Saviour of the Crown, page 15
He chuckled. “It won’t last long. Tomorrow, we’ll both be up at the crack of dawn.”
The door behind them creaked open.
“Come in, Aubrey,” said Beverly.
“How did you know it was me?”
“By process of elimination. Who else would enter without knocking first?”
“Shall I come back later? I don’t want to disturb you.”
“You’re here now. Have a seat.”
Aubrey sat across from them. “It’s much cooler here than I would’ve expected.”
“Likely the result of the sea,” said Aldwin. “They say it brings a cold wind from the north.”
“You look troubled,” noted Beverly.
“I am,” replied the mage. “I talked to Kraloch.”
“And?”
“Gerald has a master strategy to defeat Halvaria.”
“What is it you’re not telling us?”
Aubrey cleared her throat. “For his plan to work, he needs a way of coordinating with the Petty Kingdoms.”
“I can guess what that means. He wants me to oversee things on this end.”
“He does, but he understands if we choose to return home instead.”
“And how do you propose we do that?”
“We could hire a ship,” replied Aubrey.
“There’s no point in returning home if it’s only to see Merceria conquered.” She looked at Aldwin. “What do you think?”
“I’m fine with staying here as long as you’re with me.”
“I guess you have your answer, Cousin,”
“I thought as much,” said Aubrey.
“What can you tell me about this grand strategy?”
“Not much at this point. Gerald hasn’t divulged any details yet. It also relies on us convincing the Petty Kingdoms to agree to cooperate with us.”
“Then that is where we shall begin.”
Aldwin knitted his brows. “How do we do that when we don’t even know the details of the plan?”
“By having faith,” replied Beverly. “Gerald has yet to steer us wrong.”
“Not entirely true. He did get captured by Kythelia’s army, remember?”
“I remember, but his successes far outweigh his failures.”
“I agree,” said Aubrey. “So how do we go about doing this? We have to convince the Duke of Reinwick to join us, not to mention the King of Andover.”
“And the Duke of Erlingen,” added Aldwin. “Although, admittedly, you’ve already given his army a victory, so I suppose that’s not insurmountable.”
“We’ll start by offering them the tactical advantage.”
“How?”
“We get Aubrey to convince the Ashwalkers to lend us their shamans.”
“How hard do you reckon that will be?”
“Not very,” said Aubrey. “Since we arrived here, Krazuhk has been learning more about them. I’m hoping that familiarity will help us convince them it’s in their best interest to assist.”
“I think they will,” said Aldwin. “It’s to their own advantage. By the way, whatever happened to Sir Owen? I haven’t seen him since we arrived.”
“I have,” said Beverly. “He was invited to visit the chapter house of the Knights of the Golden Chalice. I suspect the knights of the Petty Kingdoms consider themselves brothers-in-arms despite being from different realms.”
“And Brother Cyric?”
“He’s staying at the Temple of Saint Mathew, although I’ve heard he’s spending quite a bit of time looking over the Temple Fleet in port. That reminds me. That admiral of theirs thinks she could sail a fleet all the way to Merceria.”
“Is that something worth considering?” asked Aubrey. “By my estimate, we’d be talking about more than a thousand miles.”
“Oh, she’s aware of the distance. She wants me to arrange for safe ports in Weldwyn.”
“And by that, you mean you want me to see to it.”
“Naturally,” said Beverly. “It’s not as if I can use magic.”
Aubrey chuckled. “I’ll see what I can do. Have we any particulars?”
“Not yet, but I’ve been assured I’ll soon have that information.”
“She does realize we’re marching tomorrow morning?”
“Naturally. She was at the briefing and appears to be very organized. I suspect we’ll have the information in hand at first light.”
“In that case, we’d better get some sleep. It’s getting late.” Aubrey paused, looking at her companions. “That means you two as well. Don’t spend all night canoodling!”
“Hey, now,” replied Beverly. “We’re married, remember? We’re allowed to canoodle!”
Fifteen
Death Comes Calling
Summer 968 MC
The guard captain stood to attention as he entered the High Strategos’s office, his eyes darting around in his head as if looking for an escape route.
“Out with it,” snapped Exalor.
“Agalix is dead, Your Grace.”
“Yes, I know. Word of his demise travelled quickly.”
“There is more, Your Grace.”
Exalor raised an eyebrow. “More? What more could there possibly be? The man is dead.”
“As is our agent.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“The man we sent to kill Agalix was also murdered, Your Grace.”
“By whom?”
The captain drew in a breath of air. “We’ve yet to determine that. The body of our man was found at the murder scene, which I’m afraid implicates us.”
Exalor chuckled. “It’s hardly a secret now, is it? If the Sartellians can’t figure out we’re the ones killing them off, then what hope have they of surviving?”
“That’s just it, Your Grace. Our man didn’t kill Agalix.”
“I thought you said he was at the murder scene?”
“He was, but a crossbow bolt killed Agalix; our man preferred a blade.”
“How did you discover this?”
