug and sipping from it. He appeared to calm down a little. There was a polite knock on the door.
‘Yes?’ Cade responded. It opened to reveal Issar.
He stepped in and nodded to both of them. ‘Owen, Devlin asked me to give you this.’
He lifted up a small leather satchel and passed it to Owen.
Owen took the package and placed it on the table. ‘I forgot this and had to send for it.’
Issar’s face was a picture as he retreated from the office and closed the door. Cade bet the sneaky bastard had been outside listening in. She would have.
‘Cade, you talk about battles not of our choosing. But whether to fight them or not is no longer your decision to make. It is the Emperor’s and now mine.’
He laid out the contents of the satchel: a scroll with writing on it, and a small metal object. It glittered slightly, and then she realised why. It was made of gold and was shaped like the sun.
‘Huh,’ she said. ‘Mind telling me what the scroll says?’
Owen unrolled the scroll and his eyes narrowed a little as he placed his fingers against the text. ‘This part says, I’ve been made a general of the Empire. And this part says I now have command of all Tissan military forces in the south of Vyberg.’ He reached forward and tapped the object. ‘And this is the seal of the Emperor. Given only to his legates and generals. It says I speak for him, I act for him.’
Cade huffed. She leaned forward and reached out to the seal. ‘Can I?’ she asked.
Owen nodded.
She took the seal and inspected it. It looked like the same symbol she’d seen on the churches back in Aberpool. She ran her fingers across the ridges of the flames radiating from the central disc, then flicked it over, on to the flatter side. There were wor
ds there, but most she couldn’t decipher. That’s what Issar was for. The thief in her was tempted to bite into it, just to test its purity, but thought better of it. She put it down and pushed it back across the table.
‘Congratulations.’
‘It’s not something I wanted,’ he said, with what sounded like genuine humility. ‘It’s something that was needed. It’s time to gather our strength. The battles are only going to get harder.’
‘You know, I could argue the toss with you about something.’
‘What’s that?’
‘This gives you command of all Tissan military right?’
‘Yes.’
‘So that’s you, the Erebeshi and … that’s it. Ain’t no other military around here I know of.’
Owen’s face went a little red.
‘There’s Devlin and his cavalry. My people, yours.’
‘Ain’t none of them military, Owen. Best you could call them is militia. And if you really want me to labour the point, I’m not sure they’d necessarily define themselves as Tissan any more.’
Cade knew she shouldn’t bait him, but she’d be damned if he could just fly in and take liberties with her set-up. Especially as she was being all neighbourly, taking in his folk and such.
Owen placed a hand to his forehead and rubbed it hard. She could sympathise. It was tough at the top. ‘Cade, you need to be really careful, you are talking treason.’
‘You know, until this morning, it would have been called common sense. Then you showed up – wait!’ She raised a hand to stop him responding. ‘Sorry Owen, I’m being a bitch. But you gotta realise what you are saying. You think folk here are going to step into line? After everything. It’s not me you have to convince, it’s them.’
Owen shook his head. ‘You are being a bitch, Cade. And they listen to you. I’ve heard all about it. You are the damn hero of the hour, you saved everyone from the dwarves, again.’
‘I have my moments,’ she acknowledged. ‘But this time, the people deserve to hear this. I’m not making the call for them.’