Warrior King, page 42
“Imperials?” said Elonin. “I assume those are recruited and trained from territories that have been in the hands of the empire for a greater length of time?”
“Precisely.”
“Another advantage for our side,” said Ludwig. “Anything else I should know about?”
“Yes,” replied the Elf. “As an Enchanter, there are several spells which might benefit our warriors. I can, for example, extend the range of our bows, or make our armour more effective, though admittedly, I can only do this for a small number of individuals.”
“How many would that be?”
“A company, perhaps two at the most, and it would drain a good portion of my reserves.”
“Would that spell work on Bloodrig’s spirit hunters?”
“I do not know, but it would be easy enough to find out.”
“Then please do so. I’m not saying I want you to use that particular tactic once we get into battle, but it would help to know what you’re capable of. Any other spells you’d like to share?”
“My most powerful spell is that of far scrye, for it allows me to remotely view an area of my choosing, although I must have seen the location at some point in the past to target it. We used it to great effect when we raided the encampment of the Holy Army.”
“I thought you had to be familiar with the area you were trying to target?”
“I do, but once I create the viewing point, I can move it at a regular walking speed. When we raided the encampment, I began the spell half a mile away, then moved my point of view until I was in their camp.”
“This is getting better and better,” said Cyn. “We could use that to locate their general.”
“A legion is led by a commander-general,” said Charlaine, “and each cohort by a captain-general.”
“But we think this is an oversized legion, so wouldn’t that make each cohort larger?”
“I suspect not. The organization of a legion is rigid. I think it’s more likely they added additional cohorts rather than enlarging the existing ones, allowing them to keep the same chain of command.”
“You’ve given me much to consider,” said Ludwig. “I think I’ll amend my previous orders. Sig, I still want you to march to Tormaline, but I’d like the Elven Earth Mages to travel with Cyn’s division.”
“To what end,” asked Cyn.
“The land hereabouts is more plains than anything else, so instead of relying on hills that don’t exist, we’ll make our own.” Those gathered around him were all intent on his words, but rather than making him nervous, he drew strength from them.
At that precise moment, everything fell into place. “Elonin,” he said, “I’d like you to proceed directly to Tormaline with Sig’s men. Familiarize yourself with its layout. Once the Halvarians take it, you can use your magic to spy on the enemy.”
“I would be honoured to do as you wish, Majesty, but you already asked me to take the Elves there.”
“Sorry,” replied Ludwig. “I only need you there now. The rest of your Elves will be going with Cyn.”
“Tormaline is small,” said Cyn. “Not much more than a roadside inn and a few businesses.”
“That will make my task even easier,” offered the Elf.
“I don’t claim to be an expert in magic,” said Ludwig, “so I’ll have plenty of questions over the next few days. Getting a more accurate accounting of our enemy’s numbers is our most important task. Once I know that, I can finalize my plans.”
“You said you wanted defences,” said Cyn. “What did you have in mind?”
“You’ll need to discuss that with our Earth Mages, although I suspect the Temple General has some ideas in that regard.”
“I do,” said Charlaine. “It’s all about hills and ditches, but we can discuss that once we’re done here.”
* * *
Ludwig tried to get some sleep, but the thought of going into battle caused him no end of trouble. He wasn’t afraid to fight; in fact, he was eager to engage the empire, but he was trying to juggle so many different elements that he found it difficult to keep track of everything.
He finally rose, deciding to seek out Gustavo. His captain was sitting outside his tent, finishing off a piece of barn bread. “Now that brings back memories,” he said.
“Did you need something, sire?”
“I want to double-check I’m not forgetting anything.”
“You need me to fill in some blanks?”
“Not precisely. I recall what the Elves were doing, and I know what Cyn and Sig’s divisions were up to, but what did I end up doing with the Orcs?”
“Bloodrig was going to contact her tribe and convince their masters of air to use their magic to locate King Justinian.”
“I remember that, but there was something else.”
“Yes, the other shaman, Garok, was going to ride north in search of the army as well. The idea was to enable us to be able to talk to Justinian without the delay of sending messengers.”
“Ah, yes, that’s it. I must be getting old.”
“You’re not old, sire, merely tired. You should get some sleep.”
“I’ve been trying to do that all night.”
“What about some seaflower?”
“We left Kandam back in Harlingen, along with his remedies.”
“We have a shaman,” replied Gustavo. “Perhaps she has some? Or maybe she can put you to sleep using her magic?”
“You know, that’s not such a bad idea.”
42
March to Battle
Summer 1110 SR
“There it is,” said Sigwulf. “Tormaline, although I must say it’s much smaller than I expected. There can’t be more than a dozen buildings along the main road.”
“There are eleven,” said Elonin, “but that is not important at this time. The Spotted Dog seems to be the largest, so I suggest you put people on its roof to watch for the enemy.”
“I thought you intended to use your magic to do that?”
“My spell allows me to see things at great distances, but even then, I can only view one direction at a time. What will you do now that we are here?”
