Saviour of the Crown, page 14
“Are you telling me this entire campaign rests on the shoulders of a man who’s become too timid to command properly?”
Heward found his temper rising. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I said he was cautious, not timid.”
“His men adore him,” added Calder. “I hate to say it of a Mercerian, but I envy the love his warriors have for him.”
“When have you been around the Mercerians?” asked Waverly.
Calder nodded towards Lanaka. “Did you forget our cavalry?”
“Half of those are Kurathians.”
“Those Kurathians are, in fact, Mercerians now,” said Lanaka. “But for the uninformed, I also have the honour of commanding the Wincaster Light Horse, trained by Lady Beverly herself.”
“Your pardon,” said Waverly. “I withdraw my statement. Now, Lord Heward, how is this campaign of ours to proceed?”
“Lord Lanaka will use his light horse to screen our advance, giving us warning once the enemy comes into sight. Now remember, we’re marching into the Gap, a wide corridor bounded on two sides by mountains, but that gap can be up to thirty miles wide at various points, so there’s still a chance they could flank us. To that end, we shall march in a relatively tight formation, ready to form up for battle on a moment’s notice. To minimize the risk, we’ll travel parallel to the northern edge of the Gap, keeping our left flank right up against the mountains. If we have to turn and fight, that will prevent anyone from getting behind us.”
“And if the enemy cavalry makes their presence known?”
“We’ll be marching in two columns. The more southern one will consist of our footmen, while the northern one will be our archers. If the enemy threatens, everyone will turn to the south, allowing the archers to form a line behind our foot.”
“That’s all well and good,” said Waverly, “but how do we eliminate the element of surprise? If their horsemen appear unexpectedly, they could do serious damage before the men have a chance to form into their line of battle.”
“You need not worry on that account,” said Ghodrug, displaying her mastery of the common tongue. “Our master of earth will have eyes and ears out, watching for any signs of the enemy. We will know of them long before any of our warriors are threatened.”
“I wish I had your confidence.”
“It is not confidence I rely on; it is magic.”
“May I make a recommendation?” asked Lanaka.
“Of course,” replied Heward.
“The Orc cavalry is not trained to operate as scouts. Therefore, I suggest they be kept in the middle of our columns as a fast reserve, able to fill in any holes in the line should we be caught unawares. That would, I believe, soothe Lord Waverly’s fear.”
Waverly puffed up his chest, looking like he was about to explode, then took a deep breath, slowly releasing it, forcibly calming himself. “Do not mistake caution for fear.”
“My apologies, my lord,” the Kurathian replied with a wink. “My mastery of the common tongue is still less than perfect.”
“What about the issue of command?” said Calder. “Are we all to command our own men?”
“For now,” said Heward, “but once we liberate Ironcliff, that will change. The marshal’s intention is to balance out the brigades prior to marching into Halvaria.”
“Balance them, how?”
“He intends to organize the army into two similar-sized brigades, each with foot, horse, and bow, but I can’t speak to numbers until we know how many Mercerians the marshal sends to Ironcliff. My gut tells me he would keep the Norland companies in one brigade and the Mercerians in a second, but that might leave one or the other short on cavalry.”
“Are you suggesting we send some of our horses to help the Mercerians?”
“Yes, although it might be the opposite, with some of their cavalry coming over to us.”
“Fascinating,” said Waverly, “but back to the attack on Ironcliff. How will we know when it’s the right time to advance?”
“Our attacks will be coordinated through our shamans,” replied Ghodrug. “Rulahk on our part, Kraloch on the marshal’s.”
“The marshal’s?” said Calder. “Are you saying the Marshal of Merceria will be there in person?”
Heward grinned. “I can pretty much guarantee it. This is a complex operation requiring close cooperation between two separate commands. I don’t imagine he’d be willing to leave that in someone else’s hands.”
“So he’ll command the second brigade himself?”
“No. That will likely fall on the High Ranger’s shoulders.”
“Wouldn’t we be better off if he commanded it himself?”
“I understand your trepidation, but I assure you, the other brigade is in good hands. The marshal has spent years reorganizing the Army of Merceria, populating the senior ranks with those who know their business.”
“Let’s hope you’re right,” said Waverly, “or we’ll all be marching into a massacre.”
Fourteen
Grand Strategy
Summer 968 MC
Aubrey felt the familiar buzzing in the air before the ghostly figure of Kraloch materialized before her.
“Greetings,” said the Orc. “How are things progressing in the Petty Kingdoms?”
“We’ve arrived in Reinwick,” she replied, “but have yet to learn when the army will march.”
“Will they help Erlingen in their fight against the empire?”
“That’s difficult to tell. At the moment, the duke says he must speak with King Dagmar first. Their alliance calls for aid in mutual defence but says nothing about going on the offensive, particularly into another Petty Kingdom. How are things there?”
“They are proceeding well. The marshal has a plan to liberate Ironcliff, but it requires time to get all the pieces into place.”
“And Trollden?”
