Luther: First of the Fallen, page 15
Despite this, or more accurately because of it, the Chasms were a prosperous region, with seams of precious ores open to minework and prospecting. The earthquakes also made no dissuasion to the flora or fauna of Caliban, and the steep slopes were as dangerous as any other stretch of forest. The knights of Peakgate were remarked afield for their decision to eschew mounts and fight on foot – a not unreasonable tactic given the terrain across which they held sway. This meant that they were also well versed in foraging and other wilderness skills, so that their patrols could cover the long, treacherous trails up and down the Chasms.
We made our presence known to a small outkeep within sight of the mound on which sat Peakgate, and the warden there informed us that the current lord was named Almanthis and would extend invitation to us without hesitation. He also revealed a wonder of Old Night known only to their knights – a communication device that could speak across the air.
A vox-caster! Not just one, of course, for there needs to be a receiver as well as a broadcast. The knights of Peakgate had sets of these in their scattered keeps so that they did not have to rely on sending couriers across the difficult valleys. To learn the ways of this ethereal communication would have been a great boon to the Order, and while the warden sent word by this means to Lord Almanthis, we agreed amongst ourselves that we should seek alliance with Peakgate if at all possible.
The warden’s prediction was proven correct and within the hour he had received permission from his master to send us onward. A marvel to request orders and receive them in such a swift manner.
While our welcome was understated, it was nevertheless cordial and sincere. We met the lord and his advisors and soon made common ground – like Aldurukh, Peakgate was carved of the mountain itself, and we spent some time comparing our homes. The caverns of the Angelicasta were carved by nature’s hand, but Peakgate’s were the artifice of a far more mortal endeavour. As such the halls and chambers, once mine workings, were low of ceiling, and tended to the narrow as they had followed the ore veins. Electrical lighting, something of an extravagance in Aldurukh, was everywhere, and this answered my unspoken question of how the vox-casters – or longvoices as they called them – were continually powered. The mystery of this power network was something else I was keen to investigate.
We were feted and fed in the largest of the halls, close to the surface with natural windows along one wall where the sunlight blazed along shafts delved about three metres through the rock. Colourful banners were hung on the crudely excavated walls, and pillars of iron-reinforced wood held up the beams of the ceiling in places. It was very much a place of function adorned a little for the purposes of lordly aesthetic. It seemed to confirm the impression brought back by the previous expedition that the rulers and knights of Peakgate were not of very long noble lineage – commoners a few generations ago that had taken the mantle of lordship.
Though I was not the senior of our group, over our previous encounters with outsiders it had become clear that my tongue was the most accomplished, and so I took the lead in these introductions. After enquiring a little of the history of Peakgate, which the lord answered in vague terms, I spoke of the Order and our mission to seek out the beasts and slay them, and to protect any who trod the wilds of Caliban.
‘What of foes of a different calibre?’ one grey-haired courtier asked as she eyed us warily. ‘The kind that walks on two legs?’
Almanthis seemed annoyed at the question, but when I enquired of him what his advisor meant he was forthcoming.
‘Banditry, I must confess,’ he told us, glaring at the woman. ‘The forests to the west have become infested with outlaws that prey upon our mining caravans. They know the terrain too well to be caught, and their lairs are well protected. If we send more guards with the carts then we must reduce patrols elsewhere.’
‘Surely you can just leave them to the forest and the Great Beasts?’ suggested Sar Samael. ‘In the wilds, no protection, it would just be a matter of time.’
‘If that were true, they would already be dead,’ grunted the old courtier.
‘Indeed,’ said Almanthis. ‘It would seem they have a knack for survival, or some fortified lair.’
‘Perhaps we could lighten the burden on your patrols while you conduct a campaign to dissuade these outlaws from remaining in your territory,’ I suggested, but this was greeted with a chorus of disapproval from around the table.
‘We cannot trust our defence to foreigners!’ said one indignant noble, summarising the sudden mood.
Almanthis called for order but it took some time, as several arguments rippled through the council. When quiet was restored, the ruler of the Peakgate rubbed his chin and regarded us with a contemplative eye.
‘It’s not personal,’ he assured us. ‘Would the Order entrust its borders to others?’
‘We do, as it happens,’ replied my mother. ‘Our security relies as much upon the cooperation of our neighbours as it does our own guard.’
‘But we see your point,’ I added quickly, trying to maintain what little favour we had been granted. I looked at my companions. ‘Perhaps if we spread ourselves among the forces of the Chasms? A knight here or there would be no threat.’
This time the dissent was ours as my father shook his head and several of the others grumbled their objection.
‘I would not have us scattered like chaff across a field,’ my father insisted. As the most senior of us his will carried a lot of weight, and as a master he also had the authority of the Angelicasta. ‘We come to hunt the Great Beasts, if permitted, and to offer the promise of future alliance.’
I would not be thwarted so easily and returned my attention to Almanthis.
‘Perhaps, lord of Neortukh, there is a more specific task you could set us that would enable you to concentrate your efforts against these outlaws?’