“My first task is to evacuate the town. The locals won’t like it, but I’d prefer them safe and alive than suffer the ravages of the empire.”
“The blacksmithy is a robust building,” said the Elf. “Perhaps you might consider fortifying it.”
“We’re not here to fight a battle, merely delay their advance.”
“And what better way to do so than to give the appearance you are constructing defences.”
“You make a good point,” said Sigwulf. “I’ll take a look and see what can be done.”
“While you are doing that, I shall see if I can locate the enemy, although I doubt I will have success this day.”
“Why would you say that?”
“For the simple reason that none of the Temple Knights of Saint Mathew are within sight.”
“Ah, but maybe they are, but they’re just far enough away that you need your magic to see them?”
“I had not considered that. I shall cast my spell.”
Sigwulf rode over to the smithy and was about to order his men to take the villagers to safety when Rikal interrupted him.
“Sorry, General. Talon Elonin needs to speak to you.”
“I was quite literally just talking to her.”
The archer shrugged. “She was staring off into nowhere and then snapped that she saw something and that I was to fetch you.”
“Fetch me? What am I, a dog?”
“Those weren’t her exact words, but you know how prickly Elves can be.”
Sigwulf shook his head. “I’ve told you before, my lad, if you’re going to carry a message, you need to be accurate. That means repeating a message word for word, not making things up.”
“With all due respect, I’m an archer, not a messenger.”
“Yes, and a good thing too. Now come along. Let’s see what the good talon wants.”
Elonin was staring off into the distance as they approached.
“You have news?” asked Sigwulf.
“I do. The Temple Knights are riding this way.”
“Are they in a hurry?”
“No, which seems to indicate they are not currently under attack.”
“Any signs of the enemy?”
“Not yet, but I have not extended my point of view past the Temple Knights.”
“Rikal, take some men and escort the villagers from their homes.”
“Where am I taking them?” asked the archer.
“Down the road to the east, away from the enemy. Tell them to bring whatever goods they can carry, but impress upon them that they should gather them quickly. I suspect that we’ll be fighting before long.”
“Why would you say that? The talon said she hasn’t seen the enemy yet.”
“I shall answer that question with one of my own. Why would the Temple Knights be riding towards us if the enemy weren’t behind them somewhere?”
“Perhaps the Halvarians gave up and decided to go home?”
“That’s what I like about you, Rikal; you’re always so optimistic. I’m afraid this time, however, you’re wrong. They’re coming; I can feel it. Now off you go. I don’t want those villagers becoming casualties of war.”
* * *
Fifteen or so miles east, Cyn sat in the saddle, trying to imagine a battle. “They’re going to come down this road,” she said. “The question is how we best use your magic to our advantage?”
Karalindel surveyed the area before answering. “I would suggest a defensive mound on either side of the road, at least for a start, with possibly some ditches in front.”
“I don’t suppose you can conjure trees out of nowhere?”
“Perambulating trees is not a spell I have ever felt a need to learn.”
“Perhaps Theran has it?”
“Not that I am aware,” replied the Earth Mage. “You must remember, we live in the Goldenwood, where trees are plentiful. Why in the name of Tauril would we have any interest in moving one?”
“To make room for a road?”
“We build our roads around trees, not through them.”
“It was just a thought,” replied Cyn. She spotted the Orc shaman, Bloodrig, in conversation with Ludwig. “You’ll have to excuse me. I must talk with the king.”
The Elf mage offered a bow. “Certainly, General.”
* * *
Cyn rode over in time to witness a grin spread across Ludwig’s face. “News, boss?” she called out.
“Yes, and it’s good, for once. We’ve located King Justinian.”
“And?”
“They’re marching towards us with all speed.”
“And Temple Commander Giselle?”
“She and her companies are with them. His Majesty was in Bessin when they finally caught up to him, but by then, he’d concluded it was all a ruse, meant to draw him away from the capital and was already returning. Thanks to the mages of Ag-Dular, Garok was able to meet them after they cleared the Wildwood. Bloodrig convinced them to ignore the road and march directly west from their present position. Barring the unexpected, they should arrive in two or three days.”
“So this will definitely be the battleground,” said Cyn.
“Most certainly,” replied Ludwig, “but I’d feel better if there were some way of obstructing the enemy’s view.”
“Perhaps there is,” offered Bloodrig. “Our masters of air can create a fog bank to block their view.”
“But they’re back in Ag-Dular, aren’t they?”
“No. They, along with the tribe’s remaining hunters, are now travelling with King Justinian.”
“Still, wouldn’t a wall of fog raise suspicions?”
“Not if the attack came in the early morning.”
“That means delaying the enemy,” said Ludwig. “If we do it properly, we can lure them on to our defences late in the day, then they’d have no choice but to wait until morning to begin their attack.”
“Could they not attack at night?”