“They have pushed the invaders into the swamp, but they are tying down a significant number of our warriors. There is also the matter of their fleet, whose presence offshore remains a danger. Despite that, the marshal has devised an overall strategy to defeat the empire, but it requires the cooperation of the armies of the Petty Kingdoms. Do you think you can arrange their assistance?”
“That’s difficult to say. I shall certainly do my best to encourage them, but right now, they’re more concerned with defeating the legions marching through their territory than helping us with an invasion of Halvaria.”
“That is disappointing. How are the others?”
“They’re doing well. While we were spending time at the duke’s court, we ran into someone named Galina Marwen. She claims to know Natalia Stormwind.”
“I know that name,” replied Kraloch. “Galina was once a Stormwind herself.”
“Yes, she mentioned that. She contacted Natalia on our behalf. She seems to be under the impression the Army of Therengia might be transported to our location using magic, although I’m at a loss to understand how. Our recall spell can only take a few at a time.”
“Have you given any more consideration to finding a ship to bring you home?”
“We’ve discussed it,” said Aubrey, “but we’ve had our hands full dealing with this war. Why do you ask?”
“For the marshal’s strategy to succeed, it requires someone he trusts to interpret his commands.”
“Don’t look at me. I’m a Life Mage, not a commander.” She hesitated. “Oh, you mean Beverly.”
“I do, but that means remaining in the Petty Kingdoms for a little longer.”
“And Gerald’s confident this plan of his would work?”
“It relies on many parts coming together, but yes. And thanks to the queen, we have a working map of Halvaria, but I am afraid there is no way to get it to you.” Kraloch paused. “Or perhaps there is.”
“Would you care to explain that?”
“I have no way of transporting the map to you, but a shaman could spirit travel to our location and examine it.”
“Any shaman?”
“No. It would take great power to do so. Shaluhk would be capable of such a thing, but she is far to the east.”
“True, but if the Therengians have a method of transporting themselves to the middle of the Petty Kingdoms, might she come with them?”
“I shall discuss the matter with her when I contact her. In the meantime, you must share the general’s request with Beverly. It is not an easy thing to ask someone to remain away from home for so long.”
Aubrey nodded. “We all want to get home, but if remaining here helps bring about the empire’s downfall, then this is where we’ll stay.”
“It is not your choice alone,” replied Kraloch. “All three of you must be in agreement.”
“I understand. I shall bring the matter to their attention as soon as we’re done here.”
“Where are Beverly and Aldwin?”
“They’re discussing military matters with the duke. Beverly is of the opinion we should march with all haste, but His Grace, the duke, feels we should wait until they’ve heard from Natalia Stormwind. Apparently, he’s worked with her before and highly values her opinion.”
“I assume you do not agree with this delay?”
“I’m no military expert,” replied Aubrey, “but every day we delay is another day Erlingen risks the return of the Halvarians.”
“Then we must hope that Lady Beverly’s attempts to hasten the march bear fruit.”
* * *
“I must object, Your Grace. If we rush to battle, it will only lead to disaster.” Lord Kurlan Stratmeyer, the Baron of Blunden, sat back in his seat. “I understand the pressure this puts on Erlingen,” he continued, “but it’s worth the delay if we can get the aid of a battle mage.”
Duke Fernando nodded his head. “You speak with great wisdom, my friend, but how long do we wait? Every day increases the peril to our lands, and you can be assured that if Erlingen falls, we’re next on the chopping block.”
“If I may,” said Aldwin. “I have a suggestion.”
All eyes turned to him in surprise, for he’d been silent for most of the discussion. In fact, the Lords of Reinwick had discounted him as a mere observer, but now he looked down at the map with an intense stare.
“By all means,” said the duke. “Speak your mind.”
“I’m not familiar with the idea of a battle mage, but it seems to me there is no other option, at least for the start of your campaign. From what I understand, you are legally bound to march to Andover’s aid. Any discussion about what you do after that is, at this stage, mere speculation. It thus makes the most sense to get to the Andover capital of Zienholtz as quickly as possible.”
The duke turned to Beverly. “What would you have us do, General?”
“This is not my army to command, Your Grace.”
“True, but you have experience in these matters. Do you agree with your husband’s assessment?”
“I do.”
“And do you mean to accompany us?”
“With your permission, yes. My kingdom is under attack, Your Grace. I will do all I can to deal our common enemy a defeat.”
The duke nodded. “We are lucky to have your experience. Speaking of which, I’m eager to hear the admiral’s thoughts on the matter.”
Everyone looked at Admiral Danica.
She cleared her throat. “I’m an expert at naval matters, not the marching of armies.”
“Yet you are a Temple Commander. I’m led to believe your order teaches strategy as part of the promotion process?”
“That is correct, though I must confess recent events have made that difficult.”
“I’m afraid you’ll have to explain that.”
She nervously cast her gaze around the room. “As most of you are aware, there has been a… Well, let’s call it a disagreement between my order and the Antonine.”
“We are well aware of that,” offered Lord Kurlan, “but the duke gave the Temple Knights of Saint Agnes safe harbour here in Reinwick.”
“And I’m truly thankful for that,” replied Danica. “What I’m trying to explain is that my training as a Temple Commander is incomplete due to those events. Were you to ask my opinion about naval matters, I’d answer without delay, but I hesitate to offer advice on something with which I’m unfamiliar. In any case, I think General Fitzwilliam far more qualified to speak on such matters.”
“Then perhaps Brother Cyric might offer his expertise?”
“I am only a Temple Knight, my lord, but it seems to me the admiral has made a fine argument. Might I enquire why you find it so difficult to accept Lady Beverly’s advice?”
“She is an outsider,” replied Lord Kurlan. “How do we even know we can trust her?”
“King Dagmar thought well enough of her to trust her with his message, not to mention the Duke of Erlingen giving her command over his entire army. If that’s not enough for you, then I shall add my own observations. I was present at the Battle of the Pines, my lord, a battle that brought our first victory since this continental war began.”
“Yet Erlingen was forced to retreat across the border!”
“That was done to preserve their army.”
“I’ve heard enough,” said Duke Fernando. “We shall begin the march to Zienholtz first thing in the morning. I suggest everyone get some sleep. It’s going to be a busy day tomorrow.”
They all stood and started to file out, and as Beverly was about to exit the room, Admiral Danica called out, “General? I wonder if I might have a word?”
“Certainly.”
“Brother Cyric tells me there’s a Halvarian fleet off your coast.”
“Yes. They landed one of their legions. Our marshal blunted their invasion, but their very presence pins part of our army in place.”
“And have you the ships to defeat them?”
“No. Nor, from what I’ve been told, does our ally, Weldwyn. Why?”
“The Temple Fleet could be of some assistance.”
“You’d have to sail through uncharted waters just to get there.”
“It wouldn’t be the first time. My ships have mapped the entire northern coast of Halvaria these last few years. I doubt I’d have any trouble finding volunteers for a longer voyage.”
“The fleet off our coast was immense,” replied Beverly.
“Yet I suspect very few are warships.”
“Why would you say that?”
“I’m very familiar with the empire’s warships. They’re designed to stick close to shore, not spend months at sea. There’s also the matter of your own ships or lack thereof. The Halvarians don’t begin a campaign unless they’re knowledgeable about their opponents.”
“So you’re suggesting they didn’t send warships because there’s no one to fight?”
“That’s the gist of it, yes. Oh, there’ll be a few, if only to keep the provincials in line, but I’m confident the bulk would be trading ships, likely cogs, designed to carry troops. It would take a significant number to ferry an entire legion.”
Beverly stared back, trying to decide if this was an earnest offer of help or merely a flight of fantasy.
“I know that look,” said Danica, “and I can’t say I blame you, but the Temple Fleet has a history of fighting a numerically superior enemy. We also have something they don’t.”
“Which is?”
“Our new ships are far superior to those of the empire. I’m not proposing we send the entire Temple Fleet, as we still need to maintain control of the Great Northern Sea, but I think we could provide enough to see off that invasion fleet. My question to you is, would your people be able to replenish my ships once they arrive in your waters? They’d be fine from the standpoint of the crew, but a trip of that length would deplete their stores.”
“There’s a couple of ports in Weldwyn that would suit your needs, and I’m certain the king would be willing to lend what assistance he can. If you give me the particulars, I’ll have Aubrey pass them on.”
“She’s in contact with your people?”
Beverly smiled. “Yes. That’s just one of the advantages of knowing the magic of the Orcs.”
“I wish my fleet had that capability. It would make things so much easier.”
“I imagine it would. The ability of the Orc shamans to communicate over great distances has proven vital to the Mercerian Army. Has your order any contacts amongst them?”
“I have yet to see an Orc who likes travelling by sea. In that regard, we Humans seem to be unique, aside from the Sea Elves, that is.”
“Sea Elves?”
“Yes,” said Danica. “My understanding is they left the Continent rather than go to war with the Orcs. Not that I claim to have any great knowledge of them, but they do have ships.”
“And are their ships like those of Humans?”
“They have hulls and masts, if that’s what you’re asking, but I have to admit to only seeing one down in Ilea, and it’s nothing like my current fleet.”
“How so?”
“They use magic to fuse the planks together, making for a solid deck and hull, and I’m not entirely certain that’s an advantage.”
“Why?”
“In the rough northern seas, we experience twisting of the hull, and without planking, the hull would likely rupture. At least that’s the prevailing thought.”
“Interesting,” said Beverly, “but I think for now, I’ll concentrate on the land side of things. I meant what I said about your idea. Give me a list of what your fleet would need, and I’ll ensure it gets forwarded to the appropriate people.”
“I shall do that. Thank you.”
“It’s me who should be thanking you. After all, you’re offering to free up our southern shore.”
* * *
That evening, Aldwin and Beverly sat before a roaring fire. They were at the duke’s estate, guests of His Grace, and were finally enjoying some time together in private.
“This is nice,” said Beverly, her hand grasping her husband’s. “It seems like forever since we’ve had time to relax.”