‘When you next heed word of a Great Beast, we could hunt it for you,’ suggested Maegon. ‘Surely you can trust us with such a mission?’
‘And deny our squires a chance to earn their knighthood?’ replied the same noble that had objected to us taking up the patrols.
‘Even were that no consideration, you are novices in the Chasms,’ said a dark-haired woman of middle age. I had barely noticed her before, but now that she drew attention to herself I realised I had paid her no mind because this was the first time she had spoken. There was an air of confidence about her and when she spoke, the others paid attention. ‘Your destriers are unsuited to the terrain and you have no wildcraft in these lands. It is unfortunate, but equally unavoidable.’
‘My daughter, Egrivere, Marchess of the Peaks,’ the lord told us. ‘She is right, and also you must understand that we have our own ways of meeting these challenges. Our knights are stationed across the territory in the waykeeps, ready to respond to our longvoices.’
‘There is no great riding forth as you see from other realms, it simply is not practical to hunt every beast from the Peakgate,’ Egrivere explained further, even as her look conveyed regret at this truth. ‘Unless you happened to be close at hand, our foot knights would respond far more swiftly.’
Mention of the communications system renewed my desire to make some treaty with the Chasms and I spoke above my station.
‘Then perhaps we can aid against the bandits?’ I suggested, though I knew I would face objection from my own.
My offer brought swift censure from my father, by look if not by voice. He addressed his words to the lord of Peakgate.
‘The Order is dedicated to the pursuit of the Great Beasts, but it appears that we can offer little to the people of the Chasms. You have our thanks for your hospitality and we would be grateful if you extend it another night. After that, we will occupy your counsel no more.’
‘I am in accord,’ announced Lord Almanthis. ‘You are welcome to board at Peakgate for as long as you desire. There are any number of places within the town that would be grateful for your custom and your company. You may find yourselves harassed for news of wider goings-on, for very few folk make the effort to come to the Chasms.’
We took our leave of the council and headed from the lord’s hall with an escort of local knights, to a hostelry they deemed suitable. The patron was indeed welcoming and inquisitive, but my father advised against mingling in the common room and instead we drank and dined in quarters to which we were billeted.
As we finished our meal I could hold my tongue no more.
‘These longvoice devices are a miracle of the Lost Times,’ I declared, pushing away my empty plate. ‘If we could discover the secret of their creation, think of how much greater our reach would become. There are more wonders here too, for creating electricity, and maybe others we have not yet seen.’
‘We are not here to increase our influence or to hoard archeotech, but to hunt the beasts of the forests,’ Sar Gavriel replied, a sour-faced knight that I had disliked since our first meeting.
‘We do not hunt bandits,’ my father said.
I must confess that had he not been related to me, I might have resumed my silence then, but perhaps familiarity overcame due respect for a superior. Whatever the case, I banged my hand on the table in frustration, knocking over a glass.
‘Stop being so short-sighted!’ I snapped, and in the moment my temper took hold of me and I could not stop. ‘You heard what their lord said. They can respond swiftly to any Great Beast, no matter where in their lands it arrives. Imagine that power in the hands of the Order. What if our allies in the neighbouring fortresses could signal for aid in moments and not days? What if our artisans could study this technology and make it portable? Our patrols might carry such a device on a wagon and report what they find as they move!’
‘We are knights, not militia,’ said Sar Gavriel. ‘That means something to the Order. We hunt, we do not stand sentry.’
‘Not quite so,’ said my mother. ‘The Order was founded to protect others.’
‘They will not give us this technology,’ my father said heavily. ‘Not willingly. You see that they are distrustful. Why would they surrender this advantage to those they think may be enemies?’
‘We come in alliance,’ I insisted. ‘If we prove to them our good intent, there is a chance. If we leave, there is none. What do we have to lose?’
What indeed? It seemed an easy decision to me, and I thought it the pride of the older knights that held them back, though I made no accusation openly.
‘I cannot see how we can help,’ said Fyona. ‘Egrivere was right. We cannot chase our quarry up and down these valleys. Even if we did not become lost, or worse still led into ambush, what hope have we to succeed where the local knights have failed?’
She made a good point. What exactly could I offer that the knights of the Chasms did not possess?
‘I cannot say,’ I admitted. I looked at my father, offering conciliation. ‘If I think of something, would you let me propose it to the lord? If we help Almanthis, imagine the good that can come of it.’
He was not an imaginative man, but he was also not an unfair one.
‘We will leave in the morning unless you have something specific to offer to Almanthis.’
I nodded my thanks and agreement, made parting words with the others and retired, though I did not go to my chamber but decided to walk awhile to stir my creative thoughts. I almost bumped into a woman hurrying in through the door and she was likewise taken aback to see me. It was Egrivere.
‘Sar Luther,’ she exclaimed, a little more flustered than I thought the encounter warranted.
‘Sarl Egrivere,’ I replied, stepping back to allow her to enter. She stayed where she was.
