Alphande'

“Andreas, behind you!” I shouted but he was unable to hear me. If I didn’t act quickly the soldier creeping behind him was going to gut him from behind. I loosed an arrow which lodged in the furrow between his eyes. I fired another at the one coming to replace him.

Andreas looked back surprised at the two men who dropped at his feet.

I jumped down from my horse cutting through two others who charged towards me. I felt the prick of the tip of a spear as it was caught in my armour. Andreas was quick and the green clad soldier’s arm was soon on the ground, his head soon followed.

“What are you doing here? You are supposed to be finding the Verdan leader.” He said as we fought back to back, shielding each other from the enemy that came behind.

“I know,” I said as I slid my sword up a man’s belly causing his guts to fall out, before kicking him away. “But the fighting at the fringes is just as thick as it is here. I said as I parried another blow with my sword. I pushed the man away with so much force that he knocked three other of his counterparts down. The strength gem was taking full effect now that I was closer to it and so far the results had hardly been disappointing. “Besides, I sensed that Dominic would be heading this way.” I said as I spied a silver scaled Verdan tossing one of our soldiers over its head as if he weighed nothing more than a pebble.

“Sensed?” he said as he sleekly bent out of the way of a soldier who had come after his head. He then kicked the soldier of his feet before plunging his double-tipped spear into the soldiers back.

“Not bad for a man your age.” I said truly impressed.

“It was no accident that I escaped Sebán alive.” He said as he moved on to his next victim.

“I can see that now.” I said as I cut across another soldiers shin.

“Sensed him?” he said bringing me back to his original question.

“I had a premonition of the sort.”

“The death ones of which Ivaner spoke?” he said sounding slightly winded.

“Yes,”

“Who died?”

“No one---yet. Excuse me a bit.” I said after brushing past a group of our men facing a Verdan who was rearranging them into mangled body parts.

I lopped off its hand holding a blood-washed axe. He roared as he faced me.

“Don’t be like that, it will grow back.” I said. The creature’s scowl deepened as it seemed to understand what I had said. I realised that I had spoken in the Verdan tongue.

I chucked two men out of the way and lumbered towards me in rage. It wrapped its arms around my chest. It felt like being bound by gossamer. I turned out of his hold and plunged my fist into his chest wall. Ribs snapped and blood gushed from his mouth. The creature charged once more. My sword was quick and its heart stuttered to a halt after macerating itself on my blade.

I then flitted back to Andreas’ side helping him to take out two of the men who had come at him at once.

“You were saying, who died?”

“You did. Dominic is headed this direction as apparently you were on his hit list.”

“Oh, I should be thank you then it seems.”

“I wouldn’t start issuing thanks so prematurely. I haven’t saved you yet.” I said as I stabbed someone else who crept behind him. “Look up ahead.” I pointed.

“What is happening, why are all the men suddenly thinning out?”

“A group of Verdans are approaching. They usually fight to gain individual glory, which is trouble within itself, but it seems Asher has them fighting in groups now, acting as a large axe cutting down groups of our men at a time.

“Arrange for the men to get behind them as they aren’t covering their flanks.” I said as I strode forward to meet them. I felt a restraining hand on my shoulder.

“And where do you think you are going?” said Andreas.

“To meet Dominic, where else? I cannot contact the Verdan leader without his help.”

“You are not going alone.”

“I just told you that if you two meet, you’re dead.” But this declaration didn’t seem to faze him a bit. “You will be no good dead Andreas, besides this was one of my main roles here today. I am better equipped than you to go and face ten charging Verdans than a hundred of our men. You should go.”

“Fine,” he said letting me go. “But be careful.” He said before racing off calling some of his men behind him. I couldn’t help but to wonder if that was out of true concern for me or because I held the hope of the Nuwanhe in my hands why he had chosen to trust my decision.

I spotted Dominic almost immediately. His dark green colouring and slighter build distinguished him from the hulking silvery-blue giants flanking him. His height and weight seemed to be no disadvantage as he moved with just as much power and even more grace than the others.

“Dominic,” I said as I parried a blow from his axe. “We need to talk.” I said as I manoeuvred out of his way.

