Authors: Andrew Wood
Fenlor smiled at his new creation, this was a new improved demonic creature. Larger and more powerful than the normal Orlac, but more importantly this beast would be more intelligent. If the spell worked as it should have, this Orlac would be freethinking. It would be able to lead the lesser creatures in battle. No more would the Orlac just run wildly around, attacking anyone or anything in their path. With this new minion, he could have them attack targets that were more specific.
With so few priests remaining, he would only be able to muster but a few of these superior Orlac. Fenlor would have to use them, and manoeuvre them carefully. With his Orlac packs currently keeping the people of Corlan hidden away south of the River Fivan, and the South Besemian army held in place by their northern counterparts, he could afford to wait. For now at least, he had discovered something that he was certain, would give him the edge, in any future engagements.
In Bashek, Darkness had fallen over the city and Jared and Kaden sat waiting. In the dim candle light, Jared ran a whetstone across the blade of his dagger. Naturally, he hoped he would not have to use it; the attack tonight would be utilising crossbows. Three taps on the door and after checking the window, Kaden opened it to let in their fellow operatives. Lester ensured everyone knew what they were to do, and the risks involved. "Once we take this step, there is no going back. If anyone wants out, now is the time to say." He checked each in turn, except Jared and Kaden, as they were there for that very reason.
Once satisfied each knew the consequences, and all properly armed with a loaded crossbow, he signalled for them to quietly, proceed out of the building. Eight dark shadows, moved slowly through the winding alleyways and back streets of the city. Stopping when a large contingent of guards, were travelling towards the outer wall for their shift of duty.
Their target was a group of Darekians who, at the same time every night, travelled from the palace to a building they were using as their barracks. Taking their positions, Lester had arranged a crossfire. He, Isabel and the two other men positioned themselves on one side of the street. Jared, Kaden, Trenton and Alvin were tucked away in an alley on the other.
Four dark cloaked figures slowly walked their way down the street. Taking long deliberate steps, as Jared and Kaden had mimicked when entering the city. Lester was first to fire, and despite the darkness on the dimly lit street, hit his target. One of the four slumped forward instantly. The other three hardly had time to understand what was going on before seven other bolts flew their direction.
Jared and Kaden quickly dashed out into the street, daggers in hand. They were not taking any chances that one may only be injured. In turn, each Darekian was subjected to one of the two Southern Besemians running their dagger across his throat. Once done they wiped the bloodied blades on their victim's cloaks, before disappearing back into the darkness of an alleyway.
As had been previously agreed, the small group of resistance dispersed their separate ways into the night. Jared and Kaden returned to the home they had acquired, and locked the door behind them. The two slumped down on the floor, knowing they had last started their task of ridding their capital city of these intruders. After a brief drink of brandy from a bottle given to them by Alvin, the two settled down for the night.
Once morning was upon the city, the four bodies of the Darekians had been discovered. Inside the Palace, the priest who had taken control fumed at those who served him. "How dare these vermin, have the nerve to commit such an act," he raged. Storming out from the palace, he ordered six Darekian soldiers to follow him.
These people would pay for what they had done, and as such, an example would be set. He ordered the guards to round up twenty people at random. Once the target number had been collected and bound, he ordered they be marched to the market square. The priest would show as many as possible what happened when this sort of crime took place.
Amongst the twenty, were men and woman, several old folk, as well as three young children. "People of Bashek," the priest shouted, making sure he got the attention of those bustling about the market. "A crime has been committed by your people, against us, your masters. For this, let it be known, that as the superior beings we will not let such an act go unpunished."
He nodded towards his soldiers, who drew their blades. There were a few gasps and screams, as the Darekians went along the line of captives, slashing and stabbing as they went. This was not just retribution; this was a butchering of innocent people. Twenty bodies lay dead or dying on the dark stoned cobbled market square. Those watching wept, or scurried away so they did not have view the mutilation of the victims before them.
