“Is the city safe?” Ahtash panted, out of breath from the troubling swim.
“Will be, you can bet yur scaly ass on that!” Christian smirked.
Ahtash allowed herself to relax as the rowboat started for the city. The skies were safe, the second warship destroyed. It was all up to the others now.
* * *
Sam, April, and Nathaniel slashed their way through the marauders who tried to combat them from the beached ship. In the narrow streets it was easy to funnel the enemy into attacks. With half the army pouring in from behind them, the three had more than enough of an advantage to push the enemy back. As they got closer to the open expanse left by the ship’s marooning, Sam could see other detachments of Militia and even sailor defenders pushing more veins of marauders back to the ship. One titanic warrior stood out from the rest. Ashtock thundered through throngs of enemy troops with a powerful war cry. He was like a human rhino, carving a bloody path straight to the enemy vessel. Once there, he ripped a cannon clean out of one of the port holes, swinging it about him with both hands like a war club. Marauders were sent flying into the water, buildings, even other soldiers as Sam and the others caught up to the murderous barbarian. “Good to see you, big guy,” Sam said, stabbing a marauder and letting him fall back into the ship.
“Behind you!” Ashtock yelled.
Sam ducked instinctively and the Chipowi swung the iron cannon inches above the Guardian’s head, batting away a would be attacker. The marauder tumbled down the side of the ship and into the water lifeless. Nathaniel directed troops into the ships’ openings and doorways, the Lochkary military giving off a collective victory cry as they stormed the ship and began to clear it. It wouldn’t be long now.
A loud horn sounded across the lake from one of the armada’s half destroyed frigates. Those ships still able to sail began to turn tail and run as fast as their broken masts would allow. Storm clouds began to calm as half sunken vessels did their best to make it to the relative safety of the canal before more volleys from Lochmare’s defensive positions hit them with the killing blow. Triumphant cheers rang out from every corner of the city as the sun started to peek its way through the receding storm clouds. The battle had waged for most of the day, but in the end, they were victorious.
Sam stood atop the beached Man-of-War and gazed upon the faces of the militia and soldiers around him. They were cheering, dancing amongst the dead bodies of both comrade and adversary. For the moment they were free, living in the instant of pure bliss brought on by the realization they had lived through the day when so many others had not. This was their victory. Members of every race had banded together and fought off Cain’s invading force. It was truly something to behold.
A few soldiers came to the Guardian’s side and started to congratulate him. Sam sheathed his sword, wiped the mixture of sweat, blood, and dirt from his brow, and started moving his way through the jubilant crowd back towards the central borough. Soldiers and Militia members reached out towards him from every angle, adoring the Guardian as a living legend. April, Nathaniel, and Ashtock followed behind as they moved through the throngs of people, some were crying, some were hugging, all were thankful to be alive. All because of the Guardian’s plan.
Sillis stood atop the inner wall looking over the destruction left after the battle’s end. Fires were being combated in several boroughs, a few squabbles between Cain's invading troops and her forces were still waging, but most of the fighting and structural damage had been confined to a few sectors. She watched as the last few armada vessels were hit with destructive boulders and sunk as they tried to escape. She then looked towards the northern borough, a triumphant Guardian making his way back towards them as he was congratulated and cheered by throngs of soldiers. The General’s eyes cast upon the note in her hand, holding a signed order from King Jeremy sent by messenger to purge the northern borough from the city and let it float out into the open water, an order she had curtly ignored. She crumpled up the paper and threw it into a raging house fire far below her. There had been enough death and destruction on this day, she was not about to add to it. She gave orders to start stripping the Man-of-War immediately; she wanted her units to repurpose those cannons for their own use. The dead would be tallied, the injured evacuated to the church. The civilians would be released back to their boroughs once the fires were put down and the slow and arduous task of recuperating and repairing the city would start in the morning. Tonight, however, they were victorious. Tonight they were free.
Chapter 12
Recovering for the Road Ahead
Despite the significant loss of life during the attack, the city’s exuberance when it came to commemorating their victory was overwhelming. Across every borough, bonfires from recovered debris were ignited and danced around as the locals played celebratory music into the early morning hours. For the first time in centuries, there was a feeling that Cain could actually be defeated. Such a notion had not been entertained since the days of the Retaliation. It was more than just the feeling of relief every time Cain’s forces were fought back into the mountains generation after generation. This was a spark of hope that felt like it could carry them all the way to the gates of Bane itself.
After reconnecting with everyone back in Whitespell Manor, Sam and his comrades toured the city to join in the festivities. Sam was welcomed to every bonfire, dancing circle, and cooked meal by grateful citizens and soldiers alike. It was at one such gathering that General Sillis, standing just out of the bonfire’s light, gathered the Guardian’s attention. “A word?” She asked plainly. Her tone gave an indication that Sam did not have any choice in the matter.