“It is Bufrak Dominic much has changed since we last met Gareth of Tel Anir and there is nothing to talk about after you gave the gem to Asher and doomed my kind to death.” He swung his axe at my mid-section and I had to slide backwards to escape the blow.

“I apologise I was unaware of the recent upgrade, although I guess I should have figured that something else was different when the Verdans started the assault on Indué. That certainly made my task a bit easier. Asher got the gem by accident, it was not wilfully given.” I said as I dodged another one of his blows.

“You expect me to believe the words of a traitor? The same one who killed his own brother to gain the throne.”

“Yes and I would like to explain things to you if you would stop fighting.” I said catching his arm in mine. He tried to pull away but his efforts were useless against my strength.

He seemed to take note of this immediately. “You are strong, stronger than a normal human should be; probably as strong as the egg-breaking king. How is this so?”

“I will tell you if you stop fighting.”

“I cannot stop fighting! He took our wills from us and replaced it with his own.” He said through clenched teeth.

“If he did, then why are you not attacking me at this moment?” I said as I let go of his hand.

He seemed to pause. “You know the tongue of the Ulgana?” he seemed surprised and confused, but finally I had his full attention.

“Come with me,” I said as I pulled him behind a huge boulder. “The gems, I too inherited their powers as a second born son at the same time Asher did. That means I share his gifts.”

“Was that your plan all along then?” his dark eyes becoming slit-like with suspicion.

“No, I didn’t even know that it was possible until it happened.”

“That means that you can unbind my people.” His black eyes suddenly had a flash of hope in them.

“I unbound you so I suppose it is possible. However my unbinding might not be as strong as Asher’s hold.”

“That is true, I still feel compelled to carry out his orders however I am able to resist the urge. It is like, like…”

“Like you again have a choice. You can choose between him and me in this battle.”

“That isn’t much to choose from human.”

“But it is a lot more than you had just a moment ago. He makes you fight in such a way that leaves you open to attack from behind. He doesn’t care about your kind.”

“And you do?”

“Yes, especially since we could use your help. We have so much more to gain working with each other than the other way around.”

“What exactly do you want from us son of Elmera’s son?” he said after a brief pause.

“I need your help to get close to Asher. I have the greatest chance of defeating him.”

He breathed in deeply. “What do you want me to do?”

I explained my plan to him quickly.

“You want us to pretend that we are still under his control, even though you will be losing men along the way?”

“There is no other way to cover our intentions. Your men could retreat to the thinnest part of the fighting to lessen the body count.”

“We will be retreating soon enough as dawn approaches, so that shouldn’t be much of a problem.”

“Wait for the signal to know when to start attacking the other side. If we move too early he will get wind of what we are doing. Remember no one is to attack him directly as he will foresee that move and everything would be ruined.”

“I understand, now let us get started quickly.”

“You will have to cover me that I can unbind the wills of your men.”

“That is not necessary, as it has already been done.”

“What do you mean?”

“Look for yourself,” he said coming from around the rock. “They have already been unbound.” the Verdans were no longer attacking just our men, but those of the king. “Once I was bound so were they.”

“Once you were freed, they are as well.” I said completing his thought.

“Exactly.” He seemed to stiffen slightly as he looked up at the sky. “Dawn approaches. Our kind will retreat now, but you are still in danger. The wolves are at bay and Asher will allow no rest until you are all eliminated.” I heard the sounds of drums coming from the south. “I will take your leave now.”

“Wait,” I said stopping him. “You aren’t going to help us?”

“I will help you better from a distance. Watch for the sign.” He said disappearing. I then noted the thinning of the field as at one moment there were Verdans mixed in the melee and the other there was none.

“What sign?” I shouted, but of course there was no one to hear it.

I needed to find Asher. His camp was not too far off. If I was stealthy enough I could find where he was hidden.

I crept up behind a green clad soldier on patrol. I held him within my grip until slumped forward after breaking his neck. I flung his tunic over my armour and fitted the helmet securely over my head.

No one took notice as I strode through the camp. I looked out for soldiers formerly under my command who could recognise me.

Twelve guards were scattered around the king’s pavilion; all alert with hands on their weapons. Stealth wasn’t going to help me in this next encounter. The direct approach would have to suffice.