“I read the official report of his death, Your Grace. I have contacts amongst the Imperial Judiciary.”
“This is most unexpected.”
“Could it be another Shozarin taking matters into their own hands?”
“Admittedly, anything is possible,” said Exalor, “but I find that difficult to believe.”
“That is not everything, Your Grace.”
“Go on.”
“We have reports that Enelle Sartellian was murdered in broad daylight on the streets of Varena.”
“I never authorized that!”
“I’m well aware, Your Grace.”
Exalor’s gaze wandered the room while his mind went elsewhere. Had another Shozarin taken matters into their own hands, or was a different faction at play here? Certainly, the death of Enelle worked to his advantage, but did it signify he’d lost his grip on his own line?
“Have you any orders, Your Grace?”
“Double the guard, and ensure our people keep an eye out for any further developments.”
“You fear retribution?”
“It’d be foolish not to think the Sartellians would seek reprisals against us. I doubt it would result in fighting in the street, but then again, I wouldn’t have expected someone to murder Enelle in broad daylight. This smacks of a third party trying to manipulate this feud out into the open.”
“The Stormwinds, perhaps?”
“That’s certainly a possibility, but we must remember there are other groups within the empire who’d enjoy seeing the families toppled from their positions of power.”
“Is there anything else, Your Grace?”
“No. You may leave me.” The captain bowed before quietly departing.
Exalor was uncertain which was more likely: that the Stormwinds, weakened by the Volstrum’s loss, were trying to incite violence between the other families, or an outsider was attempting to seize power? The loss of two powerful Sartellians would bring a swift response, but who would benefit most from that?
He was aware that some officers within the army wished to be free of the tight control the three families held over them, but they were more suited to military action, not murdering people in broad daylight. Could it be a criminal organization? In her role as the High Purifier, Enelle Sartellian had undoubtedly brought a slew of criminals to face justice. Perhaps this was a revenge killing?
Exalor immediately dismissed the idea. Had it only been Enelle, he might’ve believed it, but the death of Agalix didn’t fit that scenario.
His thoughts turned to the Shozarins. Exalor considered himself the true power behind his line, but there always were others seeking to replace him. Was this the manoeuvering of a potential rival? In all probability, any reprisals for the deaths would target him, leaving a power vacuum, so who benefits most from his own death? Only one name stood out from the rest.
“Kelson,” he said under his breath, though he was loathe to admit it. He raised his voice. “Wingate! Get in here! I need you.”
After a short wait, the door opened to his out-of-breath aide. “You called, Your Grace?”
“Yes. We have work to do. Someone has been interfering in my personal vendetta, and I intend to find out who.”
“Where would you like to start?”
“Excellent question. I am of two minds on this: either a third party has taken an interest in our affairs, or someone within my own line has taken it upon themselves to interfere.”
“You think someone is trying to seize control of the Shozarins, Your Grace?”
“Our family history seems to indicate that the most likely cause. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“There has certainly been strife in the past, Your Grace, but I have a hard time believing someone would dare try to usurp your position.”
“Be that as it may, I must still consider the possibility. To that end, I want you to send word to Kelson that I wish to see him.”
“Will you travel to his location, Your Grace, or summon him here?”
“Here. It sends a message that I’m not to be trifled with.”
“Am I to summon anyone else, Your Grace? We have many Shozarins in positions of influence who might benefit from your…removal.”
“Good point. Gather their names and add them to my kill list.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“And Wingate?” said Exalor. “No word of this to anyone. You understand?”
His aide offered a bow. “Completely, Your Grace.” With that, he was gone, leaving his master to contemplate recent events yet again.
Exalor found it difficult to believe Kelson might’ve betrayed him, especially when he’d healed him after the attack on his person. He was suddenly struck by a thought. What if Kelson arranged the assassination attempt to get closer to him? After all, the perpetrator was never caught, which suggested either a very astute assassin or a cover-up at the highest levels. Who better to hide the individual than the High Sentinel himself?
* * *
“He wants to see you in person, m’lord.” Captain Heliot stood at the door, his hand, as always, resting on the hilt of his sword.
“Where?” replied Kelson.
“At his estate.”
“Was there any indication of his mood?”
“The messenger said immediately, m’lord, which suggests he’s in a foul temper. Shall I call more guards?”
“To do what? Meet the High Strategos with an army of warriors? I doubt that would be well received.”
“You should be protected, Lord. These are dangerous times.”
“So they are. I’ll take four guards, along with yourself. Would that make you happy?”
“Indeed, m’lord. I shall make the arrangements.”
Kelson turned back to his guest. Praxar Shozarin, by all rights, should be overseeing the Third Legion’s evacuation from the mountains surrounding Stonecastle, but recent events had put that entire operation in jeopardy.
“Exalor’s nervous,” said Praxar, “and so he should be. He’s made a right mess of this campaign.”
“You are entitled to your own opinion,” replied Kelson, “but this campaign was never about subjugating Merceria. No, it was always meant as a means for him to amass an army to take the Gilded Throne.”