“Humans don’t see particularly well in the dark, and controlling an army under such circumstances would be most difficult indeed. It does, however, require that Sig hold off the enemy to give Justinian time to get into position.”
A call of alarm sang out from behind them. Moments later, one of Cyn’s riders galloped into the camp, his horse lathered. “An army is coming, sire.”
“From what direction?”
“From the southeast. They would’ve had to march right through Agran.”
“It’s too soon to be Justinian!” said Cyn.
“Get your footmen across the road,” ordered Ludwig, “and place the wagons behind them to stop them from being ransacked.”
Ludwig fretted as Cyn rode off, yelling orders as she went. He tried to figure out how the enemy had outmanoeuvred him, but for the life of him, he couldn’t imagine how.
Gustavo appeared, leading Clay, the king’s horse. As Ludwig climbed into the saddle, he was reminded of how the horse’s previous owner, an Earth Mage, had died attacking a baron’s stronghold. The creature had served him well for many years, but was beginning to show its age, which got him to wondering whether he himself was doing the same.
The Knights of the Sacred Shield rode past, and Ludwig spurred on his horse to join them. Captain Rostrik offered him a nod, which he promptly returned, falling in beside the captain.
“Any idea what we’re up against, sire?”
“None whatsoever, but you’re not to engage. Your task is to ascertain who this army belongs to and how many there are.”
“You think it may be the empire?”
“That would be the most likely explanation.”
“How in the name of the Saints did they get behind us?”
“That’s a good question,” replied Ludwig. “If I had to guess, I’d say they came by way of Talstadt, but at this point, it’s mere speculation.”
The other army appeared in the distance, stretched out in a long line on the road. The knights halted, their captain ordering his men to draw weapons.
“Hold on,” said Ludwig, breaking into a grin. “That’s no enemy.” He urged Clay onward, towards the distant warriors. The knights, fearing for their king’s safety, followed, although they kept their weapons sheathed.
A trio of riders broke off from those on the road, one of whom carried a familiar flag.
“Greetings,” called out Ludwig. “You’re possibly the last person I expected to see here in Deisenbach.”
King Konrad smiled. “I thought I’d surprise you, although I must admit I might have broken my vow to you when I crossed through your territory to take a shorter route through Zwieken and Valksburg.”
“But we have no alliance?”
“True, but the empire threatens us all. If we don’t stand united, we shall fall one by one. I have only one request in return.”
“Which is?”
“Well,” said Konrad. “How shall I put this? Having demonstrated on several occasions that I’m not the best strategist, I ask that my men be placed under your overall command.”
“It would be an honour. How many did you bring?”
“Seven hundred. I trust that will be enough. I would’ve brought more, but I had to leave a portion of the army to protect Zowenbruch.”
“They shall be of great use to us. I am curious, however, why you didn’t send word ahead of time?”
“It’s easier to beg forgiveness than to ask permission. I was worried the King of Deisenbach would object, as our two kingdoms have never been close, politically.”
“Because they were allied with your enemies?”
“Precisely. Thanks to the labyrinthine politics of the Petty Kingdoms, my realm is ringed with potential enemies.”
“Those days are at an end,” said Ludwig. “And coming here, in our time of need, proves how important your kingdom truly is to all of us.”
“Is this where we are to make our stand?” asked Konrad.
“In a manner of speaking, yes.”
“I’m afraid I don’t follow?”
“My intention is to meet the enemy, most certainly, but I will do more than simply wait and defend.”
“Are you suggesting you’ll take the offensive?”
“I don’t intend to march towards them, if that’s what you’re asking, but neither will we hide behind our defences. We’ll let the enemy come to us, then destroy their legion.”
“I like your confidence,” said Konrad, “although it might be a tad misplaced. No Petty Kingdom has ever defeated the legions of the empire.”
“I’m afraid you’re misinformed,” said Ludwig. “They were beaten in Arnsfeld and recently lost a battle against the Army of Erlingen.”
“Erlingen? I had no idea! I’d heard about Arnsfeld, but that was at the hands of a Temple Commander, was it not?”
“That’s Temple General Charlaine, and she’s here, with our army. Surely you remember seeing their scarlet-clad surcoats when we defeated the Holy Army?”
“I most certainly did, but I was unaware their leader was the same one who defeated the empire. Saints alive, you’ve got Temple Knights and Elves on your side, along with an army that has, what, three victories under its belt? What more could you ask for?”
“Your arrival is of great benefit,” replied Ludwig, “but there’s more.”
“More? Please, don’t let me stop you.”
“The Army of Deisenbach is marching to our aid even as we speak, along with the Orcs of Ag-Dular.”
“What’s this, now? Orcs? What’s next, Dwarves?”
“I’m afraid there’s none in the area,” said Ludwig, “at least as far as I know.”
“Where would you like my men?”
Ludwig looked over his shoulder, where Cyn had lined up her footmen across the road. “Have your captains report to General Hoffman; she’s over there, by that flag bearer.”
“I shall be pleased to have them do so.”