“Halt! Where do you think you are going?” said one of the soldiers. I was surrounded immediately by six men all glaring at me.

“I have an urgent message for the king.” I strode forward. He placed a hand on my chest.

“If you have a message for His Majesty relay it to me and I will pass it on. Only his guards have access to this tent.”

“I most certainly will not.” I said as one affronted. “This information is extremely sensitive and it was not meant for the ears of the likes of you.” I said as I pushed his hand away.

“No one is allowed to enter except for the guards.” He said as he raised the tip of the sword under my chin.

“Fine, have it your way.” I said as I pretended to walk away. I could hear the whoosh of his sword coming to chop me across the shoulder as I walked away. My sword was in my hand blocking his blow. I swiped at his mid-section and slipped my blade between the thin coat of mail and into his gut. I didn’t wait for him to fall before moving on to the other guards who came to similar ends.

It was almost too easy. I knew that they were seasoned fighters, the best that the army had to offer. No doubt they were all better swordsmen than me. However the stone-effect on my body made their efforts seem comical as within the space of a minute all twelve men were dead.

I stepped over the bodies, pulling the flap of the tent open. I was wary as I entered as there might be more men waiting inside. But my caution proved unnecessary as the tent looked lived in but it was completely empty.

“Something isn’t right here.” I said as I looked about the place once more. I heard an uproar outside as the dead bodies had been spotted. Men would come bursting through the entrance any moment now.

I slit a thin hole in the back of the tent and exited that way. I walked briskly away from the tent into a small group that was gathered about a fire. I took up a cup I saw on the ground and asked one of the men to pour me tea.

“Ye don’t look quite beaten up,” he said as he seemed to be appraising my appearance. He had a bandage around his forehead and one around his mid-section.

“I was behind the Verdans, they didn’t leave much for me to do.”

“Yes the lizards be brutal.” He agreed.

I looked behind me and saw the other men emerging from the slit I’d made in the tent. They looked around not knowing where to go next. They stopped random people asking if they had seen anything, most of them either shook their heads or shrugged.

One of the men came over to us. I turned my head away sipping the tea as I did. Someone rapped on my helmet with their sword causing some of the hot liquid to scald my chin.

“You, in the helmet.” I turned to look up at the man. “Did you see anyone coming from the king’s tent?”

“No, I just got here. I didn’t see anything.” I said turning back around.

“Helmet,” he said rapping me on the head once more. “Turn around, I haven’t finished speaking with you just yet.” I put the cup down and got up slowly and faced him. He seemed to recognise me, but I could see that he was unsure.

“What is your name soldier?”

“Gwenlyn from Shaeda,” I said as my hand moved instinctively to the hilt of my sword.

“Take off your helmet Gwenlyn.” He said as he folding his arms. The other I was sitting with encircled us. “Interesting to note where you are from, considering that none of the people of Shaeda fight with us since the news of the death of Lady Margaret.”

“I am an anomaly it seems.”

“I am sure you are, Lord Gareth. Here to avenge the death of your sister.” He smiled.

“Hardly, since I am the one who killed her.” I said.

His smile disappeared instantly. “Arrest him!” he said to the others.

“I’d like to see them try.” I said as I unsheathed my sword and hooked it in his gut. His eyes open widely as he clutched his belly and fell away from my sword. I turned to the other men. “Two choices live or die?”

They charged towards me. “Death it is.” I said as I took care of the four of them with ease. I was pulling more attention to myself and I needed to get out of here quickly. As strong as I was I couldn’t take out an entire army single-handedly.

I saw my escape riding towards me at full speed. He held out his arm and I took it swinging on to the back of the horse.

“Twice now you’ve rescued me.” I said.

“Let us not try for a third time.” said Dominic as he dug his heels into the side of the horse. He took the long way around the fighting and entered my camp. I discarded the green tunic as persons were starting to get antsy.

“Your Majesty,” they cheered as they saw that it was me. But their eyes were again filled with wonder when they saw the company I kept. Dominic pulled the horse to a stop and we both got off. I called a soldier over handing him the reins.

“Let us go and see Andreas,” Dominic nodded, his eyes watching our men as they watched him. His hand never left the handle of his axe.

