Song of Echoes

by R. E. Palmer

  31. Not a Moment to Lose

  Elodi could have sworn she felt Celestra’s bow swell with pride as the crowds cheered the lady of the sea’s arrival. Losing her foremast could not diminish her grandeur as she glided effortlessly through the gateway into Calerdorn’s dock. None in the city had ever laid eyes on a ship as fine as the Celestra. Not since the glory days of old, had the big ships graced the wharf.

  Elodi watched the eager faces of the welcome party as the crew threw the ropes to secure to the harbor pilings. She saw joy tinged with hope but feared the Celestra flattered to deceive. Elodi smiled and waved, not wanting to deny her people a moment of relief from the dark days, no matter how brief. If her Council had released the news of the attack on Draegnor, it did not show.

  Elodi strode to the gangplank and joined Wendel and Gundrul at the front of the guards lining the Celestra’s deck. She glanced at the narrow plank. Not long ago, she would have balked at crossing it, but she had survived the worst the sea could throw at her, crossed the narrow Caerwal Bridge, and stood atop of the tallest tower in the Five Realms. Without hesitation, she linked arms with Wendel and Gundrul, and walked tall back into her realm. The voices of the crowd rose as they parted to allow Elodi and her company through. But she could not help notice their faces change as they watched the guards disembark — many just a year or two older than their young sons.

  Elodi’s Council had received no word from the fort at Draegnor. This could only mean one thing: the attack had been sudden and successful, allowing no time to send a message, or worse, all had died, or had been captured for purposes she dare not contemplate. Elodi and her council had debated long into the night on what action they should take. Her commanders argued for a swift counterattack, but Elodi had sided with Wendel. Even if they sent a sizable force, could they retake their fort against an unknown number? Yet, the uncomfortable question remained unanswered. Could the incursion be a first sign of a full invasion? Could an army comprising the clans of Nordruuk be preparing to march on Calerdorn? If Elodi sent half her forces north, they would likely be overwhelmed in open country, leaving the rest of her realm vulnerable. Elodi decided the defense of the city had to be her top priority.

  As the first of the morning light shone through the hall’s windows, her scouts had returned, and to Elodi’s relief, they had found no evidence of an enemy advance on Calerdorn. With that news, the Council agreed to Elodi’s request to take a quarter of the garrison to support the guardsmen to retake Drunsberg, but on the agreement they would return the moment they sighted the Ruuk heading south.

  Elodi watched the last of her councilors depart the hall. She eased herself back into her chair and covered her yawning mouth. ‘I deeply desire a long, undisturbed sleep in a soft bed that doesn’t sway.’ She turned to Wendel. ‘And you too, I need you to be sharp and alert over the coming days.’ She closed her eyes ‘Will we ever have peace, Wendel?’

  He let out a long sigh. ‘Peace? Was there ever a time there wasn’t a struggle somewhere in the Five Realms?’

  She rose from her chair and stretched. ‘But this has the look of an all-out war in the making.’

  ‘I agree, ma’am. Recent events do seem to signal difficult times lie ahead.’

  ‘At least we can be thankful Lord Broon’s men made it through the pass unscathed. I don’t know what I would have done had they suffered an ambush.’

  ‘Ma’am!’ Gundrul entered. ‘Excuse the intrusion, ma’am, but I have news.’

  Elodi’s head dropped. ‘Dare I ask if it is good news?’

  He thought for a moment. ‘Err… possibly both good and bad.’

  Wendel wrestled with his chair to stand. ‘Well, spit it out, man. We don’t have all day.’

  Gundrul turned to Elodi. ‘We have sightings of enemy wagons heading south towards Wyke Wood, ma’am.’

  Elodi clicked her tongue. ‘It’s Durran, Captain. I will not have it called that name here.’

  ‘Apologies, ma’am.’ He cleared his throat. ‘We have sightings of enemy wagons heading south towards Durran Wood.’

  ‘Thank you, Captain. I hope that turns out to be the bad news. And the good?’

  He smiled. ‘They’re escorting prisoners, both guards and miners from Drunsberg, and possibly more from other captured outposts. We can thank the Three they’re alive.’

  Elodi gripped the back of her chair. ‘How many?’

  ‘The scouts reckon around a hundred so far, and I suspect they’re in good shape. They’re traveling in small bands, which makes me think their captors are still wary of them, even in chains and weaponless.’