Once the priest was satisfied, the message had hit home, "Now let it be known. For every dead Darekian found on your streets, in future I will kill twenty of yours. Today you have got off lightly." With that, he gestured to his men, pulled his hood back over his tattooed face and walked back calmly towards the palace, as if nothing had happened.
Jared and Kaden were awoken by a thumping on the door. At first, they thought they had been found, and so quickly drew their swords. They would not be captured under any circumstances. That would lead to nothing other than torture, followed by an even slower painful death. If they were going to be taken, it would be as a corpse, killed fighting with every breath in their bodies.
Jared slowly peered through the window, as the thumping on the door continued. "Open it, it's Lester." Kaden quickly opened the door, and Lester rushed inside alone. "We have opened a hornets' nest. That Darekian priest has just slaughtered twenty people in the Market Square. Woman and children were amongst them," he added rather regretfully. "This was our doing; we are going to have to think of another plan. Next time he is going to kill twenty for every one we do." Jared and Kaden, gently replaced their swords, this was certainly not what they had expected. In truth, they had presumed some sort of manhunt to be set in motion, to try to dig the perpetrators out.
Kaden tried to think quickly, "Get word to the others, we meet again tonight. We need to come up with an alternative plan." Though he did warn Lester, the cities defenders had to be thinned in number, if that meant civilian casualties then that was unfortunate, but maybe necessary. As an ex-soldier, Lester knew very well that in time of war, it was more often the innocent people, who suffered most. "We were sent here to ensure the city ready for liberating. It may mean we have to think on a different path to the one we had planned."
In New Easton, Luken, Sarena and Taylor sat around the table having breakfast. Hope had just been fed and changed, and now lying contently in her cot, making little gurgling noises contently to herself. To try to appease Taylor's jealousy, they had attempted for Luken to spend a little more time away from him. The two had been apart for most of the previous day, mainly due to Luken having to be present in the dealings with the Murati prince. Taylor, at first, had been a little difficult, but with some calm understanding from his new mum, had eventually settled.
Luken was telling them all how utterly sublime he had been in using his magical abilities. Taylor sat hooked on his every word, as he told him how the flames had swirled around, and then how he had dragged the Murati back across the floor. Thinking his story telling would make his son happy, it had the opposite effect. He started sulking because he had missed it, and blamed Sarena for making him do so. "I don't like you anymore," he told her. Those few words hurt Luken more than Sarena, the two people whom he cared more about than any other, were tearing his loyalties apart.
Luken knew it was time to have a proper talk to him, to tell him how things were going to be from now on. It had partly been his own fault; the two of them had become so close. Sarena being present during the times normally they would be together, was something he would have to get used to, especially at nighttimes. Taylor had interrupted his dad's, more passionate moments with his wife, much to his frustration. Luckily, for him, Sarena was the perfect woman, and eventually when Taylor had fallen asleep, back in his own room, they had managed time.
With his son sulking once more, "Taylor, this is going to stop. I cannot take you everywhere I go, and Sarena is now your mum, get used to it. I hope you did not mean what you said, because that hurts me Taylor, very much." Maybe he said it a little more sternly than he had originally intended, as the boy eyes starting welling up. He took a deep breath, and although it was hard, he told him to stop being so foolish. Realising sterner measures may be needed, he gave his young son an alternative, "Listen, if you keep getting up at night, and misbehaving every time you cannot get your own way, we will have to put you in your own set of rooms. You won't have a room next to me and mum, you will be all on your own." He doubted it was a threat he would ever carry out, but hoped the words alone may carry some sway.
Even Sarena looked abashed at the words. He held his arms out to his son, "come here, look just because it is not just me and you anymore, does not mean I care or love you any less." The boy sat on his lap, wiping his tears away, as Luken wrapped his arms around him. "You must understand mum and dad require some time together, just as sometimes you and me do, and you and mum." The boy nodded, "sorry," he sobbed, "I'll be good. I don't want you to get rid of me, like my other dad did." Luken felt a wrenching of his heartstrings, "Taylor I would never, ever do that. You are my son, forever and ever remember?" Taylor nodded and smiled as he leaned up to give his dad a sloppy wet kiss on the cheek.