We eventually found him sitting around a small fire. He had a bandage wrapped around his forehead and one on his left arm and sleep dragged at his lower lids, but otherwise he seemed well.

I crouched down beside him. “What is the latest? Did you find him?” he asked.

“Yes. He is standing behind us.” I said. He turned around and then stood to face him. “Andreas this is Dominic, as it turns out he is now the leader of the Verdans. Bufrak Dominic, this is Andreas, Noräin’s uncle and one of the war chiefs of the Nuwanhe.”

“Well met Bufrak Dominic.” Dominic nodded his head but didn’t say anything. “I take it that his presence means that they are on our side?” He asked.

“The Verdans will fight with us from now on, however discreetly. We should probably take this conversation somewhere more private as prying eyes and listening ears are around us.” I suggested.

“In my tent then,” he said as he ushered us into his dwelling. “It is good news that you have joined us Bufrak Dominic as your people are fearsome warriors. They alone tore through a fifth of our men.”

“Yes, we were under strict orders to kill or be killed, and we would rather not die.” He replied. His expression was not apologetic but remained neutral.

“I understand,” said Andreas.

“What is the latest?” I asked.

“The new battalion under Alehondria and Sonis have just left and more of the wounded are coming in. The Sigh people have suffered the least loss as they are accustomed to the lay of the desert. They have managed to sneak into Asher’s camp and destroy most of his catapults so we don’t have to worry about missiles coming from the air. ”

“What about the feldünstar? We know that Asher has it in his possession.” I saw Dominic stiffen and his eyes closed into sharp slits. He too knew the danger posed by the feldünstar as he’d experienced its destructive powers first hand.

“No reports of the contraption, as the men wouldn’t know what it looked like in any event.”

“That means that we are not very safe after all. I wonder why he hasn’t used it as yet?” I frowned.

“His men are mixed in with ours so he would be at a loss if he did.” suggested Andreas.

“That is one explanation but I don’t think that is real reason. The life of kings aren’t respected by my uncle, so peasants and paupers are even worst off.”

“Despite that Gareth things are going well for us. Most of the soldiers in Asher’s army were militia men. They are not warriors, a good number of them surrendered without fighting back as we approached.

“I must admit that the odds didn’t seem in our favour at the beginning but we might actually pull through as victors at the end of this. Especially now that the Verdans are on our side.” He said with a slight one-sided smile.

Neither Dominic nor I looked comfortable with this news. “You killed them on spot right?” I said.

“Who?”

“The prisoners you took?”

“No, they are prisoners of war it would be against convention…”

“How many men have surrendered?”

“Around a thousand or so, more are crossing over as the day progresses.”

“And how many are guarding them.”

“Around a hundred men, but they are harmless and without weapons.”

“How hard do you think it would be to get weapons in our camp if they needed it? Those men need to be killed now.” I said bolting upright.

“I agree with Gareth of Tel Anir,” said Dominic. “The men that fight for the pretend king were not born warriors, but they are warriors now. You have let a thousand of your enemies come freely amongst you.”

“Asher himself might be among them. Not many know what he looks like.” I said getting up and pacing. “That would make sense as to why he wasn’t in his tent.” I said mostly to myself.

“You went looking for him? Alone?” said Andreas.

“Yes.” I said to him and then started speaking to myself again. “It would explain I probably hadn’t had a threatening vision of him while I was close to where he was supposed to be. But since I got here, I have been so uneasy.” I said still pacing. “He is here. I can feel that I am right. Dominic, you should leave, his influence on your will is still greater than mine and I would prefer not having you as an enemy again.” I said turning to him sharply.

“You are seriously considering the possibility that he is among us?” said Andreas.

“Yes,” I said. “Give the orders for the prisoners to be rounded up.

“Gareth are you sure about this?” I could see that it bothered him deeply to kill those who might be innocent. He was always the most compassionate of the lot of us, but there was no space for benevolence when the stakes were this high.

“I am sure.” He nodded and then left. “Your people will need you.” I said to Dominic as he still hadn’t departed.

“You might need me more. The fight that will truly save them is here, so this is the place I should be.” He said as he folded his arms defiantly in front of him. There was no convincing him otherwise I saw.

“You should probably put on a cloak,” I said pointing to one close by. He did as he was told and then we left together.