  Elodi walked around the table, thinking out loud. ‘Why are they taking them to the wood? If they wanted them dead, they would have done so already. What lives amongst those trees wanting—?’ her hand went to her mouth — ‘no, we can’t let that happen.’ She turned to Gundrul. ‘We cannot allow those poor men to be taken under its boughs. If we could apprehend them, are your men capable of freeing their prisoners? They would prove a most useful addition to our forces.’

  Gundrul grunted. ‘I’m certain they’re up to the task, but I’m afraid, the sighting was early yesterday. They will gain the woods before we could reach them, ma’am. That makes it a little more complicated.’

  Elodi groaned. ‘It does indeed.’ She walked to the map behind the Council’s table. Her eyes wandered from Calerdorn to Durran Wood and further south to the Kolossos Pass. She stroked her chin. ‘Yes, it could work.’ She spun about. ‘Gentlemen, I believe we have a new objective.’ She turned back to the map. ‘There’s no time to waste. We must rescue those men from the wood before they come to harm. But I believe we might turn events to our advantage.’ She strode back to the table. ‘Wendel, give the order to assemble our knights, all of them.’ She stopped. ‘No, too much of a risk. Let’s say half their strength, but do it immediately. Then recall the Council, I don’t care if they’re fast asleep in their beds, bring them back!’ Wendel turned to leave. ‘Oh, and Wendel? Please arrange for my armor to be made ready.’

  ‘Your armor, ma’am?’

  ‘Yes, Wendel, my armor!’ He opened his mouth, but Elodi waved him away. She turned to Gundrul. ‘Captain, I want you to accompany me and the Knights of Calerdorn.’

  ‘Ride with you, ma’am?’

  ‘I believe you’re acquainted with the leader of Broon’s regiment, Captain Ruan.’

  Gundrul straightened. ‘That I am, ma’am. We go back a long way. He retired from the Archonian Guard to take a command in Lord Broon’s ranks. I can’t say we’ve always seen eye to eye, but I wouldn’t want anyone else at my side in a tight spot.’

  ‘Good. Then I want you by my side when I meet them on the road.’

  ‘And the guards, ma’am?’

  ‘Gather your men, put Cubric in charge. In fact, promote him to the rank of captain.’

  ‘But…’

  She held up her hand. ‘If you don’t have the authority, Gundrul, I believe I do in my realm.’

  ‘Not necessary, ma’am. I will conduct the procedure.’

  ‘Good, but make it quick. I want them ready to march on the hour.’

  The Council had at first been reluctant to approve Elodi’s gamble, and a gamble it was, she could not deny. But she could not afford to delay a moment longer. The Ruuk strolled across the border at will and would soon overwhelm the entire region if she allowed them to capture more ground unchallenged. It had to be now. Wendel and Gundrul had impressed on the Council while Elodi’s plan was ambitious, it could work. But all depended on speed and catching the enemy unaware. If they could free the prisoners bring held in Durran Wood, they would enhance Elodi’s limited force. And, if in the process of the rescue, they could drive out the evil from the woods, they would improve their position. With the combined forces of Harlyn, Broon, Gundrul’s young guards and the freed men, Elodi would feel confident marching on Draegnor to drive the raiders out and have the numbers to secure the key crossing points on the border for a whil
e longer. Once they had achieved those objectives, they could take back the mines without fear of re-enforcements from the north.

  Within moments of the Council’s approval, Elodi, Gundrul and fifty-two mounted knights had ridden out of the city to cheers and waving of flags. Behind, Cubric led the Archonian Guard with half of the Calerdorn’s own force with orders to meet at the abandoned settlement of Durran, just half a league south of the wood. If Elodi had calculated correctly, she and her knights would intercept Bardon’s men around noon the following day. From there, a good pace would bring them to Durran around the same time as Cubric. Elodi’s heart had swollen at the impressive sight of her elite force on their fine horses, and the straight ranks of her soldiers proud to march under Harlyn’s burgundy banner alongside the blue of the Archon’s guards. But her heart had also ached for their safety in the face of the unknown.