Chapter 13.
Prince Issac of the people of Murati stood atop the city walls looking out over the River Fivan. Today he would start the journey south, back to his homeland. Deals had been made, and agreements signed, with the recently crowned King Caldar of Corlan. He was not quite sure how his father would regard the success of his trip. On one hand, he had ensured Murati and Corlan were not at least enemies. However, had his original plans not been so spectacularly deduced by his hosts, and the subsequent conciliation that had followed, that may not have been the case.
In hindsight, he was really quite ashamed and embarrassed about how he had originally intended to mislead these people. He had arrived here a few days ago, with the intention of making such deals as would see his own country benefit from his hosts misfortune. He even afforded himself a chuckle at the thought of how well the king and his men, and that boy Levin, had played him.
These were not bad people, and as it had been pointed out to him, if they fell, eventually his own nation would be at risk. Darekia was the enemy, not Corlan, and hence had brokered a deal with them that probably would be of benefit. His country would, over the next few years have a number of guaranteed deals for its exports. In return, men from Murati would sail materials and men up the coast, and start construction of a new port for the country of Corlan.
The sun was shining brightly, and the young Murati turned to look to the south. He could see the camp where his own men were staying alongside those of Corlan; thankfully, nothing had happened there that might have caused bother. The guards on the wall paid him little notice as he wondered around taking in the view. He had to admit, the views were quite stunning, none more so than the eastern one. With the Fivan Mountains off in the distance, and thick forests and fields, and the river flowing towards you, he deduced it really was quite stunning.
"Your highness," said a familiar voice from behind him, "I am to let you know your horse has been saddled." Issac turned, "I'll be right there Levin, thank you." The Murati Prince had to admit, despite him being misled by the boy, he could not help but like him. Always polite and ready to help, he had even made a point of asking the king, that Levin was to be kept as his aide for the duration of his visit. At first they were a little concerned he may take revenge against the youth, but that was never the case. Issac was not the vengeful type, and certainly, where a minor was concerned.
As he started down the stone steps, he spoke again, "Levin, if you ever happen to find yourself in Murati, you know you will always be welcome to stay with me." Levin bowed his head, "thank you your highness, you are most kind. If I am ever there I will gladly accept." Of course, that was not likely, but in theory, it was meant as a show of mutual respect.
Prince Issac rode alone out of the city gates, and turned to the camp where his men were located. He was a little surprised to find them mixed amongst the young recruits of Corlan. Holding back a little so not to announce himself just yet, he watched his troops aiding the youngsters with their training. Even the proper soldiers from Corlan appeared to be watching. He supposed it was always good to learn how others did things; maybe it was something else he could arrange with King Caldar.
Nudging his horse forward, he trotted onto the camp, and once spotted by his men; they quickly stopped and lined up. "Carry on Jolan; it is nice to see you staying out of mischief for a change. Just to let you know we are moving out after mid-day; see the men are ready by then." The officer saluted, and he signalled for the troops to return to whatever they had been previously doing.
The idea of his men and those of Corlan helping each other gave him food for thought. Perhaps an agreement could be made to see such a thing happen on a regular basis. Having tuition from a soldier who fought differently to how you had been shown could only be beneficial. It might also help build deeper friendships with a nation he was now intent on helping. It was as if he had been shown the wrong in his ways, had acted a complete fool, and the fact he had almost caused conflict scared him.
He trotted up along the main street, and stopped briefly at some building work taking place alongside. It took a few looks, but he realised he recognised the faces. There was an older man whom he had seen at one of the meals he had attended. It looked as if they were digging a cellar, and watched them for a few minutes before continuing. Levin was there as always; ready to take his horse as he dismounted in the keep yard. "Levin do you think I would be able to have five minutes of the kings time?" Levin shrugged, "I can always go and ask your highness, is it a matter of urgency." Issac shook his head, "not really, I have a few ideas' and I would like to say farewell before I leave."