‘Marchess Egrivere,’ she reminded me and I bowed in apology. ‘I was seeking you, as a matter of fact.’
‘Indeed? Well you have found me easily enough,’ I replied.
‘I have spoken with my father and he has granted leave for me to approach you,’ she informed me quietly. ‘I know that others on the council are suspicious of the Order, but I think there is much mutual gain in making league with one another.’
It was good to hear that someone among Almanthis’ advisors was of like mind to myself. I wondered what precisely enticed her to the thought of alliance.
‘I have just concluded similar negotiations with my own father,’ I admitted with a smile. ‘Perhaps we should conduct our conversation somewhere more comfortable than the threshold?’
We retired to a private room, sent for water and wine, and started to discuss how my company and I could be of service to the people of the Chasms. Between my tactical acumen and her local knowledge we finally devised a plan that might have merit, though it took us well past midnight. I returned to my chambers in sleepless mood, excited by the prospect of what we had decided.
The next day, Egrivere returned, this time with her lord and a few retainers. I had not had time to apprise my companions of the plan before their arrival and so they heard it for the first time also as they breakfasted.
‘The concept is simple enough,’ Egrivere began. ‘The greatest advantage you bring is your speed over open ground. Your destriers can outpace any of our warriors.’
‘Open ground is a rare commodity in the Chasms,’ said Almanthis. ‘It also comes with the disadvantage that our foes can see for a distance across it, giving them ample time to escape into less favourable terrain.’
‘Which is why we must conceal ourselves from their view,’ I countered. I looked to Egrivere and she nodded for me to continue. ‘Surprise is essential and multiplies the impact of our speed.’
‘And we must act swiftly, before word of the Order’s presence is widely known,’ added the marchess.
‘I have had another thought on that,’ I told her. ‘The opposite is true. We must assume that the outlaws have eyes and ears in Peakgate. Sympathisers or paid agents. News of our arrival is wending its way across the Chasms as we sit here.’
‘Then our enemies will be keen to track your movements and our plan cannot work,’ said Egrivere, her expression glum.
‘Quite the opposite!’ I told her and the others. ‘Our small company will make great show of leaving Peakgate and the Chasms. Word will spread that we found no welcome here, but I am sure you have some means by which we might return in secret.’
‘It can be arranged,’ said Almanthis.
‘You have said nothing of what you intend us to do,’ complained my father. ‘What plan have you concocted?’
Egrivere and I looked at each, to see which of us would answer. I nodded for her to explain.
‘The ore wagons from the mines are large, each certainly able to conceal two of your knights,’ she said, looking at my companions. ‘They come to Peakgate to unload their cargoes, travelling along the only road we can maintain – the causeway deep. In return, payment is sent to the mines but we do not say when. We will, by roundabout means, allow the rumour to spread that the next caravan will include the payment chest.’
‘And just hope the brigands attack?’ said Fyona.
‘We will make the prize irresistible,’ I said to her. ‘A particularly bountiful reward for striking a new seam. Of course, to maintain secrecy, there will be no additional guards.’
‘The road is long, the forest and ravines close at times,’ said Almanthis. ‘How can you know when the outlaws will attack?’
‘One of the wagons will break a wheel near the ford over the Steepwater. If the brigands have been paying attention, they will seize the opportunity. The area either side of the ford is flat for nearly close to a kilometre, but it will be a lure too tempting, I think.’
There were other questions, but Egrivere and I had been diligent and were able to address any concern or argument. I could tell that my father and the older knights were not keen, but they kept their reservations silent in front of the local contingent.
It took some time, but both parties agreed to the plan and it was decided to enact it immediately. I was pleased that I had managed to convince both my peers and our new allies to work together, and must admit I thought myself quite clever for doing so and overlooked Egrivere’s contributions when I looked back in later life.
The lord and his retainers made a show of leaving the hostelry in some ill temper, and we followed after in short order, talking loudly amongst ourselves about the poor reception we had received in Peakgate. We rode from the town gate and continued for a day, into the forests south of the fortress.
That night a rider came to us and guided us to caves that linked to a watchtower close to the road, and by this means were we able to ensconce ourselves upon the wagons two days later.
It was an uncomfortable journey for us and our steeds, rocked and jostled along the winding road, resting as best we could amid fodder sacks and our belongings. I rode with Fyona and we spent the time as well we could, but the very close proximity of two equine onlookers and the necessity of keeping on our armour quashed any amorous intentions we might have harboured.
On the third day out, the shouts of the small guard contingent warned us that the decoy wagon had thrown its wheel. We heard splashing and realised that our driver had continued on a little way into the ford itself.
We waited expectantly, weapons at the ready, patting our destriers to keep them quiet. A few minutes passed and then we heard the sharp, distinctive report of a rifle. Warning cries sounded around us and more gunfire followed. The local knights, four of them, had been ordered to take cover and protect themselves after a brief show of defiance. We worked the toggles that held down the back of the heavy cover and freed the bolts of the tailgate so that it would fall easily.