  From Calerdorn, she had ridden hard for most of the day and well into the evening along the West Road. They had set off early the following day, reaching the top of the escarpment by midday. From their elevated position, Elodi could see many leagues across the Dorn Plain. A ray of sunlight burst through the heavy cloud. The rare beam shone down on the gray line of the West Road, and to Elodi’s relief, four-hundred glistening spear tips of the men of Broon marching under their black banner. She looked to the sky and gave silent thanks to any god who would listen.

  Elodi turned to the leader of her knights. ‘Captain Aldorman. Have your men wait here. You, Gundrul, and I will ride ahead to greet Lord Broon’s men.’ She laughed. ‘We don’t want them to think they’re under attack.’

  Aldorman held up his arm. The riders stopped. ‘Most certainly, ma’am. I’d wager many of our knights of old would have met a painful death on the end of Broon’s spears.’

  Elodi looked back. ‘Where’s Captain Gundrul?’

  Aldorman grinned. ‘I’m afraid he’s not what you’d call a natural on horseback, ma’am. He seemed a little… uncomfortable this morning.’

  ‘Oh dear. He should have said, I assumed he’d be accustomed to the saddle.’

  ‘Here he comes.’ Aldorman grimaced. ‘Still sore, I’d say.’

  Gundrul drew level. ‘Apologies, ma’am. It’s been a while since I’ve ridden.’ He rose in his saddle.

  Aldorman stifled a laugh. ‘And how is the rear guard this morning, Captain?’

  Gundrul shot him a glance. ‘Fine. But I’ll be happier once I’m back on my own feet.’

  Elodi pursed her lips. ‘Gentlemen, I think it’s time we ride on to greet our allies.’ She nudged Sea Mist and led them down the slope. They had covered only a short distance when she noticed the spearmen of Broon had stopped and formed into squares. Elodi halted. ‘What are they doing?’

  Gundrul stood in his stirrups. ‘I suspect their scouts will have spotted us, ma’am. They’re preparing for an attack. I would do the same. Usual precautionary procedure in a foreign land, ma’am.’

  ‘Then we shall proceed with caution and make them feel welcome.’

  Bardon had been true to his word; his men were undeniably an intimidating sight. His broad-shouldered spearmen looked ready to fight, even after their arduous march. Their armor may have been ancient and battered, but Elodi could tell they had seen combat and survived to boast of their conquests.

  She strode beside Captain Ruan and Gundrul along the front rank. Wendel advised her it was customary to inspect an arriving army, especially one crucial to their plan. Ruan was obviously proud of his spearmen, stopping at every opportunity in front of a man with a story to tell. But while the spearmen impressed her, Elodi grew impatient, keen to press on to Durran and meet with Cubric. The longer the prisoners were held captive, the less she believed a successful rescue would be possible.

  Inspection complete, they had marched north together to the settlement at Durran, arriving as night fell. Cubric and the combined forces of the realms had already arrived and set up camp. The grim wood was not visible from the village, but Elodi felt uneasy.

  She sat with the captains of the four regiments around a flickering candle in the old village hall. Of the four, only Cubric had ever stepped inside the wood. At Elodi’s request, he gave them the benefit of his experience. He eagerly offered his advice. ‘May I suggest, ma’am, the men plug their ears with mud.’

  Ruan spoke first. ‘But how would they hear the commands?’

  Cubric shuddered. ‘Believe me, Captain, once the spirits start whispering, your men won’t hear a word of command. Worse still, the spirits will turn them against you, and set your men at each other’s throats.’

  Gundrul snorted. ‘Since when have you ever followed a command, Cub?’

  Elodi held up her hand. ‘Then it’s imperative’ — she noticed Ruan’s frown — ‘vital the men know their orders before we attack.’ She turned back to Cubric. ‘What of the layout of the wood?’

  He rubbed the back of his neck. ‘Well, it’s barely a league from east to west, and less north to south. It’s a small territory to attack. But as you’ll know, ma’am, we’re up against an unnatural foe.’

  Elodi took her cue. ‘Captain Cubric is right.’ She addressed Ruan. ‘I suspect we face a powerful wyke, possibly one of old, and one appearing to grow stronger with every passing year.’

  Ruan looked at Gundrul. ‘Do you also believe this?’

  Gundrul nodded. ‘Not at first, but the more I hear about what these scoundrels did at the mines, I believe Lady Harlyn is right. You’ve seen the Ruuk firsthand. Yes, they can be a handful when they have the numbers, but they could never organize themselves like what we’re seeing here. And let’s face it, that rabble must fear whoever or whatever leads them to maintain the discipline necessary to take Drunsberg.’