“Then why attack in three places when he should’ve massed all the legions together?”
“Yet he very nearly succeeded. If not for the stubbornness of those pesky Dwarves, our legions would be marching on the Mercerian capital as we speak.”
Praxar cleared his throat. “With all due respect, Kelson, it is precisely what he should’ve expected. We learned long ago how difficult it is to pry those people out from under their mountains.”
“I might remind you that you were charged with overseeing the attack on Stonecastle.”
“That was the legion commander’s fault, not mine. Had he carried out the assault according to the plan, none of this would’ve come to pass. Now, we’re faced with an army of Elves marching into our territory.”
“Can you stop them?”
“Most certainly. They lack the numbers to do anything other than make a nuisance of themselves.”
“Then why are you here,” asked Kelson, “rather than in the west commanding what remains of the Third Legion?”
“You worry too much. My magic will have me back where I’m needed long before dark. My question still stands: what are you going to do about this situation we find ourselves in?”
“To which one do you refer? The losses to our legions or this purge that Exalor’s begun?”
“Both, not to mention the troubling rumours coming from the east.”
Kelson sighed. “You refer to the news that Reinwick is marching south?”
“I do. If Edora doesn’t act soon, she’ll be too late.”
“Let me worry about the campaign in the Petty Kingdoms. You need to take care of those annoying Elves. Have we any idea of the forces at their disposal?”
“It is a small army,” replied Praxar, “predominantly comprised of foot, with a smattering of archers and horse.”
“I noticed you didn’t mention the Dwarves.”
The Marshal of the Empire shrugged. “They are of no tactical advantage, and their short legs will slow the advance.”
“Still, you mustn’t underestimate their contribution. You yourself mentioned how difficult it is to dig Dwarves out from under their mountains.”
“True,” replied Praxar, “but we have the advantage of terrain in this instance. There won’t be rocks for them to crawl under in our lands, only wide-open fields, the perfect place for our cavalry to do their business.”
“I assume that means you have a strategy?”
“I do. I shall draw their army towards one of our cities, then cut them off from their supply lines. Trust me, they won’t last long.”
“And which city would that be?”
“There are several that will suffice. I need only wait and see which direction they march once they clear the mountain passes.”
“Wait and see? You must have some idea of what they’re up to?”
“Oh, I do,” replied Praxar. “Common sense dictates they’d march north to attempt to close off the eastern end of the gap, thus cutting off the Seventh Legion. The problem is they’re Elves.”
“And?”
“The empire has never faced them in battle, so their tactics are unknown to us.”
“But you have a breakdown of their army. You told me so yourself.”
“We do, and were they Human, I’d have no doubt as to their intentions, but we’re dealing with an unknown race here. Who knows how they think?”
“I admire your caution,” replied Kelson, “but we can’t let them march all over our territory; the results would be catastrophic.”
“It’s not that bad.”
“Perhaps not from a military standpoint, but think of the political ramifications! The vast bulk of the empire is comprised of conquered territories. Allow them to believe we’re weak, and we’d have uprisings throughout the land, particularly in the north, where the realms under our rule are relatively new acquisitions.”
“Then I shall do all in my power to crush them as quickly as possible.”
“Good,” said Kelson. “That’s precisely what I hoped you’d say. Now, you must excuse me. I have to go and meet with His Grace, the High Strategos before he has a fit and decides to purge our own line.”
“You really think he’d go that far?”
“He has an unbridled thirst for power. He’d do anything he thinks he needs to achieve his objective.”
* * *
“He’s here, Your Grace,” said Wingate.
“Good. Show him in.” Exalor forced himself to relax, easing back into the armchair. He’d elected to meet Kelson in a drawing room rather than an office, an attempt on his part to put his rival at ease. Drinks were laid out, with a fireplace warming the room despite the heat of the day, all to give the impression nothing was amiss. He closed his eyes, taking the opportunity to calm himself. The more he thought about Kelson, the more he became convinced the fellow had betrayed him, but then would he have healed him? Would he ever know the entire truth of the matter? Somehow, he doubted it, but he must make the best of a bad situation. Perhaps he might convince Kelson it was worthwhile supporting his claim to the Throne.
“He is here, Your Grace.”
“Thank you, Wingate. That will be all.”
His aide bowed reverentially before backing from the room, leaving his master and Kelson Shozarin alone.
“You called for me?” said his guest.
Exalor tried to hide his annoyance, but a twitch at the corner of his eye revealed his irritation. “Have you heard about the death of Agalix Sartellian?”
“Yes, Your Grace. It’s the talk of the city.”
“And are you also aware Enelle Sartellian was murdered?”
“Indeed, although some claim it was a robbery attempt in her case.”
“What are your thoughts on the matter?”
“I’ve a hard time believing that,” replied Kelson. “Enelle would’ve had personal guards with her, so I can’t conceive of any circumstances where mere thugs could’ve gotten to her. Was that your work, by chance?”