The two armored figures moved through the jubilant streets, filled with drunken partygoers and carefree soldiers. They walked past a small squad of privates who were boozing with their militia counterparts and they all snapped to rigid attention and attempted a half professional salute. Two of them nearly keeled over from their drunken state. Sillis returned the sign of respect and the group immediately fell back to their drinking. Sam chuckled and looked at the stoic general. “You don’t seem too worried about your soldiers’ behavior tonight.”
“They’ve earned this. Less than a day ago they thought they were going to die,” Sillis responded as they moved through another moonlit street.
“Yes, they saved many lives today,” Sam agreed.
“What saved their lives was you, Guardian,” Sillis looked at him.
Sam looked at the much older woman quizzically. He shook his head, having trouble believing her words. “Too many people died today. I… no… I saved no one. I sent hundreds to their graves.”
“Your plan kept the city from being overrun. There would have been no feasible way to combat those frigates in the open water. Our navy would have been mere splinters within minutes, leaving us defenseless against an invasion from all sides. Do not dishonor them by belittling your efforts. Hundreds of willing men and women sacrificed their lives to save thousands of innocents, and they made that decision because they had faith… in you.”
Sam shook his head. Again he was getting credit when it was the soldiers who had fought and died for their kingdom that deserved the praise. “I mean them no dishonor, General. Those soldiers and sailors should be receiving your praises, not me.”
They were obviously at an impasse. Sillis’ grey, soulless eyes, pierced through the back of Sam’s brain. It took every bit of self-control he had to keep himself from visibly shuddering. It seemed the General was in no mood to argue, as she raised her gaze from the young Guardian and back to the streets in front of them. The two walked in silence for awhile. Sam finally asking a question that had been plaguing him. “Do you ever get used to it? All the destruction, all the death?”
Sillis sighed. “No.”
Sam hung his head but Sillis continued. “When the time comes where killing surrounds you, that you become numb to the weight of so much life lost, that is the day you hang up your sword.”
There were
a few more minutes of silence. “How did you know what those things were? What did you call them… cannons?” The Guardian asked, trying to change the subject.
“We have had some scattered reports of Cain testing weapons like that at the front lines. They fired on us from range; we were never able to recover one for study,” Sillis explained.
“Seems Cain thought they were too difficult to use on land, so he transferred them to his navy,” Sam surmised.
“Possibly. Either way we’ll have the technology soon enough and then we’ll be able to turn the tables on Cain’s forces in the north,” Sillis promised. “This discovery might very well help us push Cain into the mountains again sooner than anticipated.”
“It’s not enough,” Sam said. “We have to stop Cain once and for all.”
“New armaments can do much, if used in the right way. There is, of course, other ways we can secure victory.” Sillis said.
Sam could only think of one. He needed to collect more of the stones. Only then could the Tevan Crystal imprison the Dark One as it had before, hopefully permanently this time. The General looked like she had taken notice of his musings. “Those… trinkets… you spoke of. They can help us as well.”
Sam scoffed. “So, you finally believe me? Everyone practically laughed me out of the throne room when I spoke of the stones before.”
“I beg your pardon, Guardian, but who has been your strongest ally since you first entered the city? Before it even?” Sillis got defensive.
“You’re right, I’m sorry,” Sam apologized. “Without sounding ungrateful, may I ask why you’ve been so eager to help me? Surely I’ve done nothing but jeopardize your’s and Nathaniel’s careers.”
“A long time ago, I swore an oath to an old friend that I would,” Sillis stated.
Sam looked at her confused again. The general removed an armored glove to show the young man her hand. It was the first time Sam had seen Sillis’ bare hands. They were old and withered, not nearly as strong and warrior like as the rest of her. For the first time Sam saw a bit of fragility to the General. On one of her fingers Sam noticed a silver ring, with the design of a sword surrounded by a whirlwind on it. His family’s crest! Sam pulled the necklace holding his father’s ring from under his clothing and looked at it for comparison. His eyes widened. “We’re… related?”
“No, dear boy. The symbol of ‘The Order’ is not just your family crest. It is the sign of an ancient and secret fellowship founded by Ariana and kept by every Guardian of the Wind since,” Sillis replaced the glove over her hand.
Sam was dumbfounded. “How have I never known?”
“You were too young to understand. The time was not right. The Order watched over you at the behest of your father. We helped him many years ago beat back Cain’s forces, knowing full well he would give his life in the process. When word came that the mantle had been passed to you, we did everything we could to help you along your way” Sillis explained in a hushed voice, wary of others listening in.
“So Joseph Mannel, Talbot Tucker, Charles Aidyn, High Enchanter Drakona…”
“All members. I am currently the grandmaster after Drakona’s unexpected demise. The surprise attack on the Valley accelerated our plans for you. Originally, Drakona had wanted us to introduce ourselves before year’s end. Tutor you in the responsibilities of your station. Things that I wanted you to be taught well before now. Despite this, I must say I am pleasantly surprised in your courageous actions thus far. Reckless, undisciplined, but with results nonetheless. With little guidance you’ve made a name for yourself that I had never anticipated you achieving in such a small amount of time and with so little training,” Sillis stated.
“So all those questions you asked me when we first met… you already knew who I was.”
“Of course, but you didn’t know me. It wasn’t the right time to reveal the Order to you,” Sillis explained.
“How many members are there? Who are they?” Sam probed for information.
“I dare not speak their names in the open. Just know we are many, scattered across the world in order to better provide you with information and support,” Sillis cautioned. “We stay hidden as to not arouse suspicion within royal halls. If King Jeremy and any other human rulers knew there was a secret society dedicated to the Guardian of the Wind, they might suspect some sort of threat to their power base and have us executed as traitors.”
Sam nodded. “So even after what I’ve done for the kingdom and for his people, Jeremy would still see me as a threat?”
“The King, as with all secular rulers, fears the power you have over the people. Fears the sway you have over their power base. The change you bring with you as you travel through the kingdom. He will show favor to you for the time being, given your popularity to the commoners after this victory, but if you stay too long in Lochmare his generous hospitality will start to grow thin,” Sillis cautioned.
Sam nodded again. He felt eased that there was a connection to all those who had sacrificed for him thus far. A secret organization of humans dedicated to helping the Guardian of the Wind succeed. Suddenly he didn’t feel so alone in this quest. “I should think about moving on it seems.”
“Slow down.” The General placed a hand on his shoulder. “There is still much you must learn. You might hold the knowledge and experience of your ancestors within that blade of yours but it will not give you patience, discipline, perspective. Stay until the spring. Help with the repairs, show your face to the survivors, it will only help build support for you in the long run,” Sillis advised.
Sam nodded. What the General said made sense. "We will be having many meetings such as this in the coming weeks, Guardian. There is much you still don't know.” Sillis continued. “Current world affairs, political and social strife, not to mention we will need to send agents to track down leads on these lost Guardian bloodlines and these trinkets,” Sillis stated.
“Stones.” Sam corrected, then he sighed heavily. "Always more work to be done.”
Sillis breathed out of her nose heavily, Sam could tell he was testing her patience. “This life is not easy, but you have done well so far.” The older woman squeezed his arm affectionately. “I am very proud of you and the work you have done Samuel.”
Sam smiled. It had been a long time since someone had told him that. "Come, we’ll discuss more in private,” Sillis motioned for them to walk down another street past a few dancing citizens recently released from their cramped living conditions during the battle.
The two moved covertly through the night, the information Sillis providing running through Sam’s head. Now that Lochmare was safe he had larger things to worry about. The King, the Order, the Quest given to him by the Architect. The more he learned the more complex his task seemed to become. He’d come a long way from the simple days of being a farm boy in Cortendale, and he had a long way to go yet.
* * *
The coming weeks were fueled by a renewed hope in the capital city. Word spread of the attack on the metropolis and of Cain’s utter defeat. Despite Lochkary’s international standing, their ability to repel an attack of the Dark One’s forces with such tenacity gained them many admirers in the global political scene. Shipments of supplies, food, and gifts were received from countries that once held public contempt for the tiny kingdom. Requests for Sam and his party to tour the various human kingdoms were also received almost daily. The Guardian spent many long hours under Sillis' strict tutorage learning advanced economics, politics, and world history. They covered battle strategy, weapons and troop arrangements, even advanced fighting techniques. While he was away most mornings, his comrades concentrated on their own careers.
Nathan’s heroics during the attack and his steadfast loyalty to Sam and his plan for the defense of Lochmare had gained the Major a great deal of public praise. It also helped that Sillis secretly arranged for the tale of Nathan’s words in the meeting with the King to be leaked to a few loose lipped citizens. The story of the soldier sticking
it to the King and defending their beloved Guardian was the subject of most gossip mongers within days. Senators and advisors who had been outraged by the young officer’s outburst of defiance over Sam’s arrest had quickly changed their position when they saw how much popularity Nathan was receiving. The King and Prince Edmund had little choice but to bite their tongues and publicly endorse the young commander in the wake of the recent prestige. His once blacklisted military career was quickly turning back in his favor.
David, April, Ashtock, Ahtash, and Haven all received similar positive treatment for their association with the newly dubbed “Savior of the Capital" Samuel Gale. For his invaluable part in the magically created hurricane, the Magi graduated David from Apprentice to the fully accredited title of Mage. Minerva and Gladius presented David with a decorative coat and a magnificent belt that could hold a spell tome at his waist, along with a few new books for spells in a public ceremony at the base of their tower. He was offered a permanent space in the tower by the two in private later should he ever need a place to stay in his future travels.
April was honorably accepted into the Underbelly’s criminal underworld, due in large part to Christian’s influence. The dwarf took the rogue under his wing, teaching her archery, lock picking, dueling, pick-pocketing, and all other manner of underhanded skills she desperately wanted to know. Despite her known and somewhat public image amongst government officials, police forces, and military leaders, she took part in a few daring raids and jewelry heists, only to secretly distribute the earnings to families recovering from the battle and to pay for humanitarian supplies for the poor. Her well respected, albeit not publicly spoken of, reputation as being a rogue with a heart of gold spread like wildfire.
Jewel of the Surf Page 17