  Elodi felt her shoulders relax. ‘Thank you, Gundrul. Then we must assume we’ll confront a wyke, so the mud in the ears seems a sensible, if unusual, precaution.’

  Cubric smirked. ‘We’ll need a freshly plowed field for Gunny’s big ears.’

  Gundrul snorted, but Elodi noticed Ruan’s mouth turn up at the edges. ‘So, gentlemen, let us discuss tactics. We know the prisoners would have arrived yesterday at the latest and most likely held in a stronghold at its dark heart. Could you elaborate, Cubric?’

  He frowned. ‘Ma’am?’

  Gundrul grinned. ‘Mud in your ears, Cub?’ He sighed. ‘Lady Harlyn means can you tell us what to expect when we reach the center of the wood.’

  ‘Oh right, I see. Well, I got closer than most’ — he glanced to Gundrul — ‘and that was because I’d blocked my ears. Eventually, we came across a stockade, a poorly made and maintained one I hasten to add, but it doesn’t need to be strong. By the time we’d reached it, none of us had the urge to go any further, and we were in no state for a fight, even if we’d had the strength.’

  Elodi’s mind raced. ‘And what’s inside this stockade?’

  ‘Sorry, ma’am, can’t say for sure. All we could see was a tower. When I say tower, it’s more like a tall, burned-out tree. But don’t be fooled by its appearance. Something inside it made us very uneasy.’ He let out a long sigh. ‘That’s when we withdrew, or if I’m honest, fled.’

  ‘Thank you, Cubric, I appreciate your honesty. Your information has been most useful.’

  Cubric stammered. ‘If... if I might make another suggestion, ma’am?’

  Gundrul laughed. ‘Two? In one day?’

  Elodi nodded. ‘Please do.’

  Cubric clasped his hands. ‘The longer you stay in its shadow, the weaker you become, even if you can’t hear them voices. And with all them winding paths you quickly lose your sense of direction.’ He straightened. ‘Anyway, I had this idea on the march over. As soon as we’re under its boughs, a bowman from each party could shoot a flaming arrow ahead for the men to follow. When they reach it, they shoot another and so on. Then they’ll have a target to head for if they become confused. And it will keep them moving forward without delay.’ He looked around the table. ‘What do you think
? We could stamp out anything catching fire so we don’t burn ourselves alive… like.’

  Gundrul patted Cubric on the back. ‘We’ll make a captain out of you yet. It’ll also keep the men aware of the positions of each other. If any go astray, there’ll be other arrows to follow.’ Gundrul drummed his large fingers on the small table. ‘I suggest we leave a third of our resources in reserve, ready to go if needed, or retreat if... events don’t go our way. Those going in, we’ll split into groups of forty and spread them out across the southern border of the wood. Then strike on fast to catch them by surprise and prevent our force from losing their minds.’

  Elodi clenched her fist. ‘Good, this sounds promising. But note, our first objective is to free the prisoners. So, building on Cubric’s tactic, I want torches planted along the route they take in, making it easier to bring the men out. I’m certain they’ll be in a bad way and disorientated. We don’t want to lose them and leave them behind.’ She turned to Ruan. ‘If your men can approach from the south, Gundrul and Harlyn’s cohorts will attack from the west. And what of my knights, Aldorman? Am I right in assuming they’ll be of limited use amongst the trees?’

  Aldorman nodded. ‘Yes, ma’am. No horses, not there. For one, the territory isn’t suitable, but that’s not the problem. These spirits Captain Cubric describes, would likely drive the horses wild. They’d be throwing their riders in no time. So, if I could also make a suggestion, ma’am.’

  ‘I accede to your superior tactical knowledge, Aldorman.’ Her captains shifted in their chairs. Aldorman opened his mouth, then changed his mind. Elodi blushed. ‘Sorry, what I meant to say was you’re better placed than I to determine the best tactics for your knights.’

  Cubric glanced at the others. ‘Beg your pardon, ma’am, but you use a lot of words us simple soldiers don’t hear often.’

  Elodi’s cheeks grew hot. ‘Again, I apologize, and please, do tell me if I do it again. But I want you to know, I do not regard you as simple soldiers. We would have lost the realms many years ago without your fine